University of Sunderland

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

The University of Sunderland fully embraces the Government's ambitions to broaden the curriculum and is an advocate of lifelong learning and widening participation. We strive for and continue to promote the advantages of an inclusive national framework which recognises the value of both academic and vocational qualifications.

The University of Sunderland provides study opportunities for all applicants who have the potential to benefit from them. Factors such as work experience or vocational training can be taken into account when considering an entry application and admissions tutors and the admissions team have considerable discretionary powers to assess each case on individual merit.

Academic Qualifications

The University accepts all nationally recognised advanced qualifications for entry to higher education, and welcomes applications from candidates of all social and ethnic backgrounds and gives equal consideration to academic and vocational qualifications for all programmes of study.

Entry to Teacher Training programmes may differ. Please see specific course details for more information.

• GCE / A Level / AS or vocational equivalents
• Pre 2001 / 2 A Level, A/S, and GNVQ
• BTEC qualifications
• Recognised Access or Foundation Course
• Baccalaureates
• Scottish and Irish Highers
• Professional Qualifications
• Foundation Degrees
• Specialised Diplomas

The University offers places to applicants using the UCAS Tariff.  We will, however, consider individual applicants that meet the required academic criteria. We also fully endorse the new specialised diplomas which come into effect from September 2008.

Applicants to Degree programmes will be expected to have:

• Level 2 and 3 qualifications.
• Three passes at GCSE grade C or above (including Mathematics and English). For some programmes a minimum of Level 2 Key / Basic Skills in Literacy, Application of Number / Numeracy and Information Technology will also be considered. 

And

• A minimum of 2 x 6 unit awards or 1 x 12 unit award or equivalent
• For some programmes 3 unit awards may be used to make up extra points
• Successful completion of a recognised Level 0 or Access Programme
• The full International or European Baccalaureate
• Other qualifications as deemed acceptable by the University

Applicants to HND programmes will be expected to have:

• Three passes at GCSE grade C (including Mathematics and English) or above, or a minimum of Level 2 Key / Basic Skills in Literacy / Application of Number / Numeracy and Information Technology will also be considered.

And

• A minimum of 1 x 6 unit award or equivalent
• For some programmes 3 unit awards may be used to make up extra points
• Successful completion of a recognised Level 0 or Access Programme
• The full International or European Baccalaureate
• Other qualifications as deemed acceptable by the University

Applicants to Foundation Degrees will be expected to have:

• Three passes at GCSE grade C (including Mathematics and English) or above or a minimum of Level 2 Key / Basic Skills in Literacy / Application of Number / Numeracy and Information Technology will also be considered.

And

• A minimum of 1 x 6 unit award including A Levels or vocational equivalents e.g. AVCEs / GNVQs
• NVQ Level 3

Employees without formal qualifications may qualify for entry through relevant work-based experience.

Additional entry requirements, including pre-requisite subjects and the UCAS tariff points specific to individual programmes are listed within the relevant course information.

Extended Programmes (Level 0)

Applications are welcome for Level 0 programmes from students who would normally be returning to education or wishing to change their academic pathway who, after interview with the appropriate Admissions Tutor, display a likelihood of success.

Edexcel Art and Design Foundation

Applicants will be expected to have passed a minimum of 1 x 6 unit award or equivalent in an appropriate art-based subject and present a visual portfolio of work at interview.

Applicants with Non-Standard Qualifications

The University of Sunderland will try to provide places on courses for all those who have potential to benefit from them.

Factors such as work experience or vocational training will be taken into account when considering an entry application.

We would require successful completion of a Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education Access programme and that you would have a minimum of GCSE grade C Mathematics and English Language (or have obtained the equivalent as part of your course).