All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements listed apply to 2027 entry. This course is open to home applicants only.
A levels
BBB / ABC
If you have studied subjects which would allow direct entry to a degree programme, your application will only be considered if your predicted grades are below those needed for direct entry on to the degree you would like to study.
GCSEs
Five GCSEs at 5 (B) or above, including maths, biology and chemistry (or double science; core and applied science; science and additional science). Plus English language 4 (C) or above.
GCSE requirements vary for progression on to specific science degrees taught at Nottingham:
- Psychology and pharmacy require 5 (B) in English
- Pharmacy and biochemistry require 6 in maths
IB score
28 points overall or 555 in 3 HL certificates
Applicants to this course may be eligible for our Additional Qualifications Offer Reduction Scheme. If you achieve a grade A in an EPQ, Core Maths*, IB Extended Essay or additional AS level qualification* then you will receive a one grade reduced offer for this course. A grade B in the IB Extended Essay is also accepted.
Please note that if you qualify for an enhanced contextual offer or receive an alternative offer based on taking four A levels, your additional qualification will not be taken into consideration as we are unable to make any further adjustments to your offer.
* Additional eligibility requirements apply. View further details on this scheme.
We recognise that applicants have a wealth of different experiences and follow a variety of pathways into higher education.
Consequently we treat all applicants with alternative qualifications on an individual basis, and we gladly accept students with a whole range of less conventional qualifications.
We have listed our specific requirements for BTEC National and Access to HE qualifications below, but this is not an exhaustive list. The accepted alternative qualifications may vary depending on the course you're applying to and the entry requirements for alternative qualifications can be quite specific. For example, you may need to take certain modules and achieve a specified grade in those modules.
Please contact us to discuss the transferability of your qualification, and see our entry requirements page for more information.
RQF BTEC Nationals
- Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma DDM - Only science subjects considered.
- Pearson BTEC National Diploma RQF DM plus B
- Pearson BTEC National Extended Certificate RQF D plus BC
Access to HE Diploma
Access to HE Diploma to include 45 credits at level 3 including D21 M18 P6
We make contextual offers to students who may have experienced barriers that have restricted progress at school or college. Our standard contextual offer is usually one grade lower than the advertised entry requirements, and our enhanced contextual offer is usually two grades lower than the advertised entry requirements. To qualify for a contextual offer, you must have Home/UK fee status and meet specific criteria – check if you’re eligible.
We expect students to have an idea of the course they would like to progress on to before starting. You can progress onto a range of degrees, including:
- Biology, biochemistry, and neuroscience courses (including zoology)
- Sport and exercise science
- Biomedical science
- Biosciences degrees
- Chemistry degrees (excluding chemistry and molecular physics)
- Pharmacy
- Pharmaceutical sciences
- Pharmacology
- Psychology
- Cancer sciences
- Natural sciences
Those interested in progressing on to pharmacy and dietetics courses are required to also pass an interview.
View the full list of course pass requirements.
For progression to pharmacy applicants are required to meet the pharmacy re sit policy.
Re-sits and previously achieved results
For A levels, these must be no lower than grades BCC. Similarly, for the International Baccalaureate (IB) these must be no lower than 544. For any other qualifications these will be reviewed on a case basis. These minimum grades also apply if you are looking to take an alternative qualification such as a foundation year or Access to HE.
Please note if you have received Centre/Teacher assessed grades in 2020 or 2021, you will not be required to meet this resit policy.
At the University of Nottingham, we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information on the mature students webpage.
