Qualification levels are determined by the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), based on the knowledge and skills that you learn when you complete them.
Levels start at ‘entry-level’ and are numbered from 1 to 8, with level 7 being the highest level qualification that we currently offer.
You can generally ‘move up’ levels by completing lower level qualifications but to understand specific entry requirements for courses you are interested in, make sure you read the entry requirements on our course webpages. For some courses, we will take life and work experience into account when considering applications so if this applies to you, make sure you get in touch to discuss your options.
| Level | What does this involve |
|---|---|
| Level 4 | Higher Apprenticeships, Higher National Certificates (HNCs) |
| Level 5 | Higher Apprenticeships, Higher National Diplomas (HNDs), Foundation Degrees |
| Level 6 | Honours degrees (eg. BA, BSc, BEng or LLB) |
| Level 7 | Master’s degrees |
| Level 8 | Specialist qualifications such as PhDs |
General entry requirements
The general entry requirements give an indication of the number of UCAS tariff points you are likely to be asked for on each course.
Degrees
Minimum 80 UCAS Tariff points. In addition, for this programme, you will be required to have a GCSE (or equivalent level 2 qualification) at grade 4 (formerly grade C) or above in English. If English is not your first language you will need to demonstrate the ability to study in English. For non-native speakers of English, you must demonstrate proficiency of English equivalent to B2 of the Common European Framework, specifically IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no more than 2 sub scores below IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent). Applicants who do not meet the standard entry criteria but have relevant work/life experience will be considered on an individual basis and will be invited to interview. The interview will consider prior formal qualifications, and evidence of experience gained through employment or other verifiable sources. Students will be admitted when the interviewers are confident that the student has demonstrated sufficient prior knowledge, skill, aptitude and interest to be equally able to succeed as a candidate offering the standard entry criteria. You may additionally be expected to show evidence that you are able to use Word and emails at a basic level; however, ICT support will be provided throughout the year in the form of tutorials. You may be asked to write and email to the team, a short piece of writing, to demonstrate sufficient literacy and ICT skills. Non-standard Applicants are considered on their individual merits and offers can vary.
Degrees with foundation entry
A minimum of 32 UCAS points that are from relevant fields or show an ability to study at a higher education level gained within the last five years.
Students who have not gained formal qualifications or have done so over five years ago will be invited to apply, and an interview will be used to determine eligibility to study based on relevant life and work experience. If English is not your first language you will need to demonstrate the ability to study in English. For non-native speakers of English, you must demonstrate proficiency of English equivalent to B2 of the Common European Framework, specifically IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no more than 2 sub scores below IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent). I
Foundation Degrees and Higher National Diplomas
Minimum 32/48 UCAS Tariff points. If the 32 points are directly related to the programme of study otherwise 48 points. In addition, for this programme, you will be required to have a GCSE (or equivalent level 2 qualification) at grade 4 (formerly a C) or above in English.
If English is not your first language you will need to demonstrate the ability to study in English. For non-native speakers of English you must demonstrate proficiency of English equivalent to B2 of the Common European Framework, specifically IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no more than 2 sub scores below IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent).
Top-up degrees
For all Lancaster University top-up programmes, admittance onto the programme is through completion of a corresponding Lancaster University validated programme only. This must meet the subject requirements of the Top Up programme. This makes it likely that your foundation degree will have been studied at University Centre at Blackburn College. For programmes validated by the University of South Wales progression on to the Top Up programme could be possible with entry qualifications validated by institutions other than the University of South Wales.
Higher National Certificate
Minimum 32 UCAS Tariff points. In addition, for this programme, you will be required to have a GCSE (or equivalent level 2 qualification) at grade 4 (formerly a C) or above in English. If English is not your first language you will need to demonstrate the ability to study in English. For non-native speakers of English you must demonstrate proficiency of English equivalent to B2 of the Common European Framework, specifically IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no more than 2 sub scores below IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent).
For those without formal qualifications
Applicants who do not meet the standard entry criteria but have relevant work/life experience will be considered on an individual basis and will be invited to interview. The interview will consider prior formal qualifications, and evidence of experience gained through employment or other verifiable sources. Students will be admitted when the interviewers are confident that the student has demonstrated sufficient prior knowledge, skill, aptitude and interest to be equally able to succeed as a candidate offering the standard entry criteria. You may additionally be expected to show evidence that you are able to use Word and emails at a basic level; however, ICT support will be provided throughout the year in the form of tutorials. You may be asked to write and email to the team, a short piece of writing, to demonstrate sufficient literacy and ICT skills. Non-standard Applicants are considered on their individual merits and offers can vary.
Additional selection criteria
Meeting the minimum entry requirement for a course does not guarantee a place. Academic achievement is only one of many factors taken into account when assessing an application. When considering an application we take into account your grades, predicted grades, reference and Personal Statement. From your Personal Statement we take into account your motivation and commitment to succeed and any relevant experience you may have. In addition to this some courses invite applicants to interview and may ask for a portfolio of appropriate work, and this forms part of the application process.
DBS clearance
In addition to academic entry requirements, if you are accepted onto any course where you may conduct a placement or come into contact with young people or vulnerable adults (for example Early Childhood Studies) you will be required to have a satisfactory criminal check via the Disclosure Barring Service (the new name for a CRB check). There is normally a charge for completing the DBS disclosure procedure. You should see the individual course entry criteria online for details of which courses require a DBS check.
Care leavers or young carers
We want students from all backgrounds to have the opportunity to go to University. If you have spent three months or more in local authority care OR are a young carer, you will be eligible for a contextual offer. This is a grade reduction of 1-A Level grade below our standard entry requirements. For example, a standard offer of CCC, would become CCD. MMM at Level 3 Extended Diploma would become MMP. To apply we advise that you tick the box on your UCAS application which identifies you have spent time in care and to help identify you as eligible for our contextual offer.
