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Entry Requirements for Universities

Hey,

I’m currently studying A ‘levels in Physics, Mathematics, Computing and a BTEC Subsidiary Diploma in Engineering at College and I’m really confused on the entry Requirements for University.
(I’m going to drop computing in the first year, didn’t do too well in that exam)

I’m looking at some of the top Universities such as Bristol, Manchester, basically Russell Group Universities.
I want to know if I’d still be able to get on a course specifically in Engineering (Aeronautical, engineering mathematics both sound interesting at the moment) with 2 A levels Physics and Mathematics and a Subsidiary Diploma BTEC in Engineering.

The grades in expecting to get are D* in my engineering sub dip and two A/B’s grades in my two A levels.

Please get back to me on your experience on getting into some of these universities and if I can combine two A levels and a Sub diploma for the entry requirements.

Thank you,
Aidan.

Reply 1

Origami Bullets

The best thing to do is to email the departments at the relevant unis and get their take on the matter. I'm afraid that we're not admissions tutors, and so it's very hard to comment on a niche case such as yours at a specific uni

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Reply 2

returnmigrant

Many 'top' Universities don't like BTECs. They consider then 'not academic enough' and no substitute for an A level. Most 'top' Unis are very academically orientated and will insist on 3 top grade A levels. This is what makes them 'top' Universities - they won't accept anyone who lacks the obvious evidence that they are academic high achievers.

Two important points:
1) If you actually read the admissions requirements for Aero-Eng etc courses that you are interested in they usually tell you their precise entry requirements and if BTECs are accepted. If they don't, then simply email the Uni or Dept and ask. 'I am taking ......., is this acceptable for admission to ..... course'. Its that simple.
2) Do not assume 'Russell Group' is the best for your subject. RG is a marketing tool - nothing more - and is based on a whole heap of criteria that has nothing to do with the 'quality' of its undergrad courses and certainly doesnt imply some sort of gold standard of excellence across all subjects (or even any subjects). Many of the 'other Universities' are good for Engineering and other STEM subjects - this is what they were actually set up in the 1960s to do - and you should look seriously at them, rather than dismissing them as 'not worthy'. They are far more likely to accept BTECs and their courses usually contain a bigger industry/work experience component than an RG Uni - and this is actually what employers want.

Look at Southampton, Loughborough, Glasgow, Imperial, Nottingham, Bristol, Aston, Strathclyde and Bath in particular - all have specialist Engineering Depts with excellent reputations. You'll find http://www.whatuni.com/ a very useful site for indentifying which Uni offers what courses.