I have 'pass' credits in my access to HE, should I still apply to competitve unis?

I hoped to apply to either the University of Warwick, the University of Birmingham or the University of Nottingham; however, I have six pass credits in my access to the HE course. The rest are at distinction, and I feel I make a good student.

I'm a little worried my pass credits mean my application will be disregarded in these competitive universities. Please let me know what your thoughts are.

I am looking to do a business management course.

You are right to be concerned.

• For their Management BSc, Warwick want "45 Credits at Level 3, including Distinction in 33 Level 3 credits and Merit in 12 Level 3 Credits".
• For their Business Management BSc, Birmingham make no mention of a Access to HE Diploma and being an acceptable entry qualification and say here that "Access to HE qualifications will be considered by some programmes. However, this is usually on a case-by-case basis – check our course finder for more information." That doesn't sound promising.
• For their Management BSc, Nottingham suggest that they might accept an Access to HE Diploma but point you towards this page which says that for an AAA course (which this is) they require 36 distinctions, 9 merits, and 0 passes.

Unfortunately, the fact that you say, "I feel I make a good student" won't be of much help. It's demonstrable academic performance, as measured by grades and exams, that they're looking for. You might need to set your sights a little lower, uni-wise.

I hoped to apply to either the University of Warwick, the University of Birmingham or the University of Nottingham; however, I have six pass credits in my access to the HE course. The rest are at distinction, and I feel I make a good student.

I'm a little worried my pass credits mean my application will be disregarded in these competitive universities. Please let me know what your thoughts are.

I am looking to do a business management course.

Hey @Marcusceb 👋

Were these pass credits in modules where the only options were pass/fail or were they modules where a merit or distinction could have been achieved? How many distinctions credits did you get, have you completed your course yet?

It would be a good idea to email or call the admissions departments of the high entry requirement unis you are hoping to apply for.

You do get up to 5 choices so by all means apply to these unis but have some insurance options too with more flexible entry requirements that you would be happy to attend if your first choices don't work out. You need to be happy wherever you end up as it will be your home for at least 3 years.

Your personal statement is important too so take your time with that and tailor it to a business management degree that would be applicable to any university.

Best wishes
Essex Student Rep - Hayley

Hi,

Thanks for your reply. I'm afraid they were graded. I'll certainly contact some of those uni's, but I'll make sure I have some more realistic options also. Thank you

Does anyone know if taking extra credits will help? I am in a similar situation to op - 6 credits that were capped at a pass, the rest are all distinctions.

Hey @AlexM12093 👋

The modules that are capped at a pass are fine. The ones where the only option is pass/fail don't count against you if you've passed them. Fantastic results getting all distinctions, well done!

Best wishes
Essex Student Rep - Hayley

Sorry if it wasn’t clear but it’s a graded unit that’s been capped. I have 39 credits at distinction and 6 at pass. If I take extra credits so I have a total of 45 credits at merit or above, would the universities take this into account?