GCSE requirements for University application

I'm applying to go to university for September 2025. My top 3 choices were Loughborough, Nottingham, and York to study Psychology. I meet/exceed all of their A-level requirements as I'm predicted AAA and have a good personal statement with relevant work experience etc. However all of these universities say they want a 5 in GCSE maths for the psychology course, but I received a 4. I'm currently resitting to try and get a 5, but hypothetically if I don't manage to get a 5 shall I still apply?

Has anyone gotten an offer without meeting the relevant GCSE requirements before? Should I still bother applying or will the universities reject me straight away when they see my maths GCSE grade?

Reply 1

Admit-One

Universities Forum Helper

If you’re retaking, yes, it’s worth applying.

Reply 2

mike23mike

dont apply unless you can get the min GCSE requirements - it will be a straight rejection. All psychology courses have some maths in them so be prepared. e.g. Uni of York psychology module called 'research methods in psychology I' states, "The later part of this module provides an introduction to experimental design, data and statistics in psychology. Students will gain theoretical understanding of basic statistical concepts and tests as well as experience using statistical packages."

Reply 3

McGinger

Be aware that Psychology at Uni is a science subject - and includes lots of stats/data work.
If you struggle with basic Maths, that's something you need to think carefully about.

Reply 4

ghfzn5

Original post by ruby_23x

I'm applying to go to university for September 2025. My top 3 choices were Loughborough, Nottingham, and York to study Psychology. I meet/exceed all of their A-level requirements as I'm predicted AAA and have a good personal statement with relevant work experience etc. However all of these universities say they want a 5 in GCSE maths for the psychology course, but I received a 4. I'm currently resitting to try and get a 5, but hypothetically if I don't manage to get a 5 shall I still apply?
Has anyone gotten an offer without meeting the relevant GCSE requirements before? Should I still bother applying or will the universities reject me straight away when they see my maths GCSE grade?

i think the bed thing to do is email the applications/admissions department and find out more about that, they’re usually more than happy to help

Reply 5

ghfzn5

Original post by ghfzn5

i think the bed thing to do is email the applications/admissions department and find out more about that, they’re usually more than happy to help

best*

Reply 6

Ledel01

I would think you’re likely to get offers but the grade 5 at resit will be one of the state’s conditions of a conditional offer, just as you reaching the stated A level grades will be.

Reply 7

Loughborough University

Official Rep

Original post by ruby_23x

I'm applying to go to university for September 2025. My top 3 choices were Loughborough, Nottingham, and York to study Psychology. I meet/exceed all of their A-level requirements as I'm predicted AAA and have a good personal statement with relevant work experience etc. However all of these universities say they want a 5 in GCSE maths for the psychology course, but I received a 4. I'm currently resitting to try and get a 5, but hypothetically if I don't manage to get a 5 shall I still apply?
Has anyone gotten an offer without meeting the relevant GCSE requirements before? Should I still bother applying or will the universities reject me straight away when they see my maths GCSE grade?

Hi there,

If you apply to Loughborough and if they do make you an offer, then the grade 5 in Maths GCSE would likely be one of your offer conditions. You can contact the Admissions Office if you would like to speak to them about it. It is good that you are retaking the subject. That shows that you are keen!

Reply 8

OffUniRepElla

Official Rep

Original post by ruby_23x

I'm applying to go to university for September 2025. My top 3 choices were Loughborough, Nottingham, and York to study Psychology. I meet/exceed all of their A-level requirements as I'm predicted AAA and have a good personal statement with relevant work experience etc. However all of these universities say they want a 5 in GCSE maths for the psychology course, but I received a 4. I'm currently resitting to try and get a 5, but hypothetically if I don't manage to get a 5 shall I still apply?
Has anyone gotten an offer without meeting the relevant GCSE requirements before? Should I still bother applying or will the universities reject me straight away when they see my maths GCSE grade?

Hi Ruby!

At Nottingham, we are more than happy to consider applications from students who are re-sitting qualifications. We understand that things don't always go to plan first time round, so please don't worry about your previous grade!

Also, you might be interested to hear that we will consider AQA Core Maths at Grade C in place of the GCSE if you don't manage to meet the 5 you need.

Best of luck with your exams,

Ella
University of Nottingham Rep