Can I get into top unis with bad GCSES?
I want to apply to high tier unis for economics or finance however my gcse grades were very bad. If I get good a levels would it be worth applying to unis like these: KCL, Manchester, Edinburgh, Durham, Bath, St Andrews.
My GCSEs are:
RE: 5
Business: 5
Spanish: 5
Computer science: 5
English literature: 6
English language: 6
Biology: 6
Chemistry: 6
Maths: 7
Physics: 7
I am doing maths, physics, business at A level.
My GCSEs are:
RE: 5
Business: 5
Spanish: 5
Computer science: 5
English literature: 6
English language: 6
Biology: 6
Chemistry: 6
Maths: 7
Physics: 7
I am doing maths, physics, business at A level.
(edited 1 year ago)
Reply 1
Original post
by SirBenNo1I want to apply to high tier unis for economics and finance however my gcse grades were very bad. If I get good a levels would it be worth applying to unis like these: KCL, Manchester, Edinburgh, Durham, Bath, St Andrews.
My GCSEs are:
RE: 5
Business: 5
Spanish: 5
Computer science: 5
English literature: 6
English language: 6
Biology: 6
Chemistry: 6
Maths: 7
Physics: 7
I am doing maths, physics, business at A level.
My GCSEs are:
RE: 5
Business: 5
Spanish: 5
Computer science: 5
English literature: 6
English language: 6
Biology: 6
Chemistry: 6
Maths: 7
Physics: 7
I am doing maths, physics, business at A level.
You will need to check the entry requirements for each individual degree.
https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/economics-bsc
No GCSE grades mentioned.
https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/2025/05136/baecon-economics-and-finance/entry-requirements/#content-main
Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade C or 4 in GCSE/iGCSE English Language and Grade B or 6 in GCSE/iGCSE Mathematics. GCSE/iGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/iGCSE English Language.
https://undergraduate.degrees.ed.ac.uk/?action=view&code=L1N3
•
A Levels: Mathematics at B, or AS Mathematics at A. GCSEs: English at C or 4.
https://www.durham.ac.uk/business/courses/finance-n305/#entry-requirements
A strong proficiency in Mathematics is required. If not taken as an A level, a grade 7 (or grade A) in Mathematics at GCSE is required.
https://www.durham.ac.uk/business/courses/economics-l130/#entry-requirements
None mentioned
https://www.bath.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate-2025/economics/bsc-economics/
•
GCSE English Language or Literature grade 4 or C (or equivalent from English language category B)
https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/subjects/finance/financial-economics-bsc/#entry-requirements
GCSE (5) in English language or English literature, and one GCSE (5) from the following:
•
Biology
•
Chemistry
•
Computing Science
•
Geography
•
Mathematics
•
Physics
•
Psychology.
https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/subjects/economics/economics-bsc/#entry-requirements
GCSE (5) in English language or English literature, and one GCSE (5) from the following:
•
Biology
•
Chemistry
•
Computing Science
•
Geography
•
Mathematics
•
Physics
•
Psychology.
Whilst your grades aren't particularly stellar, they do meet the requirements for the above courses. If you score well in your A Levels, then you should be able to get in. Don't mess up.
A better question is why are you choosing to do Finance and Economics at degree level.
Reply 2
10
Original post
by SirBenNo1I want to apply to high tier unis for economics or finance however my gcse grades were very bad. If I get good a levels would it be worth applying to unis like these: KCL, Manchester, Edinburgh, Durham, Bath, St Andrews.
My GCSEs are:
RE: 5
Business: 5
Spanish: 5
Computer science: 5
English literature: 6
English language: 6
Biology: 6
Chemistry: 6
Maths: 7
Physics: 7
I am doing maths, physics, business at A level.
My GCSEs are:
RE: 5
Business: 5
Spanish: 5
Computer science: 5
English literature: 6
English language: 6
Biology: 6
Chemistry: 6
Maths: 7
Physics: 7
I am doing maths, physics, business at A level.
Hi!
Most likely yes, A-Levels show the dedication and hard work you put in. Unless the university you want to apply to has specific GCSE grade requirements, then you should totally give the top ones you want a shot. However I would still put a safety option in case either way.
(I am an A-level student but this is what I've heard)
Reply 3
Original post
by SirBenNo1I want to apply to high tier unis for economics or finance however my gcse grades were very bad. If I get good a levels would it be worth applying to unis like these: KCL, Manchester, Edinburgh, Durham, Bath, St Andrews.
My GCSEs are:
RE: 5
Business: 5
Spanish: 5
Computer science: 5
English literature: 6
English language: 6
Biology: 6
Chemistry: 6
Maths: 7
Physics: 7
I am doing maths, physics, business at A level.
My GCSEs are:
RE: 5
Business: 5
Spanish: 5
Computer science: 5
English literature: 6
English language: 6
Biology: 6
Chemistry: 6
Maths: 7
Physics: 7
I am doing maths, physics, business at A level.
I wouldnt apply to st andrews you most likely will be rejected but the rest youll probably get accepted that is if you get the grades needed. Target universities like lse oxford and cambridge would not accept you with those gcses
Reply 4
Original post
by resxcilI wouldnt apply to st andrews you most likely will be rejected but the rest youll probably get accepted that is if you get the grades needed. Target universities like lse oxford and cambridge would not accept you with those gcses
how come standrews i was gonna apply
Reply 5
11
Original post
by SirBenNo1I want to apply to high tier unis for economics or finance however my gcse grades were very bad. If I get good a levels would it be worth applying to unis like these: KCL, Manchester, Edinburgh, Durham, Bath, St Andrews.
My GCSEs are:
RE: 5
Business: 5
Spanish: 5
Computer science: 5
English literature: 6
English language: 6
Biology: 6
Chemistry: 6
Maths: 7
Physics: 7
I am doing maths, physics, business at A level.
My GCSEs are:
RE: 5
Business: 5
Spanish: 5
Computer science: 5
English literature: 6
English language: 6
Biology: 6
Chemistry: 6
Maths: 7
Physics: 7
I am doing maths, physics, business at A level.
As long as you meet the grade requirements then you obviously have a chance since that’s just what the uni wants. I also think if you got really good A levels you probs have a better chance getting in applying next year with your achieved grades but that’s if you don’t get into them this year. Also there’s clearing and these too unis where in clearing this year.
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