Will russell group universities accept me with an Access to HE course?
Hello,
I will be classed as a mature student for the 2026 university intake, wanting to study Psychology BSc. A few years ago I took my A-Levels with a shocking result of D and E in two subjects, the third was a fail. Now, I'm studying an Access to HE course in Science with modules in both Biology and Chemistry, hoping to get distinctions in most, if not all of my graded units.
I've already emailed universities if they accept my course which most do however I want to know what my chances of getting into the top universities are. Will universities look down on my past A-Levels, even if I get great grades for my Access course? Some of the universities I'm looking at include King's and York but don't know if they're a wasted choice on UCAS.
I will be classed as a mature student for the 2026 university intake, wanting to study Psychology BSc. A few years ago I took my A-Levels with a shocking result of D and E in two subjects, the third was a fail. Now, I'm studying an Access to HE course in Science with modules in both Biology and Chemistry, hoping to get distinctions in most, if not all of my graded units.
I've already emailed universities if they accept my course which most do however I want to know what my chances of getting into the top universities are. Will universities look down on my past A-Levels, even if I get great grades for my Access course? Some of the universities I'm looking at include King's and York but don't know if they're a wasted choice on UCAS.
Original post
by wiktorialagHello,
I will be classed as a mature student for the 2026 university intake, wanting to study Psychology BSc. A few years ago I took my A-Levels with a shocking result of D and E in two subjects, the third was a fail. Now, I'm studying an Access to HE course in Science with modules in both Biology and Chemistry, hoping to get distinctions in most, if not all of my graded units.
I've already emailed universities if they accept my course which most do however I want to know what my chances of getting into the top universities are. Will universities look down on my past A-Levels, even if I get great grades for my Access course? Some of the universities I'm looking at include King's and York but don't know if they're a wasted choice on UCAS.
I will be classed as a mature student for the 2026 university intake, wanting to study Psychology BSc. A few years ago I took my A-Levels with a shocking result of D and E in two subjects, the third was a fail. Now, I'm studying an Access to HE course in Science with modules in both Biology and Chemistry, hoping to get distinctions in most, if not all of my graded units.
I've already emailed universities if they accept my course which most do however I want to know what my chances of getting into the top universities are. Will universities look down on my past A-Levels, even if I get great grades for my Access course? Some of the universities I'm looking at include King's and York but don't know if they're a wasted choice on UCAS.
Hiya! (:
I would also just email kings, york etc - any others your unsure of and ask about how they treat the mix of a-levels & access courses!, usually this type of thing differs from place to place so cant really give you a definite answer but if you contact the unis they should be happy to explain how they would treat an application - when emailing i'd mention previous grades (would also mention the year u took these & how youll be a mature student) , currently what your studying & any personal cirucumstances! 😊
I would hope, with your access course being im guessing eqivilant to what you would've covered in the a-levels this would be accepted - best just contacting to confirm (:
hope this helps, best of luck with applications!!
Emily
Year 3, Chemistry
Official University Of Strathclyde Rep
Reply 2
20
If they accept the qualification you are taking, you are taking any specifically required units, and your predicted grades meet their requirements, you will be treated exactly the same as any other applicant meeting the stated entry requirements.
Ask you referee to explain your educational background - ie. why you didn't get great A level grades originally, that you now have the motivation and determination to succeed etc - and whilst Unis will see your A level grades, they will also have the context to understand what happened and why. Unis like mature students - they will not try to make things difficult for you.
Ask you referee to explain your educational background - ie. why you didn't get great A level grades originally, that you now have the motivation and determination to succeed etc - and whilst Unis will see your A level grades, they will also have the context to understand what happened and why. Unis like mature students - they will not try to make things difficult for you.
Reply 3
Original post
by wiktorialagHello,
I will be classed as a mature student for the 2026 university intake, wanting to study Psychology BSc. A few years ago I took my A-Levels with a shocking result of D and E in two subjects, the third was a fail. Now, I'm studying an Access to HE course in Science with modules in both Biology and Chemistry, hoping to get distinctions in most, if not all of my graded units.
I've already emailed universities if they accept my course which most do however I want to know what my chances of getting into the top universities are. Will universities look down on my past A-Levels, even if I get great grades for my Access course? Some of the universities I'm looking at include King's and York but don't know if they're a wasted choice on UCAS.
I will be classed as a mature student for the 2026 university intake, wanting to study Psychology BSc. A few years ago I took my A-Levels with a shocking result of D and E in two subjects, the third was a fail. Now, I'm studying an Access to HE course in Science with modules in both Biology and Chemistry, hoping to get distinctions in most, if not all of my graded units.
I've already emailed universities if they accept my course which most do however I want to know what my chances of getting into the top universities are. Will universities look down on my past A-Levels, even if I get great grades for my Access course? Some of the universities I'm looking at include King's and York but don't know if they're a wasted choice on UCAS.
Hi!
If you have any questions about the course at York, just drop us a message, we're happy to help!
Hazel 🙂
Reply 4
Original post
by wiktorialagHello,
I will be classed as a mature student for the 2026 university intake, wanting to study Psychology BSc. A few years ago I took my A-Levels with a shocking result of D and E in two subjects, the third was a fail. Now, I'm studying an Access to HE course in Science with modules in both Biology and Chemistry, hoping to get distinctions in most, if not all of my graded units.
I've already emailed universities if they accept my course which most do however I want to know what my chances of getting into the top universities are. Will universities look down on my past A-Levels, even if I get great grades for my Access course? Some of the universities I'm looking at include King's and York but don't know if they're a wasted choice on UCAS.
I will be classed as a mature student for the 2026 university intake, wanting to study Psychology BSc. A few years ago I took my A-Levels with a shocking result of D and E in two subjects, the third was a fail. Now, I'm studying an Access to HE course in Science with modules in both Biology and Chemistry, hoping to get distinctions in most, if not all of my graded units.
I've already emailed universities if they accept my course which most do however I want to know what my chances of getting into the top universities are. Will universities look down on my past A-Levels, even if I get great grades for my Access course? Some of the universities I'm looking at include King's and York but don't know if they're a wasted choice on UCAS.
@wiktorialag
Hello, I've taught on Access to HE for over 10 years so can help.
The very vast majority of Universities take students who have done an Access to HE course, they like learners with extra life experience. The slight concern I would have as an admissions tutor would be that you haven't studied Access to HE Social Sciences, and have done Access to HE Science instead. If you have asked "do you accept Access students" this is not the same question as "do you accept an Access to HE Science student on your Psychology degree". I would make it clear to the admissions tutors what your modules and unit's are. It is not just about tariff points on UCAS.
Marc
Arden University Student Ambassador
Reply 5
Hey, I dropped out of school aged 16, went back to do an access course at 20, and in 2 weeks I am defending my master's thesis in chemistry! I went to QMUL for my undergrad, I definitely recommend them as they are big on social mobility and giving people the opportunity they need!
I actually did the science (bio and chem) course too, from AIM awards i think, and got conditional offers from Liverpool, Cardiff, UCL and QMUL, so it is definitely a well recognised course (this was for my chem degree but I don't see why it wouldn't apply to other degrees too)
Best of luck! I know many other people who went this path, and most of my Access cohort went on to study at russel group unis!
I actually did the science (bio and chem) course too, from AIM awards i think, and got conditional offers from Liverpool, Cardiff, UCL and QMUL, so it is definitely a well recognised course (this was for my chem degree but I don't see why it wouldn't apply to other degrees too)
Best of luck! I know many other people who went this path, and most of my Access cohort went on to study at russel group unis!
Reply 6
I did access course and got into University of Sheffield, University of Nottingham, University of Plymouth and University of Exeter. You should be fine, I wouldn't add your A-Level results to the application though
Reply 7
You must add all your qualifications. It’s not optional.
Reply 8
Original post
by 111hhh111hhjHey, I dropped out of school aged 16, went back to do an access course at 20, and in 2 weeks I am defending my master's thesis in chemistry! I went to QMUL for my undergrad, I definitely recommend them as they are big on social mobility and giving people the opportunity they need!
I actually did the science (bio and chem) course too, from AIM awards i think, and got conditional offers from Liverpool, Cardiff, UCL and QMUL, so it is definitely a well recognised course (this was for my chem degree but I don't see why it wouldn't apply to other degrees too)
Best of luck! I know many other people who went this path, and most of my Access cohort went on to study at russel group unis!
I actually did the science (bio and chem) course too, from AIM awards i think, and got conditional offers from Liverpool, Cardiff, UCL and QMUL, so it is definitely a well recognised course (this was for my chem degree but I don't see why it wouldn't apply to other degrees too)
Best of luck! I know many other people who went this path, and most of my Access cohort went on to study at russel group unis!
this has gave me so much hope! I love you
🥺
Reply 9
Original post
by BenR94I did access course and got into University of Sheffield, University of Nottingham, University of Plymouth and University of Exeter. You should be fine, I wouldn't add your A-Level results to the application though
You must include all qualifications taken.
Reply 10
Some Russell Group universities do accept Access to HE Diplomas, but entry depends on the specific course and your grades — always check each university’s entry requirements.
Reply 11
Original post
by anomstarthis has gave me so much hope! I love you
🥺
🥺
Hahaha you're welcome!
I would say to make sure your personal statement and overall application just tell a story. This is important for everyone but especially so if you have had setbacks! Honestly I think my difficulties at school only served to strengthen my application because I was able to control the narrative around them.
Also I found that our teachers on the access course were really invested in helping us to reach our potentials, that coupled with a more mature teacher-student relationship made the references a lot more engaging imo. Plus you have a few years of life experience to draw from in PS/interviews compared to the school leavers, definitely use that to your advantage
Good luck!
Reply 12
9
hi! i took an access course in social science - so not science but still access - and got offers from kcl, manchester and york for 2025 entry. i ended up reapplying this year for a different course and have got offers from liverpool and newcastle so far - it's definitely possible!
as said above, if you're concerned, email the unis and ask if they'll consider you with your qualifications. admissions teams are there to help and i've found any i contacted to be very nice and understanding.
good luck! 😀
as said above, if you're concerned, email the unis and ask if they'll consider you with your qualifications. admissions teams are there to help and i've found any i contacted to be very nice and understanding.
good luck! 😀
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