Can I study history at uni with only 2 GCSEs?

I want to do history at uni but I only have GCSE English lit and English lang, plus a Level 2 Health & Social Care. Has anyone got into uni with similar qualifications or can suggest the best route? 😊

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Reply 1

normaw

Original post

by spookyFlora10

You will need to check the entry requirements on the course pages on uni websites to see what is required for both GCSEs and level 3 qualifications. Have a look to see if they accept Access to Higher Education diplomas and then look for an Access course related to your preferred degree subject. Access courses can be completed in a year and meet many unis level 3 requirements.

Reply 2

FourLeggedFriend

It's unlikely that you will meet the admissions criteria of most standard bricks-and-mortar universities without A-level or equivalent qualifications. As @normaw says, your best bet is probably to do an Access to HE with a focus on humanities or directly in history. Or possibly do a degree with a foundation year, if that's an option (you'd need to have a chat with admissions staff for individual courses about your individual circumstances).

Otherwise, look into Open University, they don't have formal entry requirements, so it's likely you could be admitted straight onto one of their degrees. Even though their courses start a bit more gently to accommodate those who have been out of study for a while, or perhaps can't meet the entry criteria for a 'standard' uni, they are still accredited as degree programmes and you will be expected to meet that standard. So with that in mind, they might suggest that you do one of the foundation modules first, just to bring you up to speed with some of the writing and academic skills needed at that level.

Reply 3

Edge Hill University

Official Rep

Hi @spookyFlora10,

It is great to hear you are looking to return to education!

I agree with the previous advice given. I would recommend looking into studying an Access to Higher Education Diploma. The Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma is a qualification which prepares students for study at degree level.

I would also recommend you contact the university you are considering studying at, as they might offer their own access course, which would enable you to join their degree. For example, we offer a Fastrack programme. It is an intensive, seven-week preparation programme for adults. It is designed to enhance your subject knowledge and take the fear out of academic study with training in essential skills such as note-taking, essay writing and an introduction to IT.

I hope this helps, and good luck with your future studies!

Pippa
Course Enquiries Team