Can I get into uni with two btecs and one a level?

Hi, I’m really stressed out about this cus I’m in year 12 currently studying a level sociology, criminology and music. Sociology is an a level, but criminology is the wjec level 3 applied diploma and music is the rsl level 3 subsidiary diploma.

I initially really wanted to apply to Cambridge to study law but I’m not so sure if I’d be a fit candidate so I instead wanted to apply to Durham and was doing some research into if they would accept btecs for their undergraduate law course, which I found they do (unlike Cambridge that isn’t so flexible). But today I found out they very rarely accept students who do the wjec criminology course, but not completely reject them because they do consider it in some cases. And I’m not too sure about them accepting music because there was no mention of a subsidiary diploma.

I really really want to get into this uni, it’s my dream and I really want to make this possible to study law. So I wanted someone’s advice if they could please help me out to see what I can do to get into this uni, and if not, if anyone knows any other top uni that would accept my subjects that I’m doing.

Thank you!

Reply 1

Samdanwhenyoucan

I'm a law teacher. Many universities, such as Cambridge, Durham and Russell Group universities don't recognise BTECs as an A-level I'm afraid, so would give you an offer based on two A-levels. Although Music is not considered an academic subject, so its also problematic. If you can get a contextual offer, which is very difficult to achieve for these universities then they would offer you based on points, which they might take into consideration your BTEC.

It does depend on the university so best to check with their admissions teams before you apply.

Hope that helps

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 2

hallamstudents

Official Rep

Original post

by ivoryRelic84

Hi, I’m really stressed out about this cus I’m in year 12 currently studying a level sociology, criminology and music. Sociology is an a level, but criminology is the wjec level 3 applied diploma and music is the rsl level 3 subsidiary diploma.
I initially really wanted to apply to Cambridge to study law but I’m not so sure if I’d be a fit candidate so I instead wanted to apply to Durham and was doing some research into if they would accept btecs for their undergraduate law course, which I found they do (unlike Cambridge that isn’t so flexible). But today I found out they very rarely accept students who do the wjec criminology course, but not completely reject them because they do consider it in some cases. And I’m not too sure about them accepting music because there was no mention of a subsidiary diploma.
I really really want to get into this uni, it’s my dream and I really want to make this possible to study law. So I wanted someone’s advice if they could please help me out to see what I can do to get into this uni, and if not, if anyone knows any other top uni that would accept my subjects that I’m doing.
Thank you!

Hi!

My advice is to go to an open day and ask the professors there, its never too early to go! It also gives you the chance to look at other universities that may accept a mix of qualifications.
It may be best to contact the careers service at your college, they may be able to sit down with you and explain what certain entry requirements mean. They may also be able to tell you when the next open days are. UCAS search is also really useful as you can look at the current entry requirements for all law courses. I would advise that some universities may be changing their entry requirements for the 2027/28 intake, so what you see now may be slightly different.

It is possible to do law with two applied subjects, you may have to adjust your expectations a little, which is why its important that you are asking this now in Y12. You may also benefit from looking at the University of Law's website.

Hope this helps,

Lana - SHU Student Ambassador 😊

Reply 3

DurhamRep Rosie

Official Rep

Original post

by ivoryRelic84

Hi, I’m really stressed out about this cus I’m in year 12 currently studying a level sociology, criminology and music. Sociology is an a level, but criminology is the wjec level 3 applied diploma and music is the rsl level 3 subsidiary diploma.
I initially really wanted to apply to Cambridge to study law but I’m not so sure if I’d be a fit candidate so I instead wanted to apply to Durham and was doing some research into if they would accept btecs for their undergraduate law course, which I found they do (unlike Cambridge that isn’t so flexible). But today I found out they very rarely accept students who do the wjec criminology course, but not completely reject them because they do consider it in some cases. And I’m not too sure about them accepting music because there was no mention of a subsidiary diploma.
I really really want to get into this uni, it’s my dream and I really want to make this possible to study law. So I wanted someone’s advice if they could please help me out to see what I can do to get into this uni, and if not, if anyone knows any other top uni that would accept my subjects that I’m doing.
Thank you!

Hi there,

Requirements will vary by course, and the best thing to do at this point would be to contact the Admissions Team and ask - you can do so using this link: https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/ask-us/uk-students/. 😊

I did the WJEC Level 3 Applied Diploma in Criminology too (and BTEC Law and A-Level English) and I study Psychology at Durham! It is possible, but I presume course-dependent. In terms of other universities that could accept these subjects, I would advise reviewing websites for courses you're interested in, and asking Admissions Teams in advance.

I hope this helps, let me know if you have any questions about studying at Durham. 🙂
-Rosie (DU Representative)