Entry requirements for undergraduate degrees

There are two types of entry requirements for undergraduate courses – standard and contextual. All of our undergraduate courses have their own entry requirements which can be seen on the relevant course page.

Standard offers:

We have a long tradition of welcoming applicants from a wide range of backgrounds taking a variety of qualifications and we're used to admitting students with a combination of qualifications including A levels, BTECs, Access to Higher Education Diplomas and vocational qualifications.

We will take a pragmatic and supportive approach to your application, taking into account (where relevant) your personal statement, interview, portfolio and other information that demonstrates your potential to succeed at Herts. This way, we are able to give you an individually tailored offer, within the bounds of the course tariff range.

Eligibility for Standard Entry

A Level
The entry requirements for undergraduate degrees are given generally in UCAS Tariff points and you'll need at least two A levels (or equivalent qualification) to begin an undergraduate degree programme or at least one for a foundation degree.
T Level
The University of Hertfordshire welcomes the new T Level qualification for entry for some courses. Our website will be updated with further information soon, but in the meantime please email ask@herts.ac.uk with your predicted entry qualifications and course of interest for more details.
BTEC
BTEC (Diploma and Extended Diploma) qualifications (QCF - known as Nationals) are accepted both on their own and in combination with other qualifications. The Certificate, Subsidiary Diploma and 90 Credit Diploma need to be studied in combination to equal the Diploma.
BTEC specialist qualifications (QCF) are accepted both on their own and in combination with other qualifications. You'll need to have studied at least two specialist Diplomas (or equivalent).
GCSE
Most courses require GCSE Mathematics and English Language at grade 4 or above (grade C or above under the old grading structure) and Science or Double Science where individually specified (or equivalent qualifications).
Please note that some courses may have different requirements but these will be listed on the individual course pages.
English language
All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency. This will be expressed in terms of IELTS although for the majority of our courses we are able to accept alternatives. Visit our International pages for more information.

Contextual offers (2025 entry):

We understand everyone's journey is unique. That's why, when we look at your application, we consider more than just your grades. If you meet our criteria, you will receive a ‘contextual offer’ from our admissions team. There is nothing you need to do; this will happen automatically.

A contextual offer is a reduction of up to one grade below our standard entry requirements, equivalent to 8 UCAS points.

Eligibility and application

To receive a contextual offer, you must be a student eligible for UK fees and meet the criteria below.

Free school meals

You'll be eligible to receive a contextual offer if you have been in receipt of free school meals at some point during the last six years (during your secondary education) up until the end of your final year.

Care experienced

You’ll be eligible to receive a contextual offer if you have experience of being in care before the age of 16.

How to apply for a contextual offer
Usually, if you're eligible for a contextual offer, we'll sort it out automatically using the information from your UCAS form, but sometimes, we might need to check some details with you.
Don't worry, our team takes a good look at every application to figure out who's eligible for our contextual offer scheme. This is a separate process from the standard admissions process.
A few extras
Keep in mind, we can't offer grade adjustments for part-time studies, deferred applicants, or those who enter through Clearing. We have got to make sure all entry requirements match the needs of our programmes and students. And for some specific programmes, we might not be able to change the grade requirements.
Additional Funding
Need info on funding? Get more details on our available funding such as, bursaries, grants, and other ways we can help you manage your finances while studying at Herts.
Still got questions?
Need to know more about our contextual offer schemes? Drop us a line at ask@herts.ac.uk or call on tel: +44 (0)1707 284800. We're always here to help!