GCSE equivalent entry requirements
Entry GCSEs are being reformed and the new syllabi for Mathematics, English Language and English Literature was used in September 2015 with first examinations were in June 2017.
A new grading system of 9-1 has been introduced for the reformed GCSEs. The University of Hertfordshire requires GCSE Mathematics and English Language for all courses (and Science and Double Science where specified on the individual course pages).
The required grade is usually grade 4 (or grade C under the old grading structure) unless otherwise specified.
The University of Hertfordshire doesn't accept Level 2 Adult Numeracy or Literacy in lieu of GCSEs.
| GCSE Grade | Equivalent | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| GCSE Grade 5 (B) English Language |
Key Skills L3 Communication IGSCE First or Second Language English Grade 5 (B) or above Single Award GCSE English Studies at Grade 5 (B) or above | n/a |
| GCSE Grade 4 (C) English Language |
Functional Skills L2 English Essential Skills Wales L2 Communication Essential Skills Northern Ireland L2 Communication Key Skills L2 Communication IGCSE First and Second Language English Grade 4 (C) or above Single Award GCSE English Studies at Grade 4 (C) or above IBMid Grade 4 or above | Teacher Training courses only accept IGCSE as an equivalence |
| GCSE Grade 5 (B) Maths |
Key Skills L3 Application of Number IGCSE Maths at Grade 5 (B) or above AQA L2 Cert (GCSE) Use of Mathematics (Higher Level) Grade 5 (B) or above | n/a |
| GCSE Grade 4 (C) Maths |
Functional Skills L2 Mathematics Essential Skills Wales L2 Application of Number Essential Skills Northern Ireland L2 Application of Number Key Skills L2 Application of Number IGCSE Maths at Grade 4 (C) or above AQA L2 Cert (GCSE) Use of Mathematics (Higher Level) Grade 4 (C) or above GCSE Application of Maths and Method of Maths only accepted if applicant has both at Grade 4 (C) or above IBMid Grade 4 or above | Teacher Training courses can only accept IGCSE as an equivalence |
| GCSE Grade 5 (B) Science |
GCSE Applied Science Grade 5 (B) GCSE Additional Science Grade 5 (B) IGCSE Science Grade 5 (B) or above | n/a |
| GCSE Grade 4 (C) Science |
GCSE Applied Science Grade 4 (C) or above GCSE Additional Science Grade 4 (C) or above IGCSE Science Grade 4 (C) or above For Foundation Degrees only the following are accepted as an equivalent to GCSE Science: EdExcel BTEC Level 2 Certificate in Applied Science (3 mandatory units only) Cambridge National Level 2 Science IBMid Grade 4 or equivalent | PGCE and School Direct Teacher Training courses can only accept IGCSE as an equivalence. For BEd Primary Teaching IGCSE is preferable but BTEC Applied Science Level 2 Certificate at Merit or Distinction will be accepted. |
Unless otherwise stated in the programme information all students are required to have GCSE Maths and English Language (Grade 4 - C under old grading structure - or above), and Science where specified or the University agreed equivalent listed above.
The University recognises students who have achieved an HE qualification at Foundation Degree/HND level or above as having equivalent qualifications.
Certain programmes, generally due to professional body requirements, will still require the GCSE English and Maths Grade 4 (grade C under old grading structure) and may not be able to accept the University agreed equivalency (please check with the appropriate Admissions Tutor).