Skip to main content

Entry Requirements

We accept a wide range of qualifications from the UK and the rest of the world for entry to our undergraduate courses.  You can find the entry requirements for your chosen degree on UCAS Course Search or the Durham Courses Database.

All courses require you to achieve certain grades in your qualifications, and some require prior study and knowledge of specific subjects, which we’ll ask you to achieve at a particular grade.

  • Grade Requirements for UK Qualifications

    If you are holding or studying towards the Access to HE Diploma we need 60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at level 3.
    Three students talking
  • International Entry Requirements

    We accept a wide range of qualifications from the UK and the rest of the world for entry to our undergraduate courses. Entry requirements per course will differ, and some courses may require previous study in certain subjects.
    Students walking in the Durham streets

Grade Requirements for UK Qualifications

If you are holding or studying towards the Access to HE Diploma we need 60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at level 3.
Three students talking

International Entry Requirements

We accept a wide range of qualifications from the UK and the rest of the world for entry to our undergraduate courses. Entry requirements per course will differ, and some courses may require previous study in certain subjects.
Students walking in the Durham streets

Choosing your subjects at A level (or equivalent)  

Choosing your subjects at A level (or equivalent) is really important, especially if you aspire to study at a leading university.  The Russell Group guide, Informed Choices, has advice about the subjects you might choose if you have a particular degree in mind, or if you want to keep your options open. These won’t be essential for all universities, not even Russell Group universities, but are intended to give you an idea of the most likely ones you might need (for example Informed Choices indicates that Geography is often essential to study Geography, but it isn’t an essential subject to study Geography at Durham).

Overlapping subject course content

When choosing which subjects to study, please be aware that some courses have an overlap in content and we may only be able to consider one of these courses as part of your three A levels (or equivalent). Some examples of courses which have overlapping course content include:

  • A level English Language and A level English Language & Literature
  • A level Chinese and A level Chinese Language & Literature
  • BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Applied Psychology and BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Applied Psychology
  • Scottish Higher in Mathematics and Scottish Advanced Higher in Mathematics

Please Ask Us if you have any further questions.

Entry requirements for International Students 

We accept a wide range of qualifications from the UK and the rest of the world for entry to our undergraduate courses.   

If you aren’t studying in a majority English speaking country, then you will need to demonstrate English language proficiency through an accepted English language test. 

International students who do not meet entry requirements for your undergraduate study have an option to study a pathway programme at Durham University International Study Centre. Upon successful completion, you will progress to your chosen degree at University.

Additional Selection Criteria 

Some courses also have additional selection criteria, such as tests or interviews that you must complete in order to be considered for a place.  

Primary Education and Foundation courses include an interview

For most undergraduate courses at Durham, you won’t need to sit an additional test as part of the selection process.  For courses in Law and Mathematics however, you are strongly encouraged to sit the subject specific test as these are used to help us select candidates to receive an offer. 

 

 

Get in touch

Have a question about applying for Durham University?