General entry requirements

We consider your experience, alternative qualifications and other information in your application form. Students are not treated differently on grounds of race, colour, religion, disability, gender, sexuality or any other distinction. For more information, see our admissions policy.

The following are our minimum entry requirements for degree level study.

There is no upper age limit to studying at the University. You should be at least 17 years old by 20 September in the year you begin your course. If you are below this age, we may still consider you for admission but please contact us for more details.  

The minimum requirements are:

• five passes at GCSE grade C (or grade 4) or above, including English Language or Use of English (IGCSE English as a Second Language, grade B or grade 6), and at least two subjects at A level OR
• three passes at GCE A level and a pass at grade C (or grade 4) or above in GCSE English Language or Use of English.

Offers are normally based on achieving three A levels or equivalent at Level 3, although some University subject areas may specify differently. You must have a minimum of two A level equivalents at Level 3 in two subjects (ie two A levels or one vocational double award).

We base offers on a combination of GCSE/AS/VCE A level/A level/other qualifications or predicted grades, your personal statement and reference.

See our GCSE conversion table to understand how A* to C grades are matched with the numerical system.

• Kent generally accepts any A level syllabus approved by the AQA, OCR, WJEC and Edexcel and CIE awarding bodies, though we regard some subjects as more suitable than others.
• We do not accept the more vocational subjects if offered as one of only two A level passes.
• We count subjects with a significant overlap as one subject.
• We may accept two mathematical subjects at the same level provided that the course syllabuses were substantially different (for example, a combination of Pure and Applied Mathematics or of Mathematics and Further Mathematics). We will accept papers in Mathematics and Further Mathematics set on the SMP syllabus. A level 'Use of Mathematics' is not accepted by some degree subjects as meeting requirements for a specific grade in A level Mathematics.
• Some academic schools may take into consideration passes in Level 2 functional skills communication and numeracy where you cannot meet the matriculation requirements for English and Maths at GCSE level. However, you are advised to try to retake GCSE English and Mathematics as these will provide a better preparation for studying at university.

Kent welcomes the introduction of Core Mathematics qualifications to provide students with the opportunity to develop their mathematical skills beyond GCSE. As the University is a nationally recognised Q-Step centre for quantitative social science skills, we value the importance of giving our students the chance to develop broader statistical, problem-solving, evaluation and data analysis skills.

We believe students taking degree subjects that do not require an A level in Mathematics benefit from taking a Level 3 Core Mathematics qualification from the suite available. Although not a prerequisite for admission, we would continue to look positively on applications from students offering Core Mathematics qualifications.

The University welcomes applications from prospective students offering the full IB Diploma. We make offers solely on the basis of the IB marking scheme and not the UCAS tariff.

We have a standard IB Diploma offer of 34 points across all programmes of study including any specific subjects at higher or standard level required by the particular degree programme. As an alternative to achieving 34 points, for most programmes, the University will also make IB students the offer of passing the IB Diploma with specific achievement in higher/standard level subjects. Both offers will be communicated to UCAS.

Students offering a combination of IB certificates and other qualifications, such as A levels, Advanced Placement Tests or the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP), will also be considered on their individual merits and should contact the Recruitment and Admissions Office for additional guidance.

The University will consider applicants holding T Level qualifications in subjects which are closely aligned to the programme applied for; this will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.  

• BTEC Extended National Diploma (QCF) or National Diploma (NQF) (18 units); or Diploma (QCF) Certificate (NQF) (12 units); and a pass in an approved English language qualification
• Higher National Diploma or Certificate and a pass in an approved English language qualification

• All Access applicants are considered individually
• Pass with a proportion of Level 3 credits in particular subjects at merit grade or above

We are happy to consider other qualifications on a case-by-case basis, including the following qualifications, providing they demonstrate a satisfactory standard and include a pass in English at the equivalent of GCSE:

• Scottish (SQA) higher/advanced higher qualifications
• Irish Leaving Certificate
• European Baccalaureate Diploma
• Certificate in Education
• university degree
• Advanced International Certificate of Education
• Advanced Placement (AP) – a minimum of two full APs is required
• Overseas certificates (including some other European Union (EU) countries)
• Higher School Certificate of Matriculation of approved overseas and EU authorities
• American High School Diplomas if accompanied by two full AP passes
• School Certificates and Higher School Certificates awarded by a body approved by the University
• matriculation from an approved university, with a pass in English Language at GCSE/O level or an equivalent level in an approved English language test
• Kent’s foundation programmes, provided you meet the subject requirements for the degree course you intend to study
• an examination pass accepted as equivalent to any of the above.

For information on entry requirements for your country, see our International Student website, or email international@kent.ac.uk.

In order to enter directly on to a degree programme, you also need to show evidence of your proficiency in English language. The University also accepts some school qualifications in English.

Students requiring an educational visa will be restricted to particular tests that are acceptable to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), such as IELTS.

For details, see our English language requirements.