Choosing and applying to university can be a very stressful time for students. A-Levels take a lot of work. Applying to university and UCAS alongside this undoubtedly adds to the pressure students feel. The typical university offer is based on three A-Levels; however, some universities also accept students with just two. Having fewer qualifications does not restrict what subjects you can take if you know where to apply! Knowing which universities you can get into is one of the first steps of applying to university. This article will list some of the main choices of universities that accept only two A-Levels, so read on to find a starting point for your university research, as well as suggestions of courses to which you can apply.
The statistics on university performance in this article come mostly from the complete uni guide website. This site provides university ranking and individual statistics, making it a great resource when choosing which universities to apply to. If you are unsure about applying to university, please check out this Think Student post, which could help you weigh up your options for higher education.
De Montfort University
The first university on this list is De Montfort University, in Leicester. This university has a majority of undergraduate students, so you’ll be among lots of other students doing the same courses as you. They also have an impressive DMU Works programme, which was awarded best University/Careers Service in 2021, meaning that once you graduate you will be well supported in finding a job.
Most of DMU’s courses require two or more A-Levels, adding up to a specified number of UCAS points (usually known as a tariff – more information on UCAS tariffs can be found here). This means you may need to get certain grades in your two subjects to reach the threshold for entering the course. Sometimes courses require one subject to be at a specified grade, especially if this is a required subject for the course, or to have GCSE grades at a given level to be considered, especially in Maths and English.
Some examples of courses that you can take with two A-Levels at De Montfort include Accounting and Business Management Ba (Hons) (more information in this link on their website). A list of all undergraduate degrees can also be seen here on their website.
London Metropolitan University
The London Metropolitan University, ranking 30th in the UK for student satisfaction, is an excellent choice of university for any student. Near central London, it has access to the bustling hub of culture that can be found all over the city.
For most of their courses, at least two A-Level passes are needed. This may also need to meet a specified grade tariff; however, this is not the same for every degree, so it is important to check the one you want to see what you require. A full list of undergraduate courses offered can be found on their website.
If the course you want to study has requirements you cannot meet, such as grades higher than your predicted marks or more A-Levels than you are taking, there is often the option to take a foundation year. This is an extra year added on to the degree which helps students to access the same level of degree, with lower grades.
This can especially be helpful for students taking two A-Levels, as most foundation level courses are available based on two grades only. A list of extended degrees available at London Metropolitan University is available here.
University of Westminster
The University of Westminster is another university situated in central London, with 3 subjects ranked in the UK Top 10 for their teaching, this is an exciting choice for university.
Some courses at Westminster are available to students who have only two A-Levels. One example course is Animation Ba (Hons) (Foundation year), click here to find out more about this course on their website. Arts courses at Westminster are well reputed and give exciting opportunities such as work experience throughout. This course requires DD in A-Levels, with no required subjects, however for other courses there are differing requirements.
There are many other courses at Westminster, however, most of the full degrees require three A-Levels to gain access to the courses. As mentioned above, a foundation year can be a fantastic way to enter a field or course that you may otherwise not have been able to. It allows you to develop the skills you need for university while still studying away from home and having the student experience.
Anglia Ruskin University
With a 73% graduate prospects rating, Anglia Ruskin University is a desirable choice of university for students who don’t want to study in a huge city, but still want a bustling and lively place to be.
Many of the courses at Anglia Ruskin have entry based on UCAS points. These can usually be achieved in two A-Levels, however, check that your grades will fulfil this and that the course does not specify others before you apply. It is also important to note that some courses do not accept AS Levels at all as part of their points system, so take this into account when applying.
One example of a course you can apply to with two A-Levels at Anglia Ruskin is Computer Games Technology, which requires you to make up to 96 UCAS points from these qualifications. More information on this course can be found on their website.
Bournemouth University
Bournemouth University is located beside the sea, making it a beautiful place to study. Their commitment to every undergraduate student undertaking a work placement during their degree makes their courses more career focussed. This means that students who attend this university make connections within their field while gaining hands-on experience before they’ve even graduated.
Entry to Bournemouth is based on UCAS tariff points, and they accept a wide range of qualifications to meet this tariff. Many courses take entries from students with a minimum of two A-Levels or equivalent, making this a great option for students studying a range of courses. However, the courses often ask for at least 32 UCAS points (or more) in a required subject.
One example of a course that accepts two A-Levels is Business Management and Economics Ba (Hons) (Foundation Year). Again, this is a course with the possibility of a foundation year, making it accessible to students who may not have gone to university otherwise. Click here to find out more about this course.
Bangor University
Ranked 65th in the UK overall, Bangor University is a well-reputed and picturesque place to study. Known globally as the “sustainable university”, their commitment to the future and the climate is outstanding.
At Bangor, offers are made based on a UCAS Tariff of different minimum points gained from A-Levels or other qualifications. This can be made from studying two A-Levels, as long as you get at least a certain grade, and unusually does include General Studies and AS Levels.
You can check what specific courses require on the website linked above, but here are some examples. For Banking and Finance with Foundation Year, 48-88 tariff points are required from level 3 qualifications (A-Levels, BTECs, T Levels etc.). Degrees without a foundation year, the entrance threshold may be higher. For example, the Philosophy Ethics and Religion course requires 88-120 tariff points.
Leeds Beckett University
Leeds Beckett University is centred in a diverse and popular city, with culture and exciting opportunities (as well as excellent shopping and nightlife options) all around. This makes it a great choice for students who want an exciting social experience and engaging teaching during their university experience.
Most of their course entries are based on a UCAS tariff. They also require students to have achieved a pass grade in specific subjects at GCSE, such as Maths and English Language. These are usually required to be at grade 4 or above or a C in the old system. To help understand the GCSE passing grades, please read this Think Student article.
Points tariffs across different degree courses vary, but most are around the 100 mark, with higher tariffs for courses without a foundation year. For example, 112 points overall are required for the Nutrition (BSc) course, with at least 72 of those coming from two A-Levels or more, not including General Studies. This course also requires at least 40 points to be from a science subject, and you are required to pass the practical component to these assessments. This is just an example, so please check your specific course for more information on requirements.
University of Wolverhampton
The University of Wolverhampton is a large and diverse university with a wide range of scholarships available, making it a great choice for all students. It also has a large amount of support available for careers choices, including mock interviews and pathway support. This makes it easier for students to move into the world of work at the end of their degree.
Typical entry requirements for courses are high. However, foundation years significantly reduce these requirements. For example, the Accounting and Finance Foundation Year course requires 48 UCAS points, with A-Level grades of DD, making it very accessible to most students. The Biomedical Sciences with Foundation Year course requires 32 UCAS points, with EE A Levels.
University of the West of England (Bristol)
The University of the West of England Bristol has an awesome student satisfaction ranking of 12th in the UK, making it an amazing place to study. Bristol also has a year-round festival line-up, so it is a great choice for students that enjoy live music.
Again, entry to their courses is mainly based on a tariff. Most of the courses with a foundation year are accessible to students with two A-Levels. For example, both the Law and International Business (both Foundation year) courses require 48 UCAS tariff points to enter. They also require grade 4/C in English (Language or Literature) and Maths, or equivalent qualifications to enter their courses.
They also do not accept Functional Skills, Level 2 Key Skills, or Certificated in Adult Numeracy and Literacy as alternatives to GCSEs, so be mindful of this when applying for your course. If you do not have a GCSE Maths qualification, this Think Student article could help you to decide what your options are for achieving this qualification.
Teesside University
Teesside University is a campus university on the coast, with a large student body. More information on what a campus university is can be found here. One key draw to this university is the Teesside Launchpad scheme, which supports students who set up their own businesses with facilities, funding, and workshops to help them gain the skills needed to run their own enterprises.
Courses typically take applicants based on tariff points, from at least two A-Levels. As above they also require GCSEs related to the course. For example, Criminology (BSc) requires 80-104 UCAS points, from two or more A-Levels and also GCSE English at grade 4 or equivalent. Also, for Computing and Cyber Security (BSc), 96-112 points are required and GCSE Maths grade 4, or Level 2 Key Skills or Functional Skills are also needed to take this course.
These universities and courses show that having only two A-Levels won’t necessarily change what subjects you can pursue at university, or how far you can go in life. If you work hard and continue to aim high, you will increase your chances of finding a course and career you will enjoy!