Study at Cardiff | Undergraduate

Entry Requirements - Earth & Ocean Sciences

Minimum Entry Requirements

The School where applicable makes offers based on specific grades. When making offers to applicants the School regards the following subjects as sciences: Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Geography, Geology, Maths, Environmental Science, Physical Education, Archaeology, Computing, ICT, Sports Science and Psychology. General Studies, Critical Thinking and Key Skills are excluded from all offers.

MESci (International)

A-Level: AAA from three A-levels, at least two of which must be sciences

IB: 35 International Baccalaureate points, including at least two sciences at Higher level

Welsh Baccalaureate: Pass in the Core plus AA in A-levels

MESci

A-level: AAB from three A-levels, at least two of which must be sciences

IB: 32-34 International Baccalaureate points including at least two sciences at Higher level

Welsh Baccalaureate: Pass in the Core plus AA in A-levels

BSc

A-level: ABB from three A-levels, at least one of which must be a science

IB: 30-32 International Baccalaureate points, including at least one science at Higher level

Welsh Baccalaureate: Pass in the Core plus AB in A-levels

Other qualifications

• Equivalent international qualifications, and other relevant UK-based qualifications are also acceptable for entry (see Appendix 1 for further details)
• AS levels do not form part of any offers made by the School and cannot be substituted for A-levels (e.g., 2 x AS levels do not count as the equivalent to 1 x A-level)

Preliminary Year Earth Science courses (F641 & F643)

• The entry requirements for these courses are ABB (A-Level) in any subjects (excluding general studies). The requirement of one science at A-level does not apply to F641 and F643

Qualifications obtained more than 5 years ago

• Applicants who offer scientific qualifications which were obtained prior to 2007, will be required to demonstrate a recent or ongoing commitment to refresh their science knowledge. This might include, but is not limited to, completing Open University science modules or attending science-based continuing education courses

Irish Leaving Certificate

BSc and MESci - AAABB at Higher Level, to include at least one A in a science or maths

MESci (International) - AAAAAB at Higher Level

European Baccalaureate

BSc - obtain Diploma with an overall average of 75%

MESci - obtain Diploma with an overall average of 80%

MESci (International)- obtain Diploma with an overall average of 85%

BTEC Nationals

A BTEC in one of the Applied Sciences (Award, Certificate or Diploma) can contribute either wholly or partially towards our entry requirements (360-300TP)

Vocational A-Level

A mixture of A-levels and Vocational A-levels is acceptable provided the subject and grade criteria outlined in Minimum Entry Requirements are met.

Scottish Higher

BSc - AAAAB, to include an A in at least one science or Maths.

MESci - Scottish Higher not accepted.

MESci (International) - Scottish Higher not accepted.

Scottish Advanced Higher

AAA-ABB, including at least one (or two) science(s) or Maths.

Access courses

BSc: 60 credits, including at least 45 at level 3 in a science or maths based QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 15 credits at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit.

MESci: 60 credits, including at least 45 at level 3 in a science or maths based QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 25 credits at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit.

MESci (International): 60 credits, including at least 45 at level 3 in a science or maths based QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 30 credits at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit.

At least Grade C in GCSE (or equivalent e.g. O Level) English Language and Maths are also required for all courses.

Open University Modules

A pass in the ‘Discovering Science’ module is acceptable for entry into year 1. Other level 1 science modules will also be considered. At least Grade C in GCSE (or equivalent e.g., O Level) English language and Maths are also required.

Students with other qualifications or experience

We are prepared to consider other suitable national and international qualifications. Please contact us for specific entry requirements.

Maths Requirements

All applicants are required to have obtained a grade B or above in GCSE (or an equivalent qualification).

Language Proficiency Requirements

• All UK applicants are required to have obtained a grade C or above in GCSE or O-level (or Grade 1 in CSE) English or Welsh Language or Literature.
• International applicants whose first language is English are required to have obtained the equivalent level of a grade C at GCSE.
• Applicants, whose first language is not English or Welsh, are required to have obtained a score of at least 6.5 in the British Council IELTS Exam or equivalent (with at least a score of 5.5 in each component). More information is available on the English Language Requirements webpage.
• The School welcomes applications from prospective students whose first language is Welsh. The School has a Welsh language brochure and on UCAS days Welsh-speaking students have the option to discuss course details with a member of staff in Welsh. Once enrolled, Welsh speaking students also have the opportunity to have a Welsh speaking personal tutor – who will conduct tutorials in Welsh (however assessment cannot be undertaken through the medium of Welsh).

Additional Requirements for Admission

Applicants Employed in Industry: If you are employed in industry and, with the sponsorship of your employers, are seeking admission to full-time or sandwich schemes of study, you must apply through UCAS in the normal way, though you or your employer may wish to contact the University directly in the first instance.

Resit Candidates

Applications from re-sit applicants are welcome and no special conditions, other than the criteria outlined in this document, are attached to any offers made to such applicants.

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