Study at Cardiff | Undergraduate

Entry Requirements - Engineering

Minimum Entry Requirements

For direct entry into one of our engineering schemes, we would expect you to have obtained a qualification which demonstrates that you have an acceptable level of competence in the English Language. In the case of applicants whose first language is not English, competence in the English language is also a criterion of admission. More information is available on our English Language Requirements pages for International Students.

The qualifications do not include all international qualifications. The Cardiff School of Engineering has high entry standards and is willing to accept good quality International students with International qualifications equivalent to those indicated.

Advanced GCEs (A levels) – Minimum Offers

• MEng - AAB-ABB from three A-levels including an A-level in Mathematics and English Language at GCSE level (minimum Grade C). Two AS levels can sometimes be considered in lieu of a third A-level but not as a substitute for Mathematics. Those students who fail to achieve their predicted grades and have been given a conditional offer for the MEng may be considered for an alternative offer for the BEng if they achieve the requisite results.
• BEng - AAB-BBB from three A-levels including an A-level in Mathematics and English Language at GCSE level (minimum Grade C). Two AS levels can sometimes be considered in lieu of a third A-level but not as a substitute for Mathematics.
• Foundation Year - typically BBB from three A-levels excluding Mathematics.
• Acceptable Subjects - Most subjects are acceptable as long as Mathematics is one of them but General Studies is not included. Welsh Baccalaureate is only considered on an individual basis.

Irish Leaving Certificate

• MEng - AAAABB - AABBBB at higher level, to include mathematics
• BEng - AAAABB - BBBBCC at higher level, to include mathematics
• Foundation Year - typically BBBBBB at higher level, (excluding mathematics)

International Baccalaureate

• MEng - Obtain Diploma with an overall score of 32-34 points with 5 points in mathematics and another science at higher level
• BEng - Obtain Diploma with an overall score of 30-32 points with 5 points in mathematics and a science at higher level
• Foundation Year - Obtain Diploma with an overall score of 28-30 points and a science at higher level

European Baccalaureate

• MEng - Obtain Diploma with an overall average of 78% with 75% in mathematics
• BEng - Obtain Diploma with an overall average of 75% with 70% in mathematics
• Foundation Year - Obtain Diploma with an overall average of 70%

BTEC

• MEng - National Diploma : All applications will be treated on an individual basis, and BTECs aligned with relevant degrees are welcomed. Offers will typically be all distinctions at Level III, to include mathematics . Some degree programmes may require supplementary Maths.
• BEng - National Diploma : All applications will be treated on an individual basis, and BTECs aligned with relevant degrees are welcomed. Offers will be at least five distinctions with the remaining as merits at Level III, to include a distinction in mathematics. Some degree programmes may require supplementary Maths.
• Foundation Year - Obtain National Diploma with a minimum of four distinctions and the remaining as merits at Level III

Higher National Diploma/Higher National Certificate

• MEng - A minimum of five distinctions and a merit to include mathematics at Level IV. (Direct entry to Year 2 for those with HND will be considered on an individual basis)
• BEng - A minimum of four distinctions and two merits at Level IV to include a distinction in mathematics. (Direct entry to Year 2 for those with HND will be considered on an individual basis)

GNVQ

• MEng - Distinction at advanced level in all units (must include optional and additional mathematics and key skills), plus a grade C or higher in A level mathematics. Evidence of ability in unseen examinations is vital.
• BEng - Distinction in eight units and at least Merits in four units at advance level, plus six extra units (must include optional and additional mathematics and key skills) plus a grade C or higher in A level mathematics. Evidence of ability in unseen examinations is vital.
• Foundation Year - Distinction at advanced level to include additional or optional modules with a high mathematical or analytical content. Evidence of ability in unseen examinations is vital.

Vocational Certificate of Education

Each application is considered on its own merit. Mathematics is a requirement at Grade C or above at A-level in addition to the VCE.

Students with other qualifications or experience

Tutors will be pleased to offer advice on alternative qualifications and experience. A significant number of students join us with Open University or Access qualifications, and we are actively involved in promoting these alternative routes for admission. Applications should be made in the normal way through UCAS.

English Language Qualifications

All applicants are expected to have obtained a qualification which demonstrates an acceptable level of competence in the English language.

Additional Requirements for Admission

There are no specific additional requirements for admission.

Resit Candidates

Students who resit examinations will receive the standard offer. If students do not meet the entry requirements based on performance in a resit examination, the Admissions Tutor may take into account previous examination results but this is not guaranteed.

Back to Engineering Admissions Criteria