How to Apply
The Combined Studies Centre welcomes applications for its undergraduate courses based on a wide range of academic and vocational qualifications from the United Kingdom and overseas. Applications from any age and background are also welcomed.
Among the entry qualifications eligible for acceptance are:
UK A/AS levels
- Grades between AAB-BBB (see below for subject requirements in specific areas of study).
- Two AS levels of equivalent grades acceptable in place of one of the A-levels. Scottish Highers Grades AAA plus Scottish Advanced Higher at grade B (see below for subject requirements in specific areas of study).
Irish Leaving Certificate
- Grades between AAAAB-AABBB (see below for subject requirements in specific areas of study).
International Baccalaureate
- 33-35 points overall
- 16 points at higher level
BTEC National Diploma/Certificate
- DDD (please contact Combined Studies for further information)
GCSE subjects required
- English Language at grade C or above
Combinations of AS and A-levels and Vocational A-levels will be acceptable where appropriate to study areas.
The qualifications listed above are those most commonly offered by applicants to the Combined Studies Centre, but other qualifications of equivalent standard will also be considered. If you need advice on the acceptability of your qualifications, please contact the Director of Combined Studies.
Candidates wishing to apply should first choose the two areas in which they wish to study; these must be indicated on the UCAS application. For example, an applicant wishing to study the Literary Studies and Drama and Social Sciences should write:
MANU M20 LW9K COMB STUDS
A full list of UCAS Codes for Combined Studies courses can be accessed here.
Subject requirements
Applied English Language
No specific subject entry requirements, but Applied English Language is only available to students for whom English is a second language. Applicants require a minimum score of 6.5 in IELTS or equivalent.
Built and Natural Environment
No subject requirements for the Built and Natural Environment area of study but it would be an advantage to have studied Geography or a related subject.
Film Studies
No specific subject required but Film Studies is likely to appeal to students who have studied Drama, English Literature, Media Studies, Theatre Studies or a modern (foreign) language.
Historical Studies
Grade B or above in History at A-level or equivalent in Scottish Advanced Higher / ILC
Holocaust Studies
No specific A-levels required but it is likely to appeal to students who have studied History, Religion, Theology, Social Science or modern languages.
Languages
French / Spanish / German: minimum of grade B at A-level or equivalent in Scottish Advanced Higher / ILC or grade A at AS-level / Scottish Higher for entry onto these languages.
Evidence of competence in a general language learning (usually at A-level / Scottish Advanced Higher / ILC) for entry to Italian, Russian, Greek, Latin, Arabic, Hebrew, Chinese and Portuguese languages.
Please specify which language you wish to study on your UCAS form.
Literary Studies and Drama
Grades AAB-ABB for all Literary Studies and Drama courses, including English Literature / English Language and Literature at grade A.
Please specify whether you wish to study Drama on your UCAS form (section 3f).
Sciences and Psychology
A relevant science subject is required for admission, depending on the choice of science subject (except Psychology for which no specific A-level is required).
Please specify which science it is you wish to study on your UCAS form (section 3f).
International students
International applicants are encouraged to contact us with any enquiries about their qualifications.
Mature students
The Combined Studies Centre welcomes applications from mature students. Mature applicants are assessed on an individual basis and consideration will be given to those offering a recent form of study (eg, Access to Higher Education course).