Entry requirements

Applicants for the Single Honours degrees who are in full-time education will usually need three good 'A' levels (or equivalent). We require that at least two A levels are taken from the "Academic acceptable" list and the third A-level can be from the "Acceptable in Combination" list such as Art. We do NOT accept General Studies as an A level subject from the "Acceptable in Combination" list. The full list of the acceptable and acceptable in combination subjects is here.

An 'O' level or GCSE pass in Mathematics and English at grade C or above is also required.

The department accepts only the Advanced GNVQ in Science. Moreover Candidates would also be expected to offer at least one 'A' or two 'AS' levels in conjunction with this GNVQ.

Overseas applicants will also need a recognised English Language qualification such as IELTS (7), or TOEFL which shows proficiency in both written and spoken English. For details of all recognised certificates please see these University of Sheffield web pages.

Mature students

We welcome applications from mature students and consider each application on an individual basis so our offers may vary depending on the individual applicant. We look for recent evidence of ability to study at university level, e.g. completion of an Access course or A levels within the last five years. 

A Levels and GCSEs

Many mature applicants take A Levels and we would require two A Levels at grades AB or above, or equivalent. O Level or GSCE passes in Mathematics and English at grade C (or equivalent) are also required.

Open University credits and Access courses

Open University applicants should have obtained at least 120 Open University credits and for students attending Access courses, we are looking for people passing 45 or more points at level 3, with distinction passes at 35 points as well as a very strong academic reference.

Please remember that the requirements listed are only a guide and that particular requirements may vary from year to year.