Direct entry to a degree course
Information on how to apply directly to a degree programme.
Whether you're in the process of choosing your next steps to prepare for university or you're ready to apply for a degree, we have a long history of welcoming mature students. A mature student is somebody who will be aged 21 or over at the start of their course.
As a mature student your application is guaranteed to be given additional consideration, relating to your relevant academic, professional and life experiences.
Direct Entry to a degree course
If you are ready to apply for your chosen course please browse our online prospectus to find the entry requirements for the course you are interested in.
Remember, entry requirements vary from course to course and, in some cases, additional qualifications may be required.
Want to know the other qualifications which we consider for entry? Try our other UK qualifications page.
Applying for a place
For details of how to apply for a full-time course, go to the UCAS Apply webpages.
If you are applying for a part-time course please visit the web page for that course and follow the link to our online application form.
Our guidance on applying, including our standard requirements, can be found via our applying essentials page.
Other options
Degrees with a foundation year
If you don't have the entry qualifications required for your chosen degree course, Lifelong learning offers a wide range of degrees with a foundation year for mature students without standard entry qualifications.
Access to HE Diploma and other courses
These courses are provided by many local colleges. Before undertaking an Access to HE course please check that your chosen degree provider accepts this qualification.
There are other options, such as Open University courses, which we consider on a case-by-case basis.
Science and Engineering Foundation Year
For courses in engineering and some science subjects, our Science and Engineering Foundation Year is intended for strong applicants who don’t have the subject background required for entry to the first year of a degree course.
If you do not have A-Levels, BTEC L3, an HNC or HND you are required to have studied for an HEA Diploma in Science or Engineering before being eligible to apply.
We will accept 60 credits overall with Distinctions in 24 Level 3 credits, including 12 in Maths, and Merits in 21 Level 3 credits.
A Maths assessment may also be required. As with all applicants, you are also required to have GCSE grade B
Mature international students
If you are a mature international student and don't meet our entry requirements, you can apply for an International Foundation Year or a Pre-Masters programme at the University of Sheffield International College. Upon successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate or postgraduate degree.
Join us
Join one of our upcoming events to find out more about returning to education as a mature student!