Studying for University with Two A-Levels: What You Need to Know When pursuing A-Levels at a sixth form or college, students generally study three, and sometimes even four, different subjects. This has become the standard expectation, and many universities base their entry requirements around it, occasionally specifying exact grade combinations.
However, it isn’t always possible for students to take or continue with three A-Levels. This could be due to difficulties with a particular subject, or personal circumstances that make committing to three A-Levels unfeasible.
This guide will explain everything you need to know about gaining university admission with just two A-Levels. We’ll look at which UK universities accept applicants with two A-Levels, the courses available, strategies to strengthen your application, and what options exist if you don’t meet standard entry requirements.
Can You Get Into University with Only Two A-Levels?
Most universities set their entry criteria around three A-Levels (or equivalent qualifications), meaning having only two may restrict your choices for certain programs.
That said, not all universities rigidly require three A-Levels. As the examples below show, it is entirely possible to apply with just two.
When universities do not specify the number of A-Levels, they often set entry criteria based on UCAS points instead. UCAS points assign scores to specific qualifications and grades, which can help universities assess applicants flexibly. You can read more about UCAS points in this Think Student article.
With only two A-Levels, many students may need to apply for degrees that include a foundation year. This additional year equips students with the academic skills necessary to succeed at university. For more information on foundation years, see this Think Student article.
However, if you achieve high grades in your two A-Levels or supplement them with additional qualifications such as an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) or an AS-Level, you might meet UCAS point requirements without needing a foundation year. This will depend on the specific course and university requirements.
Some universities also offer contextual offers, which lower grade requirements based on individual circumstances. For example, if you couldn’t take or pass three A-Levels due to personal challenges, universities might adjust their entry criteria. These offers are evaluated case by case, so it’s worth contacting the university to explain your situation. For more on contextual offers, see this Think Student article.
UCAS Points for Two A-Levels
Before exploring universities that accept two A-Levels, it’s important to understand how UCAS points relate to A-Level grades. The table below shows the UCAS points awarded per grade:
| A-Level Grade | UCAS Points |
|---|---|
| A* | 56 |
| A | 48 |
| B | 40 |
| C | 32 |
| D | 24 |
| E | 16 |
| U | 0 |
Most universities require around 112 UCAS points. To reach this with only two A-Levels, you would need A* grades in both. If a course demands more points, additional qualifications like an EPQ or AS-Level may be necessary. For more on UCAS points, see this Think Student article.
UK Universities That Accept Two A-Levels
While three A-Levels are common, some universities accept applications with only two, particularly when their entry criteria are UCAS points-based. High grades or supplementary qualifications like an EPQ or AS-Level are often required.
Here’s a list of UK universities that accept applicants with two A-Levels:
| University | Entry Requirements for 2 A-Levels | Source |
|---|---|---|
| De Montfort University | Many courses require 112 UCAS points from at least 2 A-Levels; some have higher requirements | De Montfort University website |
| London Metropolitan University | 48 UCAS points; number of A-Levels not specified; alternatives considered for foundation years | London Metropolitan University website |
| University of Westminster | Accepts 2 A-Levels for creative degrees with foundation years, including animation, illustration, photography, fashion photography, graphic design, and fine art mixed media (portfolio required) | University of Westminster website |
| Anglia Ruskin University | Many courses require 96-112 UCAS points; specific A-Level requirements not generally specified. Some scientific degrees may require higher points. | Anglia Ruskin University website |
| Bournemouth University | Courses typically require 104-120 UCAS points with at least 2 A-Levels | Bournemouth University website |
| Bangor University | Foundation year courses often require 48-104 UCAS points | Bangor University website |
| Leeds Beckett University | Many courses require 112 UCAS points from 2 A-Levels; some may require 120 or more | Leeds Beckett University website |
| University of Wolverhampton | Foundation year pathways require 48 UCAS points, possibly less with a ‘Prepare for Foundation Pathway’ | University of Wolverhampton website |
| University of the West of England, Bristol | Foundation year courses: 48-72 UCAS points. Regular degrees: 112 UCAS points; specific points may vary | UWE Bristol website |
| Teesside University | Most degrees require a pass in 2 A-Levels, generally 96-120 UCAS points; foundation years have no specified requirements | Teesside University website |
Always check the specific course and university website, as requirements can differ and may have changed.
Additional Qualifications to Support Two A-Level Applications
While getting into university with two A-Levels is possible, it may limit course options, study pathways, or extend the time to complete a degree. Adding extra qualifications can enhance your application and increase your UCAS points.
| Qualification | Details | Max UCAS Points | Min UCAS Points | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AS-Level | Half an A-Level, takes 1 year | 20 | 8 | Think Student article |
| BTEC National / Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate | Vocational qualification, equivalent to 1 A-Level, 2-year program | 56 | 16 | Think Student article |
| Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) | Independent project, worth half an A-Level | 28 | 8 | Think Student article |
| Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate | Series of independent projects focusing on employability, community, and extracurricular skills; must be taken alongside other qualifications | 56 | 16 | WJEC specification |
For further details on UCAS points, see this Think Student article.
What to Do If You Don’t Meet University Entry Requirements
Receiving only two passing A-Level grades or failing to meet entry requirements doesn’t mean the end of your university ambitions. Here are your options:
- Check UCAS: Some universities may still accept you even if you didn’t meet the grades of your offer.
- Apply through Clearing: Clearing often has lower entry requirements. You may find a similar course at a different university.
- Consider an alternative route: Retake A-Levels or pursue another qualification to reapply next year. You could also continue education outside university.
Clearing is a separate UCAS process; for more details, see this Think Student article.
Should You Resit Your A-Levels?
If you didn’t achieve the required grades, retaking A-Levels is an option. You can either retake all your A-Levels or just the ones you struggled with.
- Where to resit: Your current college or a new one.
- Cost: If under 19, courses and exam fees are usually free. Older students or exam-only resits may pay ~£100 per A-Level.
- Alternative: Request a remark, where a different examiner reviews your paper for possible marking errors. This may yield additional marks without retaking the exam.
Deciding whether to resit or request a remark depends on your educational goals and necessity for higher grades. For more guidance, see this Think Student article.
Alternative Routes to Higher Education
If retaking A-Levels isn’t suitable, there are alternative routes to continue education or enter university. Some offer direct university access, while others provide vocational or career-focused pathways.
| Qualification | Overview | Entry Requirements | Level | Duration | Next Steps | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Access to HE Diploma | Equivalent to 3 A-Levels, prepares students for higher education | 2 GCSEs at grade 4 including English, maths or science | 3 | 1 year | Widely accepted by universities and employers | New College Durham |
| Advanced Apprenticeship | Equivalent to 2 A-Levels, combines work and study | 5 GCSEs at grade 4 | 3 | 1–4 years | Employment or higher-level study | Think Student article |
| HNC | Vocational, equivalent to first year of university | 1 A-Level + 5 GCSEs at grade 4 | 4 | 1 year | Can top up to HND, foundation, or bachelor’s degree | Think Student article |
| CertHE | Academic, first-year university equivalent | 1 A-Level + 5 GCSEs at grade 4 | 4 | 1 year | Can top up to DipHE, foundation, or bachelor’s | Uni Compare article |
| HND | Vocational, equivalent to 2 years of university | 1 A-Level + 5 GCSEs at grade 4 | 5 | 2 years | Can top up to bachelor’s degree or start work | Think Student article |
| DipHE | Academic, 2 years of university | 1 A-Level + 5 GCSEs at grade 4 | 5 | 2 years | Top up to bachelor’s degree or start work | Uni Compare article |
| Foundation Degree | Vocational, 2 years, combines study and industry placement | 5 GCSEs at grade 4, possible work experience | 5 | 2 years | Top up to bachelor’s degree or start work | Prospects website |
| Higher Apprenticeship | Equivalent to HNC/HND, work + study | Level 3 qualification + 5 GCSEs at grade 4 | 4–5 | 2–4 years | Employment or university study | Think Student article |
| Degree Apprenticeship | Equivalent to bachelor’s/master’s, work + study | Level 3 qualification + 5 GCSEs at grade 4 | 6–7 | 3–6 years | Employment or further study | Think Student article / gov.u |