Higher Education Course Entry Requirements (2026-27 academic year)

Each Higher Education programme has its own distinctive entry requirements. This is set as a minimum UCAS points for entry. On some programmes, applicants must also hold subject specific qualifications to gain a place. Therefore, it is essential that applicants check entry requirements for each programme they are applying for. Please note, these are qualifications that applicants must have been completed and certified by the start date of the course to gain entry onto the respective programmes. Please note that in the event of undersubscription to a course, entry requirements may be lowered. 

English Language
There are minimum English Language requirements for full-time Higher Education programmes. Applicants must hold a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above in English Language.

Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills Literacy may be regarded as an acceptable alternative to GCSE English Language. The College may accept an equivalent level of qualification. Some courses may require higher than the minimum Grade C/4.

You are advised to check the individual course entry requirements. You can find these within the Entry Requirements section under each individual course. Where a GCSE grade in English is specified as the only qualification accepted, other English competency qualifications may not apply.

If you have not achieved GCSE English Language Grade C/4 or an equivalent level, you will be asked to provide evidence of English Language competency. Other qualifications may be accepted as evidence of level of competency on a case-by-case basis. To provide evidence of English Language competency, please contact us on 028 90 265 265 or email studentportal@belfastmet.ac.uk. You will be referred to the appropriate curriculum area who will guide you on your next steps.

Where an ESOL qualification is used, the appropriate level must be achieved across all skills - Reading, Writing, Speaking & Listening. Applicants should also check the English language criteria for progression to other further and higher education institutions as these may vary.

Mathematics Entry Requirements 
Applicants must hold a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above in Mathematics. Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Application of Number and Essential Skills Numeracy may be regarded as an acceptable alternative to GCSE Maths.

Please note that the following courses are an exception to the Level 2 Mathematics requirement: 

• Foundation Degree in Tourism, Hospitality and Events Management (Travel & Tourism Specialisms) Validated by University of Ulster  
• Foundation Science Degree Tourism, Hospitality and Events Management (Events Specialisms) Validated by University of Ulster 

Applicants should also check the mathematics criteria for progression to other further and higher education institutions as these may vary. 

Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)
We recognise that prior learning or experience may give some students credit towards a qualification to gain entry onto a programme or credit towards a programme of study. Please refer to our Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process at: APL Guidance Notes for HE Applicants.

Important information
The College reserves the right to increase the entry requirements for all Higher Education provision before offers are made, to reflect required academic standards as specified by the Awarding Body/validating organisation. This will be clearly communicated in the entry requirements on course details page.

International Qualifications
Belfast Met and University partners (UU, QUB and OU) must verify that applicants holding international qualifications meet course entry requirements before they can be enrolled onto a course.

To help us verify that course entry requirements are met, applicants must: 

• Provide a full English language translation of your qualifications. Belfast Met will only accept the full English translation from UK ENIC www.enic.org.uk/. UK ENIC is the UK National Information Centre for the recognition and evaluation of international qualifications and skills.  
• Ensure that the translation provides clear evidence that your qualifications meet or exceed the course entry requirements. UK ENIC can also help with Statements of Comparability and UK Qualification Reference Statements. There is a charge for this service.
• For more information on UK ENIC, visit their website at www.enic.org.uk/ 
• The Department for Communities can also provide information and/or help with qualification equivalencies. For more information, visit their website at: www.communities-ni.gov.uk/.

Access NI/ SOSCARE
Admission to certain courses will be subject to satisfactory Access NI/criminal records and SOSCARE checks.

Criminal Convictions Disclosure Policy 
The College has a student Criminal Convictions Disclosure Policy therefore you must disclose criminal convictions when applying or enrolling onto a course. More information is available on our Student Criminal Disclosures webpage at Student Criminal Disclosures. Failure to disclose will impact on your place at the College including work placements.

Non-Academic course entry requirements
You must also ensure that you meet the following non-academic entry requirements: 

• For courses running during academic year September 2026 – August 2027, you must be 16 years old by 1 July 2026 (born before 2nd July 2010).
• You must provide proof of your right to study in the UK.  For courses with work placement, you must also provide proof of your right to work in the UK.
• You must provide photographic evidence of your identity