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Entry Requirements Higher Education

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 you check entry requirements for each programme you are applying for.  Please note, these are qualifications that applicants must have completed and certified to gain entry onto the respective programmes.

English Language & Mathematics Entry Requirements
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.

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

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.

Please also note: The College reserves the right to increase the entry requirements for all Higher Education provision based on demand and required academic standards, as specified by the Awarding Body/validating organisation.

International Qualifications
Belfast Met and University partners (UU, QUB and UU) 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: Get a full English language translation of your qualifications. 
Belfast Met will 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. 
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/.

 

Level Title Equivalent to
6 BA (Hons) BSc (Hons) Bachelor Degrees
5 BTEC Level 5 Higher National
Diploma
Foundation Degrees Higher National Diplomas Diplomas of Higher Education and Further Education
4 IAM Level 4 Diploma in Administration Management Certificates of Further
Education
3 BTEC Level 3 Extended
Diploma

QCF Level 3 NVQ Diploma

BTEC Level 3 Diploma

BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary
Diploma
Three GCE A Levels

Three GCE A Levels

Two GCE A Levels

One GCE A Leve
2 BTEC Level 2 Diploma

BTEC Level 2 Extended
Certificate
Four GCSEs A*-C

Two GCSEs A*-C
1 BTEC Level 1 Certificate/
Award
GCSEs D-G