We give equal consideration to the full range of academic and vocational qualifications. You may also have other skills and expertise we can consider, such as work experience or vocational training. Don’t be discouraged if you can’t meet the exact entry requirements – come and talk to us.
Standard entry requirements are below but many courses have specific requirements – check the course entry.
UCAS tariff
We usually make conditional offers in UCAS tariff points. For some courses you may need to include points from certain subjects in your tariff points score.
More tariff information on the UCAS website
New diplomas
We welcome applications from students studying for the new Diploma. For admissions, this is equivalent to three A levels. Offers will be made on an equivalent basis with existing level 3 qualifications. Please note: some courses have specific entry requirements.
More on the new Diploma on the Department for Children, Schools and Families website
Degrees (excluding foundation degrees)
For entry to a degree course, you should normally have passes in at least two A levels, at least one A level double award, a BTEC National Certificate, OCR National Diploma or equivalent.
In addition you should normally have at least three GCSE passes grade C or above. See individual courses for specific additional requirements. Unless otherwise specified, passes in English and mathematics at grade C or above are needed. Key Skills Level 2 in Communication and Application of Number will normally be accepted as an alternative to GCSE English and mathematics. Certain professions may also require additional entry qualifications.
Progression routes
HND applicants with relevant experience may be considered for entry to the second or final year of a degree. It will depend on credit achieved and the HND content in relation to the degree. Applicants with a foundation degree may progress to the final year of a relevant honours degree. You may need a bridging course. Contact the relevant admissions tutor.
Foundation degrees
Preparation courses
Access courses
We welcome applications from people studying on an Access course recognised by the Quality Assurance Agency. Some courses, including most in Health & Social Care, also require you to have numeracy and literacy skills equivalent to GCSE grade C level. For more information contact the Course Information Centre on 01642 384277 or email courseinfo@tees.ac.uk.
Spring and Summer University
A free course at our Summer University can be a stepping stone to a degree course.
More about free courses
English language support
We offer courses before you start and when you arrive to improve your English.
More about English language support
The entry criteria for foundation degrees are based on your ability to succeed on the programme. This can be demonstrated in a variety of ways such as having a range of Level 3 qualifications (eg NVQ 3, BTEC Award, A level) or appropriate training through work.
Some foundation degrees require you to be employed in an area relevant to your course.
Higher national diplomas (HNDs)
You should normally have passes in at least one A level, one A level double award, a BTEC National Award, OCR National Certificate or equivalent. You also need three GCSE passes grade C or above. Unless otherwise specified for an individual course, you need passes in English and mathematics grade C or above. Key Skills Level 2 in Communication and Application of Number are accepted as alternatives to GCSE English and mathematics unless otherwise specified. Certain professions may also require additional entry criteria.
General Studies A level
Unless otherwise specified for an individual course, points from General Studies A level will be included in the tariff score.
Key Skills at Level 3
Each course will accept a minimum of 20 tariff points from Key Skills at Level 3 towards the tariff score.
Age requirements
Some courses leading to a registerable qualification have an age requirement. The statutory bodies specify a minimum age either as an entry requirement or to register with them at the end of the course.
Mature students
Over 40% of full-time and 90% of part-time undergraduate students at Teesside are over 21. We welcome applications from mature students who may not have conventional entry requirements. We will take into account any alternative qualifications or other relevant experience you may have.
Accreditation of Prior Learning
If you’ve already passed a nationally-recognised course of study, you may have a qualification which can be credited towards the course you want to study – this is Accredited Prior Certificated Learning.
You may also have attended training courses without formal assessment as well as gaining knowledge from work, voluntary activities and life. If you can show this has given you specific skills you may gain credits towards the course you’ve chosen – this is Accredited Prior Experiential Learning.