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GCSE equivalent entry requirements

GCSEs in mathematics, English language and English literature were reformed in England from September 2015, with the first examinations taking place in summer 2017. Reformed GCSEs use a 9-1 grading scale, replacing the previous A*-G structure.

Unless otherwise stated in the programme information, all applicants must have GCSE mathematics and English language at grade 4 (or grade C under the previous grading system) or above. Science or double science may also be required depending on the course.

The University of Hertfordshire may accept a university-approved equivalent qualification, including applicants who have achieved a higher education qualification at foundation degree or HND level, or above.

We are unable to accept Level 2 Adult Numeracy or Literacy qualifications as a GCSE equivalent. Some courses, often due to professional body requirements, will still require GCSE English language and mathematics at a minimum of grade 4 (grade C under the previous grading system) and may not be able to accept the approved equivalency. Email the Ask Herts team for guidance.

GCSE grade

Equivalent

GCSE grade 5 (B) English language

  • Key Skills Level 3 Communication
  • IGCSE First or Second Language English grade 5 (B) or above
  • Single award GCSE English studies at grade 5 (B) or above

GCSE grade 4 (C) English language*

  • Functional Skills Level 2 English
  • Essential Skills Wales Level 2 Communication
  • Essential Skills Northern Ireland Level 2 Communication
  • Key Skills Level 2 Communication
  • IGCSE First or Second Language English grade 4 (C) or above
  • Single award GCSE English studies at grade 4 (C) or above
  • IBMid grade 4 or above

GCSE grade 5 (B) mathematics

  • Key Skills Level 3 Application of number
  • IGCSE Mathematics at grade 5 (B) or above
  • AQA Level 2 Certificate (GCSE) Use of Mathematics (higher level) grade 5 (B) or above

GCSE grade 4 (C) mathematics*

  • Functional Skills Level 2 Mathematics
  • Essential Skills Wales Level 2 Application of Number
  • Essential Skills Northern Ireland Level 2 Application of number
  • Key Skills Level 2 Application of number
  • IGCSE Mathematics at grade 4 (C) or above
  • AQA Level 2 Certificate (GCSE) Use of Mathematics (higher level) grade 4 (C) or above
  • GCSE Application of Mathematics and Methods of Mathematics (accepted only if both)
  • IBMid grade 4 or above

GCSE grade 5 (B) science

  • GCSE Applied Science grade 5 (B)
  • GCSE Additional Science grade 5 (B)
  • IGCSE Science grade 5 (B) or above

GCSE grade 4 (C) science**

  • GCSE Applied Science grade 4 (C) or above
  • GCSE Additional Science grade 4 (C) or above
  • IGCSE Science grade 4 (C) or above
  • For some foundation degrees only, the following are accepted as an equivalent to GCSE science:
  • Edexcel BTEC Level 2 Certificate in Applied Science (three mandatory units only)
  • Cambridge National Level 2 Science
  • IBMid grade 4 or equivalent

* Teacher training courses only accept IGCSE as an equivalence

** PGCE and School Direct Teacher Training courses can only accept IGCSE as an equivalence. For BEd Primary Teaching IGCSE is preferable but BTEC Applied Science Level 2 Certificate at Merit or Distinction will be accepted

Useful links

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