GCSES
Normally 5 GCSEs grade C/4 or above to include Mathematics, English and Science. Preference is given to applicants who have obtained these grades on application. Please note the institution may consider Functional Skills Level 2 in Mathematics.

A level
ABB must include Biology, Human Biology, PE or Applied Science. Excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking.

IB
33 overall with Higher Level Grade 6 in Biology or Sports, Exercise and Health Science.
GCSE equivalence – Higher Level = 4, Standard Level = 5 in Maths, English, and Science.
If overseas and not studying English within IB – MUST have IELTS 7.0 overall with 6.5 in all elements.

Access to HE Diploma
Pass Access to HE Diploma with 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction, to include 12 Level 3 credits in Biology. The remaining 15 Level 3 credits must be at Merit.

T level
Accepted – preference pathways would be Health and Science. Typical offer will be confirmed once an application is received.

BTEC RQF National Extended Diploma/ QCF Extended Diploma
BTEC National Extended Diplomas and Extended Diplomas are considered on an individual basis, depending on the units that are studied. They may be considered on their own or alongside A level biology, human biology, PE, or applied science, subject to the biological content of the BTEC units studied. Please provide a full list of units studied within the BTEC in order for this to be assessed.

BTEC modules
If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information, we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.

Equivalent qualifications may be considered. Alternatively, if you have any questions or concerns about meeting the entry requirements listed above we would encourage you to contact the Admissions Team on +44 1752 585858 or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk, where a member of the team can offer you further advice.
For a full list of all acceptable qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.

Direct entry to year 2
If you have achieved certificated learning in addition to the entry criteria required for your programme of study, it may be possible to accredit this learning towards your chosen course. Full details on how to make an application are available on our open access MOODLE site ( download details on how to access the site and submit your claim and supporting evidence). Your application will then be assessed and you will receive confirmation by email on the status of your claim.

Deferred entry
Unfortunately, we cannot permit deferred entry. However, if you have a query please refer to an experienced admissions administrator who will be able to explain the UCAS application process in more detail admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.

UCAS tariff
136 points, usually with a minimum of 40 points in a biological science. These may be obtained from a range of qualifications, potentially in combination, to be assessed on individual applications. The below list of examples is not exhaustive:

GCSE profile
A strong GCSE profile is expected. This is normally at least 5 GCSEs grade B/5 or above to include Mathematics, English and Science and usually obtained in one sitting. Preference is given to applicants who have obtained these grades on application. Equivalent numeracy and literacy qualifications may be considered, but usually if part of other qualifications/study.

A level
Typically AAB, which must include Biology, Human Biology, PE or Applied Science. Excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking. AS levels are not normally accepted.

International Baccalaureate
34 overall with Higher Level Grade 6 in Biology or Sports, Exercise and Health Science.
GCSE equivalence: Higher Level = 4, Standard Level = 5 in Maths, English, and Science.
If overseas and not studying English within the IB, applicants must have IELTS 7.0 overall with 6.5 in all elements.

Access courses
Pass Access (e.g. science, health, nursing, or combined science) with 45 credits at level 3, 36 at Distinction and to include 15 level 3 credits biological sciences. Remaining credits at level 3 must be at Merit.

T level
Accepted – preference pathways would be Health and Science. Typical offer will be confirmed once an application is received.

BTEC RQF National Extended Diploma/ QCF Extended Diploma
BTEC National Extended Diplomas and Extended Diplomas are considered on an individual basis, depending on the units that are studied. They may be considered on their own or alongside A level biology, human biology, PE, or applied science, subject to the biological content of the BTEC units studied, which will be assessed on application.

Other qualifications
Equivalent qualifications may be considered, such as relevant Open University courses (e.g. SK299 Human Biology) if other academic points requirements are met, but not in an appropriate biological science.

Applications from recent graduates
Applications are welcome from graduates who have successfully completed, a degree, or foundation degree, have normally studied within the last 5 years and hold (or will hold) a minimum of a 2:2 classification in a relevant area. A degree in an unrelated area would still be welcome if combined with an additional biological science-based qualification, such as an A level or OU SK299.

Applicants who have not completed their studies in the English language:
IELTS: 7.0 overall with 6.5 in all elements.
For a full list of all acceptable qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.

Deferred entry
Unfortunately, we cannot permit deferred entry. However, if you have a query please refer to an experienced admissions administrator who will be able to explain the UCAS application process in more detail admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.