Guide to Prior Attainment

Do you know which level of qualification you already have? This table should help you. If you are still unsure, though, please contact our student services team who will be happy to review your circumstances and offer advice.

Prior attainment level

Qualification equivalent

Level 1

·      GCSE grades D-G or 3-1

·      Level 1 Award/Certificate/Diploma (e.g. BTEC/CACHE/City & Guilds)

·      Level 1 Functional Skills

·      Level 1 NVQ

·      Level 1 Technical Awards

Level 2

•      5 or more GCSE grades A*- C or 9-4

•      1 A level or 2 AS levels

•      Level 2 BTEC or City & Guilds Certificates (15+ credits)

•      Level 2 or Higher Diploma (eg BTEC/City & Guilds)

•      Level 2 NVQ

·      Level 2 Technical Certificates

Level 3

•      2 A levels or 4 AS levels

•      Level 3 BTEC or City & Guilds Diploma

•      Level 3 NVQ

•      Level 3 Technical or Applied

Student finance: Your questions answered

For more information about student finance, including a simple step-by-step guide to making your application, see Student Finance.