Preparation for Higher Education

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Diploma in Photography

  • Minimum age of 16 on 1st September in year of entry
  • 4 GCSE passes at grade C or above (including English, Maths and Art/Design/Media
  • or Intermediate GNVQ in Art & Design (Level 2), preferably Merit or Distinction grade.
  • Other relevant and equivalent qualifications are considered on an individual basis.

BTEC Extended Diploma in Art & Design

  • Minimum age of 16 on 1st September in year of entry
  • 4 GCSE passes at grade C or above (including English, Maths and Art/Design/Media
  • or Intermediate GNVQ in Art & Design (Level 2), preferably Merit or Distinction grade.
  • Other relevant and equivalent qualifications are considered on an individual basis.

Foundation Diploma in Art & Design

  • Five GCSE passes at grade C or above (which must include Art/Design/Media subjects plus Maths and English),
  • Plus two GCE A-Level or vocational A level passes at grade C or above
  • (One of which must be in a relevant subject)
  • Normal entry to a Foundation Diploma follows two years of sixth form study or equivalent
  • Other relevant and equivalent qualifications are considered on an individual basis.

English language requirements

The following are acceptable equivalent English language qualifications for applicants whose first language is English:

GCSE English grade C or above 
GCE O-Level English  grade C 
Key Skills Level 2 – Communication 
Functional Skills level 2- English 
SCE Standard Grade English grade C 
SCE Higher Grade English grade D 
Irish Leaving Certificate Ordinary Level English grade C 
Irish Leaving Certificate Higher Level English grade D 
IGCSE First or second Language English grade C 
ALAN Test at level 2 in Literacy

For overseas applicants we will accept a range of English Language qualifications including the following qualifications for Preparation for HE courses:

Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) grade C 
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) grade C 
Certificate of Attainment in English (London Board) level 5 or 6 
IELTS score of 5.5 or above 
TOEFL score of 60 or above  
International Baccalaureate (IB):
Language B at Higher Level grade 4, or Language B at Standard Level grade 5.

If you are an international applicant and you are not sure if your current English qualification is suitable you may be interested in undertaking a Pre-sessional English Language course. Please contact the International office for advice. Contact international@aub.ac.uk

If you are a UK or EU student please contact admission@aub.ac.uk