NARIC guide on Higher Education Systems in the European Union

II. Qualifications and diplomas
The general entry requirements are the same for a degree course at a British university or college of higher education. The
course requirements may, however, be different, making it more difficult for a student to obtain a university place in a number
of disciplines. No qualification or diploma gives an automatic right to a place anywhere in higher education. Institutions and
departments reserve the right to refuse a place to even the most highly qualified student. Admission to higher education is by
formal, multiple application through a centralised clearing system. There are a few exceptions to this (that is, institutions
requiring direct application).
II.1. Qualifications for admission to higher education
There are no specific entry requirements for non-university higher education as opposed to university higher education. In
both cases, the general requirement of three GCSEs and two A levels (advanced level) generally applies (see below for a
detailed description). This general requirement marks the boundary between non-higher and higher education.
A distinction is, in fact, made between the academic requirements for entering universities and institutes and colleges of
higher education, but it is a qualitative, not a quantitative, one and it is made in the course requirements.
Admission to a higher education course is therefore determined by two factors:
the general requirement;
the course requirement.
The general requirement
The general requirement for admission to higher education, whether university, institute or college of higher education, or to
any other institution in which degree courses or higher national diploma courses are given, is by any of the following
qualifications:
the general certificate of education (GCE) and the general certificate of secondary education (GCSE);
the Scottish certificate of education (SCE);
the BTEC national diploma or certificate;
the international baccalaureate;
the European baccalaureate;
an acceptable overseas qualification;
maturity (age 21 plus) and relevant experience (but each application is considered individually and on its own merit).
The course requirement
It is not enough for the candidates to offer evidence of a good general education. They must also show that they are
adequately prepared to undertake high level study in the field or fields they have selected. This is called the course
requirement.
The most sought after institutions and departments set high course requirements (for medical places in universities, for
example) and also stipulate particular grades or marks in the examinations taken. The more modest, less sought after,
departments in institutes and colleges of higher education, as well as in the universities, settle for the minimum general
requirements, or something less in the case of mature students.
The general certificate of education (GCE) and the general certificate of secondary education (GCSE)
Secondary schools in England, Wales and Northern Ireland offer courses leading to the general certificate of secondary
education. It represents 11 years of general education: six years of primary education, and five years of secondary, and is
generally taken at age 16.