English and Philosophy BA

IB score: 32 Points overall or 665 in 3 Higher Level Certificates IB requirements:

Higher Level grade 6 in one of English Literature, English Language and Literature, any Language subject, Geography, History, Philosophy, Global Politics, Psychology, World Religions, Social and Cultural Anthropology

6.5 overall (no less than 6.0 in any element)

English language requirements

As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications. This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English. Check our English language policies and equivalencies for further details.

For presessional English or one-year foundation courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations.

If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a Presessional English for Academic Purposes (PEAP) course. Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.

If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.

Check our country-specific information for guidance on qualifications from your country

A in one of English Literature, English Language, English Language and Literature, any Language subject, Geography, History, Ancient History, Medieval History, Classical Civilisation Law, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology ; plus a GCSE at level 4 (grade C) or above in English

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2026 entry.

Please note: Applicants whose backgrounds or personal circumstances have impacted their academic performance may receive a reduced offer. Please see our contextual admissions policy for more information.

Alternative qualifications

We recognise that applicants have a wealth of different experiences and follow a variety of pathways into higher education.

Consequently we treat all applicants with alternative qualifications (besides A-levels and the International Baccalaureate) on an individual basis, and we gladly accept students with a whole range of less conventional qualifications including:

• Access to HE Diploma
• Advanced Diploma
• BTEC HND/HNC
• BTEC Extended Diploma

This list is not exhaustive. The entry requirements for alternative qualifications can be quite specific; for example you may need to take certain modules and achieve a specified grade in those modules. Please contact us to discuss the transferability of your qualification. Please see the alternative qualifications page for more information.

RQF BTEC Nationals

RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma - unfortunately we are unable to accept this qualification on its own due to the subject specific requirements at A Level.

Mixed qualifications accepted if taking A Level English (or other required subject) alongside.

BTEC National Extended Diploma DDD + A in A Level English Literature, English Language, English Language and Literature, any Language subject, Geography, History, Ancient History, Medieval History, Classical Civilisation Law, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology

DD in BTEC Diploma + A in A Level English Literature, English Language, English Language and Literature, any Language subject, Geography, History, Ancient History, Medieval History, Classical Civilisation Law, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology

D in BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/ Extended Certificate + AB including A in Level English Literature, English Language, English Language and Literature, any Language subject, Geography, History, Ancient History, Medieval History, Classical Civilisation Law, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology

Access to HE Diploma

Pass the Access to HE Diploma 45 credits at level 3, with distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and 15 at Merit.

9 credits must be achieved at Distinction in English modules.

GCSE English

GCSE English grade 4 (C)

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

If you have already achieved your EPQ at Grade A you will automatically be offered one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject.

If you are still studying for your EPQ you will receive the standard course offer, with a condition of one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject if you achieve an A grade in your EPQ.

Mature Students

At the University of Nottingham, we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information on the mature students webpage.

Visa restrictions

International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying full-time courses. The University of Nottingham does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time courses. The Standard Visitor visa route is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university’s Visa and Immigration team if you need advice about your visa options.

As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications. This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English. Check our English language policies and equivalencies for further details. For presessional English or one-year foundation courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations. If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a Presessional English for Academic Purposes (PEAP) course. Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK. If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.