IB score: 32 points overall or 6,6,5 in three HL certificates
IB requirements:
HL6 and HL5 in Chemistry and a second science which can be from biology, physics and mathematics in any order.
IELTS: 6.5 w/ no less than 6.0 in ea.
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.
High school qualifications: Check our country-specific information for guidance on qualifications from your country
A level: AAB
Required subjects: A levels
Chemistry and a second science which can be from Biology, Physics, Maths or Further Maths.
GCSEs
GCSE English grade 4 and GCSE mathematics grade 6.
Excluded subjects: General Studies, Critical Thinking, Global Perspectives.
Additional entry requirements: AAB
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.
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2026 entry.
Non-UK entry requirements: 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:
- RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma Applied Science DDD
- RQF Level 3 BTEC National Diploma Applied Science DD plus 1 A Level from one of Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Maths or Further Maths at grade A
- RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Certificate D plus 2 A Levels grades AB from Chemistry and one of Biology, Physics, Maths or Further Maths
- Access to HE Diploma 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction and 15 Level 3 credits at Merit. 15 Level 3 credits must be in Chemistry modules at Distinction and 15 Level 3 credits must be in Biology, Physics, Maths modules at Disinction
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.
Level 3 Core Maths
If you have already achieved your Level 3 Core Maths 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 Level 3 Core Maths you will receive the standard course offer, and also an alternate offer with a condition of one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject if you achieve an A grade in your Level 3 Core Maths. If you qualify for a contextual offer, your Level 3 Core Maths will be taken into consideration and the appropriate adjustment will be made to your offer. Please note that if you qualify for an enhanced contextual offer, your Level 3 Core Maths will not be taken into consideration as we are unable to make any further adjustments to your offer.
Foundation progression options
Biochemistry is one of the progression pathways for our Science with Foundation Year course. Requirements for progression are:
- Foundation Biological Science - 55%
- Foundation Chemistry - 55%
- Overall pass - 40%
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.