University of Manchester Admission Requirements
Contents
The University of Manchester is one of the Best Universities in the UK. Although it is part of the prestigious Russell Group, its Acceptance Rates are much higher than the other member universities, which presents a great opportunity for students from all over the world. For all those prospective students, this guide provides a comprehensive overview of the academic prerequisites, English language requirements for international students, and application deadlines.
Academic Requirements of University of Manchester
The University of Manchester typically expects applicants to offer three full A-levels. Most courses require A-Level grades ranging from AAA to ABB or IB marks of at least 34 points. However, specific requirements vary by course. It's essential to check the specific entry requirements for your chosen course. To make it easier for students, we summarised all academic requirements for all undergraduate programmes available to date:
| Programme | A-Level Requirements | IB Requirements | Admission Test | Interview |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting | AAA | 36 points | No | No |
| Accounting and Finance | AAA (Applicants must be studying at least one of the following A-level subjects: Accounting, Anthropology, Business Studies, Classics, Economics, English Language/Literature, Further Mathematics, Geography, History, Law, Mathematics, Modern Languages, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology, Use of Mathematics and World Development.) | 36 points | No | No |
| Actuarial Science and Mathematics | A*AA | 37 points | No | No |
| Aerospace Engineering | A*AA (including Mathematics, Physics, and one other subject). | 37 points | No | No |
| American Studies | ABB (including an essay-based subject such as English, History or Politics). | 34 points | No | No |
| Ancient History | ABB (including at least one subject which has a written element.) | 34 points | No | No |
| Arabic and a Specific Language | ABB (including the Specific Language) | 34 points overall. 6,5,5 in Higher Level subjects including the Specific Language | No | No |
| Arabic Studies | ABB | 34 points | No | Yes |
| Biochemistry | AAA-AAB, including grades AA in Chemistry and one of Biology, Physics and Mathematics (the Core Sciences). | 35-36 points overall with 6, 6, 5 to 6, 6, 6 at Higher Level including Chemistry and another science subject, normally Biology. | No | Some candidates may be interviewed. |
| Biology | AAA-AAB (including AA in two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics, i.e. the Core Sciences). | 35-36 points overall with 6, 6, 5 to 6, 6, 6 at Higher Level including two science subjects, normally Biology and Chemistry. | No | Some candidates may be interviewed. |
| Biomedical Sciences | AAA-AAB (including AA in two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics, i.e. the Core Sciences). | 35-36 points overall with 6, 6, 5 to 6, 6, 6 at Higher Level including two science subjects, normally Biology and Chemistry. | No | Some candidates may be interviewed |
| Biotechnology | AAA-AAB (including AA in two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics, i.e. the Core Sciences). | 35-36 points overall with 6, 6, 5 to 6, 6, 6 at Higher Level including two science subjects, normally Biology and Chemistry. | No | Some candidates may be interviewed |
| Chemical Engineering | AAA including Mathematics and either Chemistry or Physics. | 36 points overall with 6,6,6 at Higher Level, including Mathematics AA and Chemistry or Physics. | No | Some candidates may be interviewed |
| Chemistry | AAA, including Chemistry and at least one other science or mathematics subject. | 36 points overall with 6,6,6 at Higher Level, including Chemistry and at least one other science subject or mathematics AA/AI. | No | Some candidates may be interviewed |
| Civil Engineering | AAA including Mathematics and Physics and one other subject. | 36 points overall with 6,6,6 at Higher Level, including Mathematics AA/AI and Physics and one other subject | No | No |
| Computer Science | A*A*A including A* in Mathematics, and a minimum of one Science subject at A* or A. This should include Mathematics with a significant pure element (Use of Mathematics or Core Mathematics does not satisfy this requirement). Science subjects include Computer Science, Further Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. | 38 points overall with 7,7,6 in Higher Level subjects, including 7 in Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches. Applicants should be studying a minimum of one Science subject at Higher Level. Science subjects include Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. | No | No |
| Dentistry | AAA including Chemistry and Biology/Human Biology. | 36 points are required overall with at least 666 at higher level. Major subjects must include Chemistry and Biology, plus one further subject at higher level. | UCAT | Yes |
| Economics | AAA (including at least one of the following A-level subjects: Accounting, Anthropology, Business Studies, Classics, Economics, English Language/Literature, Further Mathematics, Geography, History, Law, Mathematics, Modern Languages, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology, Use of Mathematics and World Development). | 37 points with at least 6,6,6 at Higher level. | No | No |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering | AAA including Mathematics and either Physics, Electronics, Further Mathematics, Computer Science or Chemistry. | 36 points overall with 6,6,6 in Higher Level subjects, including 6 in Mathematics, 6 in Physics or Chemistry, and 6 in one other Higher Level subject. | No | No |
| English Literature | AAA including English Literature, or English Language and Literature (ie. not English Language alone). | 36 points overall. 6,6,6 in Higher Level subjects to include English Literature (or English Language and Literature, but not English Language alone). | No | No |
| Environmental Science | AAB, including at least one of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Geology, Environmental Science, and Geography. | 35 points overall with 6,6,5 at Higher Level, including at least one science subject. | No | No |
| History | AAA including History. | 36 points overall. 6,6,6 in Higher Level subjects (including History) | No | No |
| Law | A*AA with at least one Humanities or Social Sciences subjects | 37 points | No | No |
| Mathematics | A*AA including A* in Mathematics A-level. Further Mathematics is preferred but not essential. | 37 points overall with 7,6,6 at Higher Level, including 7 in Mathematics. | No | No |
| Mechanical Engineering | A*A*A in Mathematics, Physics and one other subject. | 38 points overall with 7,7,6 at Higher Level, including Mathematics and Physics. | No | No |
| Medicine | AAA including Biology/Human Biology or Chemistry, and one of Chemistry, Biology/Human Biology, Physics, Psychology, Mathematics and Further Mathematics. | 36 points are required overall (to include core points) with at least 666 at higher level. Major subjects must include Chemistry or Biology, plus another science (one from Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Psychology or Mathematics) and one further subject at Higher Level. | UCAT | Yes |
| Nursing | BBB-BCC (depending on the stream) | 30-32 points | No | Some applicants may be shortlisted for interviews. |
| Pharmacology | AAA-AAB, including two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics (the Core Sciences ). You must have a minimum of grades AA in at least two Core Sciences. | 35-36 points overall with 6, 6, 5 to 6, 6, 6 at Higher Level including two science subjects, normally Biology and Chemistry. | No | No |
| Physics | A*A*A, including A* in Physics and A* in Mathematics or Further Mathematics. | 38 points overall with 7,7,6 at Higher Level, including 7 in both Physics and Mathematics. | No | Some applicants may be shortlisted for interviews. |
| Politics | ABB to AAA (depending on the stream) | 34-36 points | No | No |
| Psychology | AAA including one or more of: Psychology, Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Statistics, Mathematics, Further Maths, Applied Science. | 36 points overall with grades 6,6,6 in higher level subjects, one of which must include Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Psychology or Mathematics (AA or AI are both considered) | No | No |
| Sociology | ABB with at least one of the following: Accounting; Economics; Finance; Business Studies; Development Studies; Government and Politics; Economic and Social History; Mathematics; Anthropology; Sociology; Philosophy; Religious Studies; English Language; English Literature; Geography; Psychology; Classical Civilisation; History; Archaeology; Communication Studies; Environmental Studies; World Development; Biology; Chemistry; Physics; Modern Languages. | 36 points with 6,5,5 at Higher level. | No | No |
The University of Manchester offers hundreds of undergraduate programmes which are variations of the ones shown in the table. If you’re interested in subjects not shown above, you should refer to the official course page for more details.
Furthermore, the academic requirements for the programmes at the university can vary greatly. If you’re worried you can’t meet these grade requirements, it is advised to consider an A-Level Tutor or IB Tutor. If your subject requires the new UCAT test, consider working with a UCAT Tutor to boost your chance of success. Alternatively, if you wish to prepare for your potential interviews ahead, check out the article Common University Interview Questions and Answers for starters.
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English Language Requirements for International Students
International applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English. The minimum requirements vary by course but generally include:
- IELTS: Overall score of 6.5 to 7.0, with no component below 6.0.
- TOEFL iBT: Scores ranging from 90 to 100, depending on the program.
Some courses may have higher requirements. It's advisable to check the specific English language requirements for your chosen course. For more tips on how to Apply to UK Universities as an International Student, check out this separate article.
Application Deadlines and Timeline
Understanding the application timeline is crucial:
- 15 October: Deadline for Medicine and Dentistry courses.
- 29 January: Equal consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses.
- 26 February: UCAS Extra opens for applicants without offers.
- 14 May 2025: University decision day
- 4 June: Deadline to reply to offers received by 14 May.
Adhering to these deadlines ensures your application is considered promptly.
Conclusion: Admission Requirements of University of Manchester
Applying to the University of Manchester requires careful preparation and adherence to specific requirements. By understanding the academic prerequisites, meeting English language standards, and respecting application timelines, you can enhance your chances of navigating the Education System in the UK and securing a place at this prestigious institution.
FAQ
What can I do if I don’t meet the A-level or IB requirements for my chosen programme at the University of Manchester?
If you don’t meet the A-level or IB requirements, there are several pathways to still pursue your studies at the University of Manchester. One option is to consider a foundation year. The university offers foundation programmes designed to prepare students for undergraduate courses by bridging any academic gaps. Alternatively, you can explore retaking your A-levels or IB exams to improve your grades. It's also worth contacting the admissions office to discuss your circumstances, as they may consider contextual factors or additional qualifications. Finally, consider applying to a similar course with slightly lower entry requirements and transferring later.
Are there alternative qualifications accepted besides A-levels and the IB Diploma?
Yes, the University of Manchester accepts a variety of qualifications besides A-levels and the IB Diploma. These include international qualifications like the SAT and ACT (for US students), BTEC qualifications, Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers, and Cambridge Pre-U diplomas. Additionally, some vocational qualifications and access courses, such as Access to Higher Education Diplomas, are also accepted for certain programmes. International applicants should consult the university's country-specific entry requirements to determine whether their local qualifications are recognised. The university values diverse educational backgrounds and provides clear guidance on equivalent qualifications for each programme.
Do I have to submit a personal statement?
Yes, submitting a personal statement is a mandatory part of the application process for the University of Manchester. The personal statement is your opportunity to showcase your passion for your chosen subject, highlight relevant skills, and explain why you are an ideal candidate for the programme. It's an essential element of your application as it allows the admissions team to understand your motivations, experiences, and future goals beyond academic grades. For competitive courses, a well-written personal statement can make a significant difference, so take the time to craft it carefully and seek feedback before submission.
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Written by: Vicky Liu
Vicky has an undergraduate degree from The University of Hong Kong and a Masters from University College London, and has a background in legal and educational writing.
