Entry requirements (Undergraduate)

Overview

The degree programme pages list A level entry requirements, which vary from programme to programme.

In addition to A levels, we accept a wide range of alternative UK and International qualifications. The tables below are a guide to A level equivalency, but some programmes may ask for additional requirements.

Please note that actual offers may differ slightly.

Year 2 entry

For further information on transferring to SOAS, please refer to our information on How to apply

Combining qualifications

We understand that many applicants may choose to take a combination of qualifications, such as A-levels and BTEC. Our Admissions team will consider all of your qualifications and make a decision based on A-level equivalency and suitability, depending on your chosen programme of study.

Contextual offers

For further information on Contextual offers, please refer to our contextual offers information.

Additional academic entry requirements

Applicants applying to one of the following programmes must ensure the following entry requirements are met (where applicable) in addition to the programme entry requirements:

BSc Economics

A level Maths grade B or above.

BA Economics / BSc Development Economics

GCSE Maths grade 6/B or above.

Economics combined honours programmes / BSc Accounting & Finance / BSc Management

GCSE Maths grade 6/B or above.

Law single honours programmes / Law combined honours programmes

Applicants applying for single hons. or joint Law Programmes will have to undertake the Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT) if you have taken one of the following qualifications:

  • access to HE Diploma
  • BTEC Qualifications (including when combined with A levels)
  • Foundation Years and other non-standard qualifications

If you are unsure on whether you would be required to sit the LNAT, please contact the Enquiries team at study@soas.ac.uk.

UK alternative qualifications

UK alternative qualifications

Qualification AAAAABABBBBB
IB36 (666 at HL)34 (665 at HL)32 (655 at HL)30 (555 at HL)
Access to HEminimum of 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction plus minimum of 15 Level 3 credits at Merit or Distinctionminimum of 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction plus minimum of 15 Level 3 credits at Merit or Distinctionminimum of 27 Level 3 Credits at Distinction plus a minimum of 18 level 3 credits at either Merit or Distinction minimum of 24 Level 3 Credits at Distinction plus a minimum of 18 Level 3 credits at Merit and 3 level 3 credits at Pass
BTEC Level 3 National Diploma / National Extended DiplomaDDDDDMDDMreviewed on a case by case basis
Cambridge Pre-UD3, D3, D3D3, D3, M2D3, M2, M2M2, M3, M3
Scottish HighersAAAABAAABBAABBBBBBBB
Scottish Advanced HighersAABABBBBB
BBC

BTEC qualifications

  • BTEC qualifications will be reviewed in combination with GCSE profile for entry onto all programmes
  • BTEC qualifications on their own will not be considered for entry to single or joint Politics  programmes

International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP)

We will consider applicants studying the IBCP on a case-by-case basis. Students will need to be studying a combination of IB Higher level  courses and acceptable  Level 3 BTEC Diplomas. Combinations with other acceptable Level 3 qualifications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

International Baccalaureate Certificates

We will consider stand alone IB Higher Level certificates either on their own or in combination with other acceptable Level 3 qualifications. You will need to study the equivalent of 3 A levels to be considered. 

T Levels

T-level qualifications (equivalent to 3 A-levels), will be assessed on a case-by-case basis taking into account the relevance of the subjects the applicant has studied to the programme applied for.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) are taking into consideration when the following criteria is met:

  • you are taking the EPQ alongside 3 A levels
  • you are predicted at least grade B in the EPQ
  • your A level predicted grades meet our entry requirements
  • you have been assessed as 'Home' for fee purposes

International qualifications