Undergraduate entry requirements
The degree programme pages list A-level entry requirements, which vary from programme to programme. In addition to A-levels, we are happy to 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
We consider transfers to Year 2 of our programmes on a case by case basis. Applications must be submitted via UCAS, indicating Year 2 as the point of entry. Please outline clearly in your personal statement the reasons for requesting the transfer. You must meet the following entry requirements:
- Meet the standard entry requirements for Year 1 entry; and
- Be on track to achieve, or have achieved a 2:1 in your first year of studies; and
- Be covering, or have covered the equivalent content of the SOAS Year 1 core modules of the degree you wish to transfer to.
We will require a suitable academic reference from your current university, an interim transcript and evidence of your completed Level 3 qualifications to assess your application. Please note that all decisions are made at the discretion of the academic department and admission is not guaranteed even if you meet the entry requirements.
Please note that transfers to Year 3 are not permitted under any circumstances.
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.
UK alternative qualifications
Qualification | AAA | AAB | ABB | BBB |
---|---|---|---|---|
IB | 37 (666 at HL) | 35 (665 at HL) | 33 (555 at HL) | 31 (554 at HL) |
Access to HE | min of 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction plus minimum of 15 Level 3 credits at Merit or Distinction | min of 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction plus minimum of 15 Level 3 credits at Merit or Distinction | reviewed on a case by case basis | reviewed on a case by case basis |
BTEC* Level 3 National Diploma / National Extended Diploma | DDD | DDM | DDM | reviewed on a case by case basis |
Cambridge Pre-U | D3, D3,D3 | D3, D3, M2 | D3, M2, M2 | M2, M3, M3 |
Scottish Highers | AAAAA | AAABB | AABBB | BBBBB |
Scottish Advanced Highers | AAA | AAB | ABB | BBB |
BTEC and other vocational qualifications
*BTEC qualifications will be reviewed in combination with GCSE profile for entry onto all programmes.
Students applying for single or joint Law programmes offering Access to HE qualifications, Level 3 BTEC qualifications and other non-standard qualifications (including Foundation Years), either on their own or in combination, will be required to take the Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT).
BTEC qualifications on their own will not be considered for entry to single or joint Politics programmes.
International qualifications
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Austria
Qualification: Reifeprufungszeugnis / Maturazeugnis
AAA: four subjects at 1, 1, 1, 2
AAB: four subjects at 1, 1, 2, 2
ABB: four subjects at 1, 2, 2, 2
BBB: four subjects at 2, 2, 2, 2
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Belgium
Qualification: Diploma van Secundair Onderwijs
AAA: 85% (8.5/10, 17/20) overall
AAB: 80% (8/10, 16/20) overall
ABB: 75% (7.5/10, 15/20) overall
BBB: 70% (7/10 or 14/20)
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Bulgaria
Qualification: Diploma za Zavarsheno Sredno Obrazovanie
AAA: 5.7 and 5.5 in two State Maturity Exams
AAB: 5.5 and 5.0 in two State Maturity Exams
ABB: 5.3 and 5.0 in two State Maturity Exams
BBB: 5.0 and 5.0 in two State Maturity Exam
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Canada
Qualification: High School Diploma
AAA: 85% with 5 acceptable Grade 12 subjects (most territories).
British Colombia: AAAAA in Grade 12 subjects.AAB: 83% with 5 acceptable Grade 12 subjects (most territories).
British Colombia: AAABB in Grade 12 subjects.ABB: 80% with 5 acceptable Grade 12 subjects (most territories).
British Columbia: AABBB in Grade 12 courses.BBB: 75% with 5 acceptable Grade 12 subjects (most territories).
British Columbia: BBBBB in Grade 12 courses. -
China
Qualification: Senior Secondary Graduation Certificate + Gaokao
AAA: 83% overall in Gaokao PLUS 85% overall in Senior Secondary School Graduation Certificate (year 11 and 12)
AAB: 80% overall in Gaokao PLUS 85% overall in Senior Secondary School Graduation Certificate (year 11 and 12)
ABB: 78% overall in Gaokao PLUS 85% overall in Senior Secondary School Graduation Certificate (year 11 and 12)
BBB: 76% overall in Gaokao PLUS 85% overall in Senior Secondary School Graduation Certificate (year 11 and 12)
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Croatia
Qualification: Matura Certificate
AAA: 5 overall with 5 in 3 Higher level subjects
AAB: 5 overall with 5 in 2 Higher level subjects
ABB: 4.5 overall with 5 in 1 Higher level subject
BBB: 4.5 overall
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Cyprus
Qualification: Apolytirion with 2 A-Levels
AAA: Apolytirion 19/20 + A-level grades AA
AAB: Apolytirion 18/20 + A-level grades AB
ABB: Apolytirion 18/20 + A-level grades BB
BBB: Apolytirion 17.5/20 + A-level grades BB
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Czech Republic
Qualification: Matura Certificate
AAA: 1, 1, 1, 2
AAB: 1, 1, 2, 2
ABB: 1, 2, 2, 2
BBB: 2, 2, 2, 2
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Denmark
Qualification: Studentereksamen; Hojere Forberedelseseksamen; Hojere Handelseksamen; Hojere Teknisk Eksamen
AAA: 10 plus 10, 10, 10 in three Level A subjects
AAB: 10 plus 10, 10, 7 in three Level A subjects
ABB: 7 plus 10, 7, 7 in three Level A subjects
BBB: 7 plus 7, 7, 7 in three Level A subjects
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Estonia
Qualification: Gümnaasiumi lõputunnistus with the Riigieksamitunnistus
AAA: 4.5 with 85% in 3 state exams
AAB: 4.5 with 85%, 85%, and 80% in 3 state exams
ABB: 4.0 with 85%, 80%, and 80% in 3 state exams
BBB: 4.0 with 80% in 3 state exams
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Finland
Qualification: Ylioppilastukint / Studentexamen
AAA: four subjects at 7, 6, 6, 6
AAB: four subjects at 6, 6, 6, 5
ABB: four subjects at 6, 5, 5, 5
BBB: four subjects at 5, 5, 5, 5
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France
Qualification: French Baccalaureat or Option Internationale du Baccalauréat (OIB)
AAA: 15/20
AAB: 14/20
ABB: 13/20
BBB: 12/20
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Germany
Qualification: Abitur
AAA: 1.4
AAB: 1.6
ABB: 1.8
BBB: 2
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Greece
Qualification: Apolytirion of Geniko Lykeio with Pan Hellenic exams
AAA: 19/20
AAB: 18.5/20
ABB: 18/20
BBB: 17.5/20
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Hong Kong
Qualification: Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education
AAA: 555 in two electives and one core module (all other subjects grade 3)
AAB: 554 in two electives and one core module (all other subjects grade 3)
ABB: 544 in two electives and one core (all other subjects grade 3)
BBB: 444 in two electives and one core (all other subjects grade 3)
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Hungary
Qualification: Matura (Erettségi)
AAA: 5.5 overall
AAB: 5 overall
ABB: 4.5 overall
BBB: 4.0 overall
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Iceland
Qualification: Stúdentspróf
AAA: 8.5
AAB: 8
ABB: 7.5
BBB: 7
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India
Qualification: Standard XII
AAA: 85% (CBSE, CISCE, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra & West Bengal boards), 90% (all other state boards)
AAB: 80% (CBSE, CISCE, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra & West Bengal boards), 85% (all other state boards)
ABB: 75% (CBSE, CISCE, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra & West Bengal boards), 80% (all other state boards)
BBB: 70% (CBSE, CISCE, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra & West Bengal boards), 80% (all other state boards)
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Ireland
Qualification: Irish Leaving Certificate
AAA: H1, H1, H2, H2, H2
AAB: H1, H1, H2, H2, H3
ABB: H1, H2, H2, H3, H3
BBB: H2, H2, H2, H3, H3
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Israel
Qualification: Bagrut
AAA: Overall grade of 8-10, 90% with 3 subjects at 5-unit level
AAB: Overall grade of 8-10, 85% with 3 subjects at 5-unit level
ABB: Overall grade of 7, 80% with 3 subjects at 5-unit level
BBB: Overall grade of 7, 75% with 3 subjects at 5-unit level
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Italy
Qualification: Diploma Consequito con L’Esame di Stato
AAA: 90% overall
AAB: 85% overall
ABB: 80% overall
BBB: 75% overall
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Latvia
Qualification: Certificate of General Secondary Education
AAA: 90% in four State subject exams
AAB: 88% in four State subject exams
ABB: 88% in four State subject exams
BBB: 86% in four State subject exams
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Lithuania
Qualification: Brandos Atestatas
AAA: 9/10 and 90% in three State Exams
AAB: 9/10 and 90%, 90%, 85% in three State Exams
ABB: 8.5/10 and 90%, 85%, 85% in three State Exam
BBB: 8.5/10 and 85% in three State Exams
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Malta
Qualification: Advanced Matriculation Certificate
AAA: AA (Advanced) + AAA (Intermediate)
AAB: AA (Advanced) + BBB (Intermediate)
ABB: AB (Advanced) + BBB (Intermediate)
BBB: BB (Advanced) + BBB (Intermediate)
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Netherlands
Qualification: Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs
AAA: Overall 8 with 8, 8, 8, 8 in four subjects
AAB: Overall 7.5 with 8, 8, 8, 7 in four subjects
ABB: 7.5 overall with 8, 8, 7, 7 in four subjects
BBB: 7 overall with 7, 7, 7, 7 in four subjects
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Norway
Qualification: Vitnemål vidergaende opplaering
AAA: 5 overall
AAB: 4.7 overall
ABB: 4.3 overall
BBB: 4 overall
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Poland
Qualification: New Polish Matura
AAA: 85% in three Advanced Level subjects
AAB: 80% in three Advanced Level subjects
ABB: 75% in three Advanced Level subjects
BBB: 70% in three Advanced Level subjects
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Portugal
Qualification: Diploma de Ensino Secundario
AAA: overall 18.5/20
AAB: overall 18/20
ABB: overall 17.5/20
BBB: 17/20
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Romania
Qualification: Diploma de Bacalaureat
AAA: 9.5 overall
AAB: 9 overall
ABB: 8.5 overall
BBB: 8 overall
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Singapore
Qualification: Polytechnic Diploma (Nanyang, Ngee Ann, Singapore, Temasek and Republic Polytechnic)
AAA: GPA 3.7
AAB: GPA 3.5
ABB: GPA 3.3
BBB: GPA 3.1
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Slovakia
Qualification: Maturitná skúška / Maturita / Vysvedčenie o maturitnej skúške
AAA: four subjects at 1, 1, 1, 2
AAB: four subjects at 1, 1, 2, 2
ABB: four subjects at 1, 2, 2, 2
BBB: four subjects at 2, 2, 2, 2
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South Africa
Qualification: National Senior Certificate
AAA: 77776
AAB: 77766
ABB: 77666
BBB: 76666
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Spain
Qualification: Curso de Orientación Universitaria / Título de Bachillerato
AAA: 8.5 (sobresaliente)
AAB: 8
ABB: 7.5
BBB: 7 (notable)
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Sweden
Qualification: Slutbetyg / Examensbevis från Gymnasieskolan
AAA: A in 1800 credits and no grades below D / 18.5 / mainly A overall (MVG)
AAB: A in 1500 credits and no grades below D / 18.5 / mainly A overall (MVG/VG)
ABB: A in 1200 credits and no grades below D / 18 / mainly B overall (MVG/VG)
BBB: B in 2000 credits and no grades below D / 17.5 / mainly B overall (MVG/VG)
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Switzerland
Qualification: Federal Maturity Certificate
AAA: 5
AAB: 4.7
ABB: 4.5
BBB: 4.3
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Tanzania
Qualification: Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education
AAA: ACSE with AAA in 3 principle subjects
AAB: ACSE with AAB in 3 principle subjects
ABB: ACSE with BBB in 3 principle subjects
BBB: ACSE with BBB in 3 principle subjects
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Trinidad and Tobago
Qualification: CAPE
AAA: Six CAPE units with grade 1 (+two double-unit courses = grade 1)
AAB: Six CAPE units with grade 2 (+two double-unit courses = grade 2)
ABB: Six CAPE units with grade 2 (+two double-unit courses)
BBB: Six CAPE units with grade 3 (+two double-unit courses)
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Turkey
Qualification: Lise Diplomasi
AAA: 82-87% (depending on high school)
AAB: 80-85% (depending on high school)
ABB: 78-83% (depending on high school)
BBB: 76-81% (depending on high school)
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USA
Qualification: High School Diploma plus ACT, SAT, or AP exams
AAA:
- High School Diploma GPA 3.2 plus SAT 1300 or ACT 29 and 2 AP's at 5,5/ 3 AP's at 5,4,4
or - High School Diploma GPA of 3.4 plus 2 AP's at 5,5/ 3 AP's at 5,4,4
or - High School Diploma of 3.6 plus SAT 1380 or ACT 30
or - 2-year Associate degree GPA 3.3
AAB:
- High School Diploma GPA 3.2 plus SAT 1300 or ACT 29 and 2 AP's at 5,4/ 3 AP's at 5,4,4
or - High School Diploma GPA of 3.4 plus 2 AP's at 5,4 or 3 AP's at 5,4,4
or - High School Diploma GPA of 3.5 plus SAT 1340 or ACT 30
or - 2-year Associate degree GPA 3.2
ABB:
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High School Diploma GPA 3.0 plus SAT 1280 or ACT 27 and 2 AP's at 4,4
or -
High School Diploma GPA of 3.2 plus 2 AP's at 4,4
or -
High School Diploma GPA 3.4 plus SAT 1300 or ACT 29
or -
2-year Associate degree GPA 3.1
BBB:
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High School Diploma GPA 3.0 plus SAT 1260 or ACT 26 and 2 AP's at 4,4
or -
High School Diploma GPA 3.2 plus 2 AP's at 4,4
or -
High School Diploma GPA of 3.4 plus SAT 1280 or ACT 28
or -
2-year Associate degree GPA 3.0
- High School Diploma GPA 3.2 plus SAT 1300 or ACT 29 and 2 AP's at 5,5/ 3 AP's at 5,4,4