2013/14 Admissions policy

Entry requirements

The following provides a guide to our typical entry requirements for all of our undergraduate courses.

However, we consider all applications on their own merits and therefore the exact nature of offers can vary to match individual cases.

For example, offers will be influenced by:

  • the content of the UCAS application
  • the performance at interview (we interview all UK-based students prior to making offers)
  • any extenuating circumstances

Offers to applicants for the MChem programmes are the same as for BSc programmes, except that applicants wishing to be considered for European placements on the 'Year Abroad' programme are generally expected to have a minimum of GCSE grade B in an appropriate European language.

Widening participation

The University of York is committed to a programme of widening access to higher education. In 2010, the Sunday Times University Guide reported that York was the most socially diverse university in the top 10. We select applications on the basis of their potential and will take account of evidence of educational, social, health or other personal disadvantage. For further details of the University of York Access Scheme 

A levels

Offers are typically based on three subjects at A level, one of which must be Chemistry. We do not include General Studies in the terms of an offer. Typical offers are as follows:

  • AAB, A in Chemistry for students taking Chemistry and at least two other sciences/mathematics
  • AAA, A in Chemistry for students taking Chemistry with one other science/mathematics
  • AAA, A in Chemistry plus an A or B grade in AS science/mathematics for students taking Chemistry with no other science/mathematics

(Where science/mathematics includes biology, physics, mathematics and further mathematics; we treat mathematics and further mathematics as separate A levels).

For students taking four A levels, one of which is a non-science subject, our typical offer is AAA. Rather than making an offer of AAB and excluding the non-science subject as part of our offer, we prefer to give students the maximum flexibility in meeting our offer.

UCAS Tariff points offers may also be made, for example, when a student is taking two subjects at A level (one of which would have to be Chemistry) and two AS level subjects.

The introduction of the Extended Project gives you the opportunity to develop independent study and research skills. Completing an Extended Project may ease the transition from your school or college to our Chemistry degree programmes. We encourage students to undertake an Extended Project, however, this will not be a requirement of any offer that we make.

Scottish Highers

Two Advanced Higher levels are preferred, which must include Chemistry and also a second science/mathematics, plus a suitable range of Highers. Typical grades expected from Advanced Higher levels are AA/AB (A Chemistry) and AAAAA/AAAAB at Higher level.

Irish Leaving Certificate

Typically AAAABB - AAAAAB including Chemistry and a second science/mathematics.

BTEC

A suitable Diploma with DDD in relevant units at level N.

Advanced Diploma

A or B grade plus A grade in A level Chemistry.

European School Leaving Certificates

We are happy to consider the school-leaving certificates of other European countries, as long as the syllabus equates to the equivalent standard of A level, particularly in science and mathematical subjects.

Cambridge Pre-U Diploma

Pass the diploma in principal subjects with:

  • D3/D3/M2 for a student studying Chemistry and two other sciences/mathematics
  • D3/D3/D3 for a student studying Chemistry and one other science/mathematics

International Baccalaureate

For students taking Chemistry and at least one other science/mathematics at Higher level:

  • Obtain the diploma with a minimum score of 35 points overall, including grade 6 in Chemistry and another science/mathematics at Higher level.

For students taking Chemistry at Higher level without another science/mathematics at Higher level:

  • Obtain the diploma with a minimum score of 36 points including grade 6 in Higher level Chemistry and grade 6 in one or more Standard level science/mathematics subjects.

(Our IB offer level takes into account guidance published by UCAS on the setting of International Baccalaureate entry requirements, and our own experience of the IB qualification).

A qualification in English Language is required from applicants whose first language is not English and who were not taught predominantly in English (please see below). This requirement can be satisfied by obtaining grade 5 in English at Higher level.

European Baccalaureate

Applicants must obtain the diploma with a minimum mark of 80% overall, including a minimum grade of 85% in Chemistry.

Overseas qualifications and international foundation programmes

Applications from international students are very welcome. We are happy to consider these qualifications on an individual basis, as long as the syllabus equates to the equivalent of A-level standard and has appropriate science and mathematics content. View a list of our international qualifications by country.

All international students whose first language is not English must satisfy the University’s English requirement. This can be covered by one of the following qualifications:

  • GCSE/IGCSE English Language Grade C
  • IELTS 6.5 with at least 5.5 in all units
  • TOEFL iBT 87
  • Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) grade C

IELTS is preferred if a choice is available.

View more detailed information on the University's English language requirements

Sri Lankan A level/Singapore A level/Malaysia STPM

Grades in the region of AAA/AAB to include Chemistry and typically at least one other science/mathematics.

Mature students

Access or foundation courses

The Department welcomes applications from students over 21 including those who have completed a suitable Access to HE course or Foundation course. Access courses are designed to prepare adults for entry to degree courses, and provide the opportunity to study the necessary subjects at a level equivalent to A level, as well as ensuring that you have the key skills needed for higher level study, such as English, numeracy and ICT.

Access courses are offered by local further education (FE) colleges, and most can be completed in one year, or over two years on a part-time or evening-only basis. You will need to make sure that the particular Access course you are considering is appropriate, and syllabuses must contain a significant portion of chemistry and mathematics. The Access tutors at your College would be able to confirm that this is the case. Applications will be considered on an individual basis.

OpenPlus

The Universityof York, in partnership with the Open University, offers a flexible route to a degree in Chemistry. This route is open to all prospective students who meet the requirements for study at the Open University. In years 1-2, you will gain a thorough grounding in Chemistry in part-time study through the Open University, while living at home. The Open University modules we require (in addition to GCSE Mathematics and English Language, both minimum grade C) are:

S104 Exploring science

Skills for practical science

S205 The molecular world

S151 Maths for science

SXC288 Practical science: chemistry & analysis (the residential component of SXC288 is compulsory for OpenPlus students)

On successful completion of the OU modules you will be able to transfer into the second year of any of our Chemistry degree programmes atYork, and will expect to graduate with a York BSc, or MChem degree, after a further two, or three years, of full-time study.

Students with disabilities and special needs

The University has an explicit policy of accommodating students with disabilities. The Department of Chemistry has accessible lecture rooms and laboratories, and we have a Disability Officer on the chemistry academic staff who coordinates the support for students.

Interviews

For students who are based in the UK, we make it a policy always to interview applicants before we make them an offer of a place. The interview day is not only aimed at finding out more about you, it is very much an opportunity for you to see the Department, our teaching facilities, meet members of staff and see the campus. It is also the chance for you to find out about us so, please do ask whatever questions you want to. We hope your interview day will be relaxed and informal and we do not have a dress code, so please wear whatever feels most comfortable.