Qualifications giving access to higher education As higher education institutions are autonomous institutions,
they set their own standards for admission, which are usually based on a
student’s performance in their A level examinations or Highers.
Students are normally expected to study three subjects at A level or
four subjects for Scottish Highers. For certain courses specific
subjects and grades may be required. Other awards at level 3 on the
Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) or levels 6 and 7 on the
Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) may also be accepted
for entrance to higher education courses.
Undergraduate admissions in the UK are handled by the Universities
and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). This organisation oversees the
process of university admissions and provides information to students on
entry requirements for specific courses.