Yes. Many UK universities accept adults without A levels through a degree with an integrated foundation year, where entry is usually based on an interview or short assessment rather than exam grades. Each university sets its own entry requirements.
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The main routes without A levels
- Degree with a foundation year. An extra first year built into a full honours degree. It prepares you for degree-level study, then you continue straight on. Read our guide to foundation year degrees.
- Access to Higher Education Diploma. A college course designed for adults that many universities accept in place of A levels.
- Foundation degree or HND. A standalone two-year qualification that you can later top up to a full degree.
- Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE). A one-year, first-year-level qualification that some universities offer with flexible entry.
Which route suits you depends on the subject, how you want to study and what you have done before.
What universities look at instead
For foundation year entry, universities commonly use an interview or a short written task, and take your work and life experience into account. Some courses ask for a certain level of English or maths, and every university sets its own requirements, so always check the entry criteria for the specific course.
How long it takes
A foundation year adds one year to the start of a degree, so a three-year honours degree becomes four years. When you finish, you hold the same honours degree as someone who entered directly into the first year.
Can you get Student Finance for this route?
Many degrees with a foundation year can be supported by Student Finance, but Student Finance England decides eligibility and amounts for each student and course. Check gov.uk/student-finance, and ask the university to confirm that your course is eligible.
Who this route suits
- Adults who left school without A levels, or whose qualifications are from a long time ago.
- People returning to study after a career break or raising a family.
- Workers who want a degree to change career, and need to study around a job.
How Dream Wise can help
We help adults living in England find a suitable course, apply to the university and prepare their Student Finance application. Our guidance is free to students. Start with the short questions on our mature students page, or request a call below. Universities make admissions decisions and Student Finance England makes funding decisions; we cannot promise either.
Quick answers
Do I need GCSEs to do a foundation year?
It depends on the university and the course. Some foundation year routes accept applicants without formal qualifications and assess you by interview or a short task; others ask for a certain level of English or maths. Check the entry requirements for the specific course.
Is a degree with a foundation year a real degree?
Yes. The foundation year is the first year of a full honours degree. When you finish, you hold the same degree as someone who entered directly into the first year.
Am I too old to start a degree?
No. Universities accept students of all ages, and many adults start a degree after years of work or raising a family.
Does Dream Wise decide if I get a place?
No. Universities make admissions decisions. Dream Wise is an independent consultancy that helps you choose a course and prepare your application, free to students.
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This article is general information only, not financial or legal advice, and is not affiliated with Student Finance England, UCAS, any university or government body. Rules, amounts and processes can change. Always confirm current details at gov.uk and with the relevant provider. © 2026 Dream Wise Education Ltd.
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