Going to university without A levels

Twentyone

Twentyone

Twentyone

Soldato
Joined
20 Feb 2009
Posts
3,276
Ahoy.

So about a year ago I moved to the UK from Norway. After working for a bit I am now looking into doing some more education, only problem is that I moved to the UK just before I finished my A levels equivalent in Norway (stupid, I know)

So what I am wondering is, is it possible to get into a University without A levels or equivalent? Like just by taking an exam or test that can show that I am bright enough to do the course.

If not, is there any course I can take that will take less than a year that is not too expensive? Reason I need to get it done quite fast is because after this year I lose a lot of rights when it comes to scholarships and student loans and what I am eligible for from Norway.

I have looked at some courses you can do 18 hours a week of etc of some specialization but I’m not quite sure if that’s the right thing to be looking at to get into university.

So anyone that has done some of these courses, is it possible within a short time? Are there any other ways to go about this or am I screwed :p It all seems so complicated and all help is appreciated!
 
Could you not do a degree with a foundation year? This should allow you to apply for your scholarships and don't normally require any formal qualifications.
 
Look into doing a Foundation Degree, or applying as a mature student. If you contact the university on your own, show initiative, knowledge of the subject area (ask for a reading list and get your head down) and genuine interest; universities will often be hard pushed to refuse you.

Do not think that universities are a closed door in your circumstance. They're just as easy to get into but you've just got to be a little pragmatic about it.

Pick a university, pick a course and start harassing the relevent people to get you in.
 
By the way, what are you looking to study? Some courses will be harder to get on than others without qualifications. I.e Not a chance in hell of doing Medicine without Chem A-level but you could get on a Media type degree on experience alone...
 
I have very bad A levels, I did a foundation year, I'm now at the top of the class in terms of test scores, in my final year of a B.Eng honors degree.

You can go to Uni without A-levels, it just takes another year.
 
Sorry to thread hijack but how old do you need to be to class as a mature student? I never finished college but am wanting to go university this september.
 
Thanks for the help! It seems like a foundation year is what seems best if I cant get in without any A levels. Or I could do with Nix suggestion and show some initiative!

Moses99p said:
I guess you'd still classed as a foreign student? That's the important thing to get cleared up, because if you are I'd wager unis would love to accept you (and there can be admissions exams for foreign students [they have them at the LSE, for example]).
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Hm, well since I have moved here and already worked I think that would separate me from those who come, live on campus and leave when it's done. I don’t know how the laws are around that, maybe it changes after some years. It's something I have to look into when I get in contact with the university.
 
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