Direct University Entry
Meet the university’s standard academic and other entry requirements and begin the undergraduate degree directly.
CourseDig Degree Routes
Undergraduate Entry
Start your route towards a Bachelor's degree from the qualification level you have now.
Explore common undergraduate entry routes, including direct university entry, Level 3 Foundation study and other recognised progression options, subject to individual university requirements.
The right route depends on your current qualifications, subject requirements and the individual university’s admission criteria.
Undergraduate Entry Routes
How undergraduate entry can work
Different learners start from different qualification levels. These are some of the common routes towards undergraduate study.
Level 3 Foundation Route
Complete an eligible Level 3 qualification designed to support progression towards undergraduate study where direct university entry is not yet appropriate.
Other Alternative Entry Routes
Use another recognised progression route where the university accepts an alternative entry pathway.
Universities set their own entry requirements and decide which qualifications and progression routes they accept.
Foundation Pathway Support
Need a Level 3 qualification before university?
If you do not yet hold an appropriate Level 3 qualification, OVS Edu can help you identify and complete a suitable Level 3 Foundation programme designed to support progression towards undergraduate study.
After successful completion, you may be able to progress to an eligible undergraduate degree, subject to the university’s entry requirements.
01
Current Qualification
Start from the qualification level you already have.
02
OVS Edu Level 3 Foundation
Complete an appropriate Level 3 Foundation programme with OVS Edu.
03
Undergraduate Degree Entry
Progress towards an eligible undergraduate degree, subject to the university’s entry requirements.
Who is this for?
Who may benefit from an Undergraduate Entry route?
School leaver
You are completing or have completed secondary education and want to explore your next academic step.
Learner without direct entry qualifications
You do not yet meet standard university entry requirements and may need a Level 3 Foundation or other recognised entry route.
Mature learner or career changer
You are returning to education or moving into a new subject area and need a structured route towards undergraduate study.
International learner
You hold qualifications from outside the UK and want to explore possible routes into UK undergraduate study.
OVS Edu Foundation Options
Explore selected Level 3 Foundation routes
OVS Edu offers selected Level 3 Foundation programmes across a range of subject areas for eligible learners preparing for progression towards undergraduate study.
Business & Management
Computing & IT
Health & Social Care
Accounting & Finance
Law
Not sure which Foundation course is right for you? OVS Edu can help you identify a suitable starting point based on your current qualifications and study goals.
Typical Progression Examples
See how undergraduate entry routes can progress
These examples show how a suitable secondary or Level 3 qualification may support progression towards relevant undergraduate study.
Business & Management
Secondary qualification or Level 3 route → Business, Management or related undergraduate degree
Computing & IT
Secondary qualification or Level 3 route → Computer Science, Computing, IT or related undergraduate degree
Accounting & Finance
Secondary qualification or Level 3 route → Accounting, Finance or related undergraduate degree
Health & Social Care
Secondary qualification or Level 3 route → Health, Social Care or related undergraduate degree
Entry routes vary by qualification, subject requirements and individual university admission criteria. These examples are illustrative and do not guarantee entry.
Before You Apply
What may universities check for undergraduate entry?
Academic qualifications
Universities will consider whether your current qualifications meet the course’s entry requirements.
Required grades
Some courses require specific grades or points for entry.
Subject requirements
Certain degrees may require prior study in specific subjects.
English language
Where applicable, you may need to meet the university’s English language requirements.
Mathematics or English requirements
Some universities may require evidence of appropriate Mathematics or English qualifications.
Application information
Universities may consider your personal statement, references or other application information.
Portfolio or interview
Some courses may require a portfolio, interview, audition or other additional assessment.
University admission criteria
Each university sets its own entry requirements and makes the final admission decision.
CourseDig can help you explore relevant undergraduate options, but final admission decisions are made by the individual university.
Find Your Starting Point
Which route may fit my starting point?
Start with what you already have.
I already meet university entry requirements
You may be able to apply directly to an undergraduate degree.
Browse Undergraduate CoursesI do not yet hold an appropriate Level 3 qualification
You may be suitable for a Level 3 Foundation route before progressing towards undergraduate study.
Explore OVS Foundation Courses(opens in a new tab)I already hold Level 5, HND or equivalent
You may be better suited to a Top-up Degree route.
Explore Top-up DegreesI already hold a Bachelor's degree
You may be better suited to Postgraduate Routes.
Explore Postgraduate RoutesNext Step
Start exploring your undergraduate entry options
Search undergraduate courses with CourseDig, or speak with OVS Edu if you need a suitable Level 3 Foundation route before progressing towards university.