Quick glance
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements listed apply to 2026 entry.
IB requirements
IB score
IB Diploma 32 points including acceptable science subjects at Higher Level 5,5 or 6,4
IB requirements
IB Diploma 32 points including HL6,4 or HL5,5 in at least 1 of HL biology or chemistry plus a second HL science from: biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, geography, computer science, psychology or sports, exercise and health science
or
IB Higher Level Certificates 6,6,5 or 7,6,4 or 7,5,5 including an acceptable combination of science subjects as outlined above
HL or SL chemistry is a requirement for applicants who have not achieved GCSE chemistry, combined science or equivalent.
A level and GCSE requirements
A levels
AAB or A*BB or A*AC
or
ABB or AAC or A*BC plus an A in the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) or Level 3 Core Maths qualification
Required subjects
AAB including at least one of biology or chemistry, plus a second science-based subject from biology, chemistry, food science and nutrition/food technology, home economics, geography, IT, maths, physics, PE or psychology
Excluded subjects
Science and society, general studies, critical thinking, citizenship studies, leisure studies
GCSEs
Maths 4 (C) or above and English 4 (C) or above.
Chemistry 5 (B) or an integrated science such as combined science 55 (BB) if A level chemistry is not being taken.
Please note that A level chemistry is a requirement for applicants who do not have GCSE chemistry at grade B/5 or an integrated science course such as GCSE combined science at grade BB/55.
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and Core Maths
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
If you have already achieved your EPQ at grade A you will automatically be offered one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject. If you are still studying for your EPQ you will receive the standard course offer, with a condition of one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject if you achieve an A grade in your EPQ.
Please note that if you qualify for an enhanced contextual offer, your EPQ will not be taken into consideration as we are unable to make any further adjustments to your offer.
Level 3 Core Maths
If you have already achieved your Level 3 Core Maths at grade A you will automatically be offered one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject. If you are still studying for your Level 3 Core Maths you will receive the standard course offer, and also an alternate offer with a condition of one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject if you achieve an A grade in your Level 3 Core Maths.
If you qualify for a contextual offer, your Level 3 Core Maths will be taken into consideration and the appropriate adjustment will be made to your offer.
Please note that if you qualify for an enhanced contextual offer, your Level 3 Core Maths will not be taken into consideration as we are unable to make any further adjustments to your offer.
Alternative qualifications
We recognise that applicants have a wealth of different experiences and follow a variety of pathways into higher education.
Consequently we treat all applicants with alternative qualifications (besides A levels and the International Baccalaureate) on an individual basis, and we gladly accept students with a whole range of less conventional qualifications including:
- Access to HE Diploma
- Advanced Diploma
- BTEC HND/HNC
- BTEC Extended Diploma
This list is not exhaustive. The entry requirements for alternative qualifications can be quite specific; for example you may need to take certain modules and achieve a specified grade in those modules. Please contact us to discuss the transferability of your qualification. Please see the alternative qualifications page for more information.
RQF BTEC Nationals
Applications are assessed on an individual basis to ensure sufficient science has been studied. We will consider the following:
- RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma DDD
- RQF Level 3 BTEC National Diploma DD plus one A level at grade A
- RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Certificate D plus two A levels grades AB
The required A levels for mixed BTEC and A level grade profiles depends on the science content studied in the BTEC.
Access to HE Diploma
Applications are assessed on an individual basis to ensure the science requirements for the course are met. Where an offer is made, our standard requirements are:
- Access to HE Diploma 30 graded Level 3 credits at Distinction, usually including 15 biology or chemistry credits and 15 credits from a second acceptable science subject, plus 15 graded Level 3 credits at Merit
Applicants who are studying at least 30 science credits overall but not an equal split between subjects may still be considered – please contact us for more information.
IELTS/English requirements
IELTS
7.0 (no less than 6.5 in any element)
English language requirements
As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications. This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English. Check our English language policies and equivalencies for further details.
For presessional English or one-year foundation courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations.
If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a Presessional English for Academic Purposes (PEAP) course. Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.
if you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.
High school qualifications
Check our country-specific information for guidance on qualifications from your country.
Visa restrictions
International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying full-time courses. The University of Nottingham does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time courses. The Standard Visitor visa route is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university’s Visa and Immigration team if you need advice about your visa options.
Foundation progression options
If you don't meet our entry requirements there is the option to study the science foundation programme. You may have the opportunity to progress onto the BSc programme, subject to your performance on the foundation programme. There is a course for UK students and one for EU/international students.
Mature students
At the University of Nottingham, we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information on the mature students webpage.
Notes for applicants
Applicants are required to pass an interview to be admitted to the programme.
All applications must include a personal statement, which is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your interest in and suitability for the course. Your personal statement and reference are not formally scored as part of the recruitment process, although in some instances may be considered for decision-making purposes alongside your interview performance.
Health and police checks are required for this course.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old by the end of the calendar year they start their MNutr Nutrition and Dietetics degree. This is to meet the requirements for the clinical placements of the course.