
Applying to King's College London
Learn everything you need to know about applying to King's College London.
King's welcomes applicants to our undergraduate courses from countries all over the world.
Entry requirements will vary according to the course of study, so it is important to check specific entry qualifications within our online prospectus on the individual course pages under the 'Entry requirements' section. International entry requirements can also be found in this location under 'International applicants'.
If your country or qualification is not listed on the online prospectus please contact our King's Advisors for further help.
Our online prospectus will have further details of selection procedures and any other requirements for entry onto your chosen course.
Some of the programmes we offer require you to have studied a subject or subjects to a certain level before commencing your undergraduate studies. These are specified in the programme entry requirements as required subjects. Preferred subjects indicate that you may be at an advantage if you are studying the subject(s); however it is not compulsory for admission.
Temporary amendment to standard resit policies
The University has implemented a temporary suspension of resit policies for all undergraduate programmes due to the ongoing disruption to education across the world. This means that all our standard resit policies for undergraduate programmes will pause for applications received in the 2021/22 admissions cycle.
The below is the standard information on resits, which is expected to be reintroduced from the 2022/23 admissions cycle.
Every undergraduate programme available to study at King’s will have a list of entry requirements, which can be found on our online prospectus. If a programme includes any requirements regarding applicants that have re-sat their qualifications, this will be clearly stated under the ‘Entry requirements’ tab for your chosen programme of study. We strongly advise that you take some time to review our online prospectus before making an application to study at King's. For some of our very competitive courses, you should bear in mind that your application will be reviewed alongside other strong applicants, who might be viewed more favourably if they achieved the required grades within the standard study period, for example, two years for A-levels. Applicants who have recently achieved grades which are below the entry criteria, and have subsequently studied/are studying another eligible qualification to seek entry, such as an Access to HE Diploma or a UK Foundation programme, may also be considered as a resit applicant.
We understand that some applicants may offer a combination of level 3 qualifications taken at the same time and we can consider certain combinations for entry onto our undergraduate programmes. For example, we can consider combinations of two A-levels and one Pre-U Principal Subject or one A-level and two Pre-U Principal Subjects. Our A-level BTEC combinations can be found on the individual course pages.
Combinations of different level 3 qualifications are considered on a case-by-case basis and we do not count qualifications taken in the same subject as two separate qualifications at level 3.
All the programmes below require students to take an aptitude test in addition to meeting other entry requirements. This provides us with additional information about an applicant's abilities and potential.
These tests are compulsory so it is important that you check the online prospectus entry for your programme for further details of how these test results are used in selection, and to ensure that you make arrangements for taking the test in good time (where applicable).
Aptitude tests
Course |
Aptitude test |
Deadline for taking test |
Law (M100, M121, M122, M123, M190) Politics, Philosophy & Law (LM21) |
By 26 January in the year of applying for all applicants |
|
Dentistry (A205, A206, A202) Medicine (A100, A101, A102) |
Before applying |
A few things to note:
You must take the exact test specified: for example, for Medicine we require the UCAT, and we will not accept the BMAT.
If you usually require special arrangements for assessments (for example, extra time or a particular test environment) due to a learning difference or disability, make sure that you inform the test provider in good time.
Some test providers will charge a fee for taking this test. However, usually the provider will be able to waive fees or provide a discount/bursary for applicants in financial need: exact arrangements may vary so please do check with the test provider.
UCAS tariff points are not used when assessing applications to our undergraduate programmes. Instead, entry requirements are expressed in terms of qualifications and/or grade requirements. For further information on a particular programme, please visit our online prospectus.
To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies. The exception is if the university is satisfied that your previous academic record shows that you can study and be examined in the English language.
Find out more on our English language requirements webpage.
Our conditional offers are based on three A-level subjects. If you are studying four or more A-level subjects, we will take the highest three grades into consideration for assessment. High achievement in additional A-level subjects may compensate for an applicant who narrowly fails to achieve the A-level offer.
If you have achieved your A-level grades already please declare these on your application. If you are taking your A-levels in the year you are applying, we would expect predicted grades to be provided for these by your referee.
For the majority of our undergraduate programmes, we do not consider AS-levels and applicants are required to complete A-levels in full.
Please note that whilst King’s encourages students to stretch themselves academically, students who are entered early for their examinations should have the potential to achieve the same grade as might be expected if they were entered in the standard year. Therefore, if you gain an A-level B in Year 11, this will not be considered as competitive as a student who achieved a grade A in year 12.
A-levels in General Studies, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and Global Perspectives are not accepted by King’s as one of your A-levels.
King’s believes that practical skills are a vital part of a Science education. Where an applicant is studying linear A Levels in England, a pass in the practical endorsement is required in all Science subjects. This is with the exception of private candidates who are unable to take the practical component.
All modern foreign language A-levels can be used for entry regardless of an applicant's native language. Any subject requirements for the programme must also be met.
King’s welcomes applicants with the UK Access to HE Diploma, and will usually specify a certain number of Level 3 credits required at Distinction and Merit level.
Where our entry requirements specify compulsory or preferred subjects, you may be asked for additional information on the subject content of your Diploma. Please check the online programme pages carefully for subject specific requirements. However, where accepted, as a general guide:
A-level requirements |
Equivalent Access to HE Diploma requirements |
A*A*A |
45 Level 3 credits: 42 must be from units awarded at Distinction, with 3 level 3 credits at Merit |
A*AA |
45 Level 3 credits: 39 must be from units awarded at Distinction, with 6 level 3 credits at Merit |
AAA |
45 Level 3 credits: 36 must be from units awarded at Distinction, with 9 level 3 credits at Merit |
AAB |
45 Level 3 credits: 33 must be from units awarded at Distinction, with 12 level 3 credits at Merit |
ABB |
45 Level 3 credits: 30 must be from units awarded at Distinction, with 15 level 3 credits at Merit |
BBB |
45 Level 3 credits: 30 credits must be from units awarded at Distinction, 12 from units awarded at Merit, and 3 from units awarded at Pass |
Please check our online prospectus carefully to check acceptability for your preferred programme of study at King's. You can find a list of accredited Access to HE courses in your area on the Access to HE Diploma website.
We recognise that many referees may not feel in a position to accurately predict Access to HE results early in the application cycle. However, to ensure a fair assessment is applied to all applicants, we do require predicted grades and, therefore, where a referee is unable to provide predicted grades at the point of application, the Admissions team will contact you via King’s Apply to request predicted grades, and will be unable to progress your application further without them. A final deadline will be set for the predicted grades to be provided.
Applicants with US high school qualifications can meet our entry requirements through a combination of APs, SATs and ACTs listed below.
Requirement: You must take one option from Column A (i) and one option from Column A (ii). Alternatively, take one option from Column B. |
|||
|
Column A (i) |
Column A (ii) |
Column B |
A*A*A |
555 in three AP subjects |
ACT at 30 |
55555 in five APs |
720, 720, 700 in three SAT subject tests |
SATR at 1410 (minimum 620 in Maths and 650 in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing) |
||
5 in one AP subject and 720, 720 in two SAT subject tests |
|
||
55 in two AP subjects and 720 in one SAT subject test |
|
||
A*AA |
555 in three AP subjects |
ACT at 29 |
55554 in five APs |
720, 700, 700 in three SAT subject tests |
SATR at 1380 (minimum 620 in Maths and 650 in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing) |
||
5 in one AP subject and 700, 720 in two SAT subject tests |
|
||
55 in two AP subjects and 720 in one SAT subject test |
|
||
AAA |
555 in three AP subjects |
ACT at 28 |
55544 in five APs |
700, 700, 700 in three SAT subject tests |
SATR at 1380 (minimum 600 in Maths and 640 in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing) |
||
5 in one AP subject and 700, 700 in two SAT subject tests |
|
||
55 in two AP subjects and 700 in one SAT subject test |
|
||
AAB |
554 in three AP subjects |
ACT at 28 |
55444 in five APs |
700, 700, 650 in three SAT subject tests |
SATR at 1350 (minimum 600 in Maths and 640 in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing) |
||
5 in one AP subject and 700, 650 in two SAT subject tests |
|
||
4 in one AP subject and 700, 700 in two SAT subject tests |
|
||
55 in two AP subjects and 650 in two SAT subject tests |
|
||
54 in two AP subjects and 700 in one SAT subject test |
|
||
ABB |
544 in three AP subjects |
ACT at 27 |
54444 in five APs |
700, 650, 650 in three SAT subject tests |
SATR at 1320 (minimum 600 in Maths and 640 in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing) |
||
4 in one AP subject and 700, 650 in two SAT subject tests |
|
||
5 in one AP subject and 650, 650 in two SAT Subject Tests |
|
||
44 in two AP subjects and 700 in one SAT subject test |
|
||
54 in two AP subjects and 650 in one SAT subject test |
|
||
BBB |
444 in three AP subjects |
ACT at 26 |
44444 in five APs |
650, 650, 650 in three SAT subject tests |
SATR at 1300 (minimum 600 in Maths and 620 in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing) |
||
4 in one AP subject and 650, 650 in two SAT subject tests |
|
||
44 in two AP subjects and 650 in one SAT subject test |
|
Where our online prospectus asks for a specific subject grade at A-level, we would require the following:
A* |
Achieve 5 in the required AP subject test or 720 in the required SAT subject test |
A |
Achieve 5 in the required AP subject test or 700 in the required SAT subject test |
B |
Achieve 4 in the required AP subject test or 650 in the required SAT subject test |
For programmes with a Mathematics subject requirement, applicants will need to complete AP Calculus BC or SAT Subject Test Maths Level 2.
For programmes with a Physics subject requirement, applicants will need to complete either AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism or AP Physics C: Mechanics or SAT Subject Test Physics.
If an applicant is taking more than one AP/SAT Subject Test in the same subject, we are only able to count it as one subject.
AP Microeconomics and AP Macroeconomics can be considered as individual APs.
AP European History, AP US History and AP World History can be considered as individual APs.
AP Capstone Research and Seminar is not accepted. We also do not consider AP classes towards meeting our entry requirements and applicants must have taken, or be taking, AP exams.
The AQA Baccalaureate has the potential to develop many skills which may prove beneficial when studying at King’s. The AQA Baccalaureate will not however be considered in place of the standard A-level requirements.
Most of our undergraduate programmes will consider the AQA Level 3 Extended Certificate in Science and AQA Level 3 Extended Certificate in Business, with the exception of Medicine and Dentistry. These qualifications must be taken in conjunction with two A-levels and Distinctions are usually required.
Where our entry requirements specify compulsory or preferred subjects, applicants will be expected to meet this with their A-level qualification. Please note we do not accept the AQA Level 3 Certificate for entry onto our undergraduate programmes.
Most of our undergraduate programmes will consider the following Pearson BTEC and OCR Cambridge Technicals qualifications, with the exception of Medicine and Dentistry.
We accept both BTEC Nationals and BTEC International with the same entry requirements.
Please check our online prospectus for the specific requirements for the programme you are interested in.
Most programmes will require a BTEC or Cambridge Technical qualification to be accompanied by one or two A-levels, and Distinctions are usually required. Where our entry requirements specify compulsory or preferred subjects, applicants will be expected to meet this with their A-level qualification.
Please note, if an application is received for a programme where the entry requirements state that A-levels are required alongside the BTEC/Cambridge Technical but no A-levels are declared on the application, the application will be made unsuccessful. Therefore, to avoid using one of your five UCAS choices on an application that will be automatically rejected, please check the entry requirements before applying to ensure you are completing the required combination of qualifications for that programme.
180 credits |
120 credits |
90 credits |
60 credits |
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (QCF) |
BTEC Level 3 Diploma (QCF) |
BTEC Level 3 90-Credit Diploma (QCF) |
BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma (QCF) |
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (RQF) |
BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (RQF) |
BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (RQF) |
BTEC National Extended Certificate (RQF) |
CTEC Extended Diploma |
CTEC Diploma |
CTEC Subsidiary Diploma |
CTEC Introductory Diploma |
CTEC Foundation Diploma |
CTEC Extended certificate |
King’s welcomes applications from students studying the Pre-U. Each programme will require a specific level of achievement in the three Principal subjects. We recognise that some students might offer a mixed portfolio of Pre-U and A-level qualifications and are experienced in assessing such applications. As a guide:
A-level requirements |
Equivalent Cambridge Pre-U requirements |
A*A*A |
D2 D2 D3 in three Pre-U Principal subjects |
A*AA |
D2 D3 D3 in three Pre-U Principal subjects |
AAA |
D3 D3 D3 in three Pre-U Principal subjects |
AAB |
D3 D3 M2 in three Pre-U Principal subjects |
ABB |
D3 M2 M2 in three Pre-U Principal subjects |
BBB |
M2 M2 M2 in three pre-U Principal subjects |
Pre-U Global Perspectives is not accepted by King’s as one of your Pre-U Principal subjects. However, the grade may be taken into account if a candidate falls just short of the conditions of their offer.
We recognise that Core Maths qualifications have the potential to develop a level of mathematical skill that would be beneficial for studying many of our undergraduate programmes, and we will accept Core Maths in lieu of any required maths grade at GCSE, using the below equivalencies. However, where maths is a required subject at A level, we would not consider Core Maths to be a suitable alternative for meeting this requirement.
King's has agreed the following grade equivalencies:
GCSE (A*- G) |
Core Maths |
A*/8 |
A |
A/7 |
B |
B/6 |
C |
C/5 |
C |
Students studying Foundation Year programmes are welcome to apply for our programmes. Foundation programmes from other universities and further education providers in the UK are considered on a case-by-case basis. Whether or not we can consider a particular foundation year as suitable for study at King's depends on the content of the syllabus and modules studied. In the past we have accepted foundation programmes from University College London, the University of Warwick and SOAS, University of London.
Once you have submitted an application, the Admissions Office may asked for further details on your qualification, such as a list of modules and course specifications, in order to make a fair assessment of your application.
Please note, foundation years that are integrated as part of a 4 year BA/BSc programme are not accepted at King’s unless an official exit award is awarded by the institution. In such cases, the foundation year will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Where we specify a requirement for GCSE grade 4 in English or Maths in our Nursing and Midwifery pre-registration programmes, we are able to accept a ‘Pass’ in Functional Skills Level 2 in English or Maths as meeting the GCSE requirement.
However, where we specify a requirement for GCSE grades 5, B/6 or A/7, Functional Skills would not be accepted in place of the GCSE.
The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) has the potential to develop many skills which may prove beneficial when studying at King’s. The EPQ will not however be considered in place of standard A-level (or equivalent) requirements.
Some programmes require students to have achieved a certain standard(s) at GCSE (or equivalent below) in addition to higher qualifications (such as A-levels). For example, students applying for a degree leading to registration as a nurse or midwife must have achieved five GCSEs at grade C or above, including English Language, Mathematics and Science.
Please note that whilst King’s encourages students to stretch themselves academically, students who are entered early for their public examinations should have the potential to achieve the same grade as might be expected if they were entered in the standard year. This means that a student who gains a GCSE Grade B in Year 10 will be considered to have Grade B and will not be considered favourably when compared to students who achieved Grade A in the standard year of examination.
Note: If GCSE is your highest qualification, you will need to undertake further study before you are eligible to apply for a programme at King's.
Since summer 2017, student’s GCSE English and GCSE Maths exam results are graded from 9-1 instead of A*-G. From summer 2019, all GCSE subjects are graded this way. King's has agreed the following grade equivalencies:
GCSE (9 to 1)
GCSE (A*- G) |
GCSE (9 to 1) |
A* |
8 and above |
A |
7 |
B |
6 |
C |
5 |
Since summer 2019, all GCSE subjects in Northern Ireland from CCEA are graded on a new nine-letter grading scale from A*-G. This grading scale will introduce the new C* grade. King's has agreed the following grade equivalencies:
GCSEs Northern Ireland
GCSE (9 to 1) |
GCSE (A* - C* - G) |
9 |
A* |
8 |
A |
7 |
A |
6 |
B |
5 |
C* |
4 |
C |
International A-levels from Cambridge International Examinations, Oxford International AQA Examinations and Pearson Edexcel are accepted as equivalent to GCE A-levels on a grade-per-grade basis. Other providers are not currently accepted.
King’s welcomes students from the UK and across the globe studying the IB Diploma. Our offers will usually specify certain marks in three subjects at Higher Level, in addition to an overall point score for the whole Diploma. Our point score includes points for Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and the Extended Essay (EE). As a guide:
A-level requirements |
Equivalent IB requirements |
A*A*A |
35 points overall and three Higher Level subjects at 776 |
A*AA |
35 points overall and three Higher Level subjects at 766 |
AAA |
5 points overall and three Higher Level subjects at 666 |
AAB |
35 points overall and three Higher Level subjects at 665 |
ABB |
34 points overall and three Higher Level subjects at 655 |
BBB |
32 points overall and three Higher Level subjects at 555 |
New IB Mathematics requirements
Since summer 2019, Year 11 students studying IB Mathematics can choose either the Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation pathway. King’s would expect to see IB students studying the new curriculum from 2021. Where Mathematics was previously required at Higher Level, King’s would ask applicants to study:
IB Maths requirements
HL Analysis and Approaches for the following programmes: |
Mathematics (all programmes) Physics (all programmes) Engineering (all Biomedical and Electronic programmes) |
Either pathway accepted at higher level for: |
Accounting and Finance BSc Economics BSc Economics and Management BSc Computer Science (all programmes) Chemistry (all programmes) Pharmacy Physiotherapy Psychology (all programmes) Sport and Exercise Medical Sciences |
If Maths is a listed as a preferred subject, either pathway would be adequate preparation for the programme. When Maths is required at GCSE level, IB applicants can use either pathway at Standard Level or the Maths component of their IB Middle Years programme to meet this requirements.
King’s welcomes students from the UK and across the globe studying the IB Careers Programme (IBCP). Most of our programmes will consider the IBCP as a combination of IB certificates and Level 3 BTEC diplomas. Combinations with other acceptable Level 3 qualifications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
We will usually be asking for Distinctions and HL5, HL6 or HL7, but please check our online prospectus for programme-specific requirements for BTEC qualifications.
Where our entry requirements specify compulsory or preferred subjects, we will be looking for this to have been met via the subject content of the BTEC or Higher Level.
King's welcomes applications from students studying Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers. Our offers normally require applicants to take two Advanced Highers in addition to three Highers. Comparable typical offer requirements:
A-level requirements |
Equivalent Higher and Advanced Higher requirements |
A*A*A |
AAA at Higher in one sitting and AA at Advanced Higher (we do not count the Higher and Advanced Higher in the same subject) |
A*AA |
AAB at Higher in one sitting and AA at Advanced Higher (we do not count the Higher and Advanced Higher in the same subject) |
AAA |
ABB at Higher in one sitting and AA at Advanced Higher (we do not count the Higher and Advanced Higher in the same subject) |
AAB |
ABB at Higher in one sitting and AB at Advanced Higher (we do not count the Higher and Advanced Higher in the same subject) |
BBB |
BBB at Higher in one sitting and AB at Advanced Higher (we do not count the Higher and Advanced Higher in the same subject) |
Some of the programmes we offer require you to have studied a subject or subjects to a certain level before commencing your undergraduate studies. Any required subjects must be met at Advanced Higher level. Where our online prospectus asks for a specific subject grade at A-level, we are likely to require A in the Advanced Higher subject for an A*, A in the Advanced Higher subject for an A and B in the Advanced Higher subject for a B (see our online prospectus for details of any compulsory/preferred subjects). Where our online prospectus states 'Preferred subjects', this indicates that you may be at an advantage if you are studying the subject(s); however they are not compulsory for admission.
King's does not count the Higher and Advanced Higher in the same subject. As an example, this means that an applicant offering Mathematics as a Higher level subject could not also use Advanced Higher level Mathematics to meet the typical offer requirements.
T levels have the potential to develop many skills which may prove beneficial when studying at King’s. T levels will not however be considered in place of the standard A-level requirements, with the exception of Nursing and Midwifery courses:
King’s would normally expect applicants taking the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate to have studied three subjects to A-level as part of their qualification, and would make an offer based on these A-level grades. However, where a school or college is unable to offer students a third A-level alongside the Welsh Baccalaureate, King’s would consider making an offer based on the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate alongside two A-levels. In these cases, a statement must be included in the first few lines of the UCAS reference to inform us of the school’s policy in this regard.
The UAL Foundation Diploma, Extended Diploma, and Diploma have the potential to develop many skills, however, these qualifications will not be considered in place of the standard A-level requirements.
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