Frequently Asked Questions Index
Frequently Asked Questions about Admissions
I am interested in a programme you offer. What are the entry requirements for this programme?
The easiest way to find this information is via our web page for prospective students. Just click on the programme you are interested in, and you will be able to view the entry requirements for this programme towards the bottom of the page.
(Please note: if you have seen conflicting material, the information on the website will be the most up-to-date. Sometimes our prospectuses are printed in advance of the current academic year, and all details are subject to change).
Do the points I gained at AS level count towards my UCAS total?
No. Where UCAS points are specified in our entry requirements this refers to points achieved at A2 only, and is usually required from three A2 levels only.
I am interested in a programme you offer and I meet the entry requirements; how do I apply?
Students should submit an application through UCAS. Further information on the application process and deadlines are available on the main college site.
My predicted grades do not meet the entry requirements for the programme I want to study. Can I still apply?
We receive a very high number of applications for each of our programmes, and therefore we are unlikely to offer places to students who do not meet the stated entry requirements. However, we realise that it is impossible for absolutely accurate grade predictions to be made, so if your predicted grades are just below the advertised tariffs (i.e. by 20 UCAS points) you might still be considered. Please note that any offers we do make will be at least at the advertised tariff.
Students who do not meet our entry requirements may want to consider applying for our foundation programme.
Do you accept National diploma/BTEC/Access course/Foundation courses?
Because there are different types of qualifications, and a large variation of content within these types, we will consider applications on a case by case basis from students with these qualifications, where there is clear evidence of exceptional quality and when we are satisfied that the qualification offered is of sufficient academic rigour. It is likely that an interview will also be requested to assess your knowledge on the subject. Some of our programmes are exempt however, and do not accept these qualifications, please see individual programme pages for more details.
Access courses must be OCN (open college network) accredited.
I am a mature student interested in studying one of your programmes. What qualifications will I need?
We welcome applications from mature students, and you are usually still required to meet the standard entry requirements for our programmes. If you have, for example, extensive relevant work or research experience but not quite matching qualifications, you can contact us for further advice. Applications will be considered on individual merits.
What do you look for in a UCAS application?
The four most important parts of the UCAS form for us are as follows:
1. Grades you have already achieved. We make sure that you have reached basic requirements in English and Maths (C at GCSE or equivalent), and we consider the grades you have achieved in relevant subjects (i.e. Chemistry and/or Biology and any other sciences).
2. Grades you are predicted to achieve. We will check that you are predicted to meet the entry requirements for the programme you have applied for. If your predicted grades do not meet the standard offer, we do not immediately discard your form, but we might be unable to make you an offer.
3. Your academic reference. What we are looking for here is evidence that you are fundamentally a good student: that you can interact appropriately with both your tutors and your peers, that you put a sufficient amount of effort into your studies, that you are motivated and committed to your studies, and any other positive attributes you hold as a student.
4. Next, we read the personal statement. This is the part of the UCAS form over which you have direct influence. What we look for in the personal statement is evidence of enthusiasm, potential, and originality; as well as relevant experience outside of your formal studies.
Where can I find out about the accommodation offered by your university?
The student accommodation at Queen Mary is dealt with by our residences team. They will be able to provide you with information on what accommodation we have available for students, how and when to apply, and any other questions you may have.
I am applying from overseas. Is there anything I should know as an international applicant?
As an international applicant, you may have studied for different qualifications than those stated in our entry requirements. To find out whether we accept your qualification, and how your grades/marks would translate, you can visit our web page for international applicants.
Here you will also find lots of valuable information including our English language requirements, how to apply for one of our programmes, and funding; as well as more general information about living and studying in the UK.
We constantly seek students of the highest quality, and, in recognition of the important investment that overseas students are making in their education, we are pleased to offer Science and Engineering Scholarships of £1500 per year to reward outstanding academic achievement. We are also pleased to offer higher level Science and Engineering Excellence Scholarships of £3,500 per year to students with UK A-Levels with grades AAA or overseas equivalent. Eligible students will automatically be considered for the scholarship. Certain programmes of study are excluded (click here for details).
I would like to visit your university. How and when can I do this?
We have three options for students wanting to visit Queen Mary:
1. College open days: Queen Mary holds two college open days per year for all prospective undergraduate students. Details of these can be found on the main College website.
2. Departmental open days: The School of Biological and Chemical Sciences holds subject-specific open days for students who have applied to us. These open days are invite-only.
3. Campus tours: Students who have not been invited to an open day but would like to visit the university (e.g. before making a decision about where to apply) can arrange a campus tour through our School Liaison staff. Details are available here.
Would I be required to attend an interview?
If you are applying for the following programmes you would be required to attend an interview:
BSc Chemistry (F100)
MSci Chemistry (F103)
BSc Chemistry with Biochemistry (F1C7)
MSci Pharmaceutical Chemistry (F152)
MSci Pharmaceutical Chemistry with a year in Industry (F153)
BSc Pharmaceutical Chemistry (F154)
If you are applying for the following programmes, an interview will not usually be requested:
BSc Biochemistry (C700)
BSc Biology (C100)
BSc Biology with Psychology (C1C8)
BSc Biomedical Sciences (B990)
BSc Genetics (C400)
BSc Medical Genetics (C431)
BSc Psychology (C800)
BSc Zoology (C300)
BSc Zoology with Aquatic Biology (C3C1)
I would like to study your Biomedical Sciences programme and go on to study Medicine afterwards. Is this possible?
A high proportion of graduates from Biomedical Sciences (and other programmes) go on to study Medicine or Dentistry. You would need to complete the three year BSc programme, and then apply for either the four year Graduate Entry Programme (GEP) or the normal five year programme in Medicine.
Our Biomedical Sciences programme can also be a starting point for studying Dentistry.
Can I transfer to your university from my current institution?
We do not normally allow students to transfer onto any of our programmes once they have started their studies elsewhere. This includes students wanting to transfer during their first year, and students looking to transfer to us for their second or third year of study.
We also usually do not accept applications from students who have started their studies at a different institution and wish to restart their studies in their first year with us.
For students studying with the Open University slightly different procedures apply. Please email our admissions team for details.
I am offering more than 3 A-levels, will all of these A-levels be taken into account for any offer that can be made?
Any offers we make will only be based on three of your A-level subjects. These will be specified in the terms of our offer, which you will receive via UCAS track.
Do you accept applications from students who are re-sitting their A-levels?
We usually do not mind if students are re-sitting all, or components of, their A-levels to get higher grades. However, in cases where we can make you an offer, we might ask for a slightly higher overall tariff if you are not re-taking a full set of A-levels. Students planning to subsequently apply to Medicine are encouraged to discuss policy on re-sits with any medical schools they are thinking of applying to.
Are any of your programmes accredited?
The BSc Biomedical Science (Hons) degree has been accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science.
The BSc Psychology is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as conferring eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC).
If you have a query that has not been answered here, please contact our admissions team at sbcs-admissions@qmul.ac.uk