For almost every engineering degree in the UK you need A Level Maths. Most courses also expect A Level Physics, and chemical engineering courses usually want Chemistry alongside Maths. Typical offers range from BBB at newer universities to A*A*A at the most competitive ones. If you are an adult without those subjects, you can study A Level Maths, Physics and Chemistry online with Lift College, or take the Access to HE Diploma (Engineering) as a one-year alternative route.
Study A Level Maths online with Lift College or compare the Access to HE Diploma (Engineering).
Which A Levels do you need for engineering?
Engineering is one of the few degree subjects where universities are very specific about A Level subjects. The pattern across UK admissions is consistent:
| Subject | How often it is required | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Maths | Essential for almost all engineering degrees | Every branch of engineering runs on calculus, mechanics and algebra from week one |
| Physics | Required or strongly preferred for mechanical, civil, electrical, aerospace and general engineering | Forces, energy, electricity and materials are the core of the first year |
| Chemistry | Required for chemical engineering; useful for materials and biomedical engineering | Reaction kinetics and thermodynamics underpin process engineering |
| Further Maths | Preferred, not required, by a small number of highly selective courses | Signals strong mathematical ability; most universities do not expect it |
| Design and Technology, Computer Science, Electronics | Accepted as a useful third subject | Shows practical or computing aptitude but rarely replaces Physics |
The safe combination for the widest choice of engineering degrees is Maths, Physics and one other subject of your choice. For chemical engineering, swap that third subject for Chemistry.
What grades do engineering degrees ask for?
Entry grades vary more than the subjects do. Always check the specific course page on the university website or UCAS before you apply, but these bands give you a realistic picture:
| University type | Typical A Level offer | UCAS points (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Most selective (Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial and similar) | A*A*A to A*AA, with A* in Maths often expected | 160 to 168 |
| Russell Group and other research universities | AAA to AAB | 136 to 144 |
| Many other universities | ABB to BBB | 120 to 128 |
| Foundation year routes | BCC to CCC, or no specific subjects | 96 to 104 |
Grades convert to UCAS points as follows: A* = 56, A = 48, B = 40, C = 32, D = 24, E = 16. You can check your own total in our UCAS points table.
Do you need Physics A Level for engineering?
For most engineering degrees, yes in practice. Some universities list Physics as essential, others list it as preferred, and a handful accept Maths plus any science. If you did not take Physics, three options work:
- Study A Level Physics online alongside Maths. Adults can study at their own pace and sit the AQA exams at a Tutors & Exams centre in England.
- Apply to courses that accept Maths with Chemistry, Computer Science or Design and Technology as the second subject. These exist, but your choice of university narrows.
- Take an engineering foundation year, which teaches the physics content before the degree starts. This adds a year and a year of fees.
Do you need Further Maths for engineering?
No. Further Maths is listed as preferred by a small group of the most competitive courses, and it is never a hard requirement at the majority of UK universities. A high grade in Maths matters far more than a second maths qualification. If you are choosing between Further Maths and Physics, choose Physics: it keeps more engineering courses open to you.
A Levels for different branches of engineering
| Engineering branch | Essential | Usually expected | Helpful third subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical | Maths | Physics | Further Maths, Design and Technology |
| Civil and structural | Maths | Physics | Geography, Design and Technology |
| Electrical and electronic | Maths | Physics | Computer Science, Electronics |
| Aerospace and aeronautical | Maths | Physics | Further Maths |
| Chemical | Maths and Chemistry | Physics | Biology |
| Biomedical | Maths | Physics or Chemistry | Biology |
| Software and computer engineering | Maths | Computer Science or Physics | Further Maths |
| General engineering | Maths | Physics | Any science or technology subject |
Can you get into engineering without A Levels?
Yes. Universities accept several Level 3 alternatives, and the route you pick depends on how long you have and what you studied before.
- Access to HE Diploma (Engineering). A one-year Level 3 qualification designed for adults returning to study. It is graded in credits and can be worth up to 144 UCAS points, roughly equivalent to AAA. Most universities accept it for engineering degrees, although the most selective courses may still ask for A Level Maths as well. Lift College offers the Access to HE Diploma (Engineering) online.
- BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Engineering. Accepted by many universities, often with a requirement for a Merit or Distinction in specific maths units.
- T Level in Engineering and Manufacturing. A newer route for school leavers, worth up to 168 UCAS points at Distinction*.
- Degree apprenticeship. Earn while you study with an employer. Entry usually still asks for A Level Maths or a maths-heavy BTEC.
For an adult who already works and wants the fastest reliable route, the usual choice is between two online A Levels (Maths and Physics, typically 12 to 18 months, or faster if you study more each week) and the Access to HE Diploma (12 to 18 months). A Levels keep every university open; the Access route is faster and avoids exams.
How to study engineering A Levels online as an adult
Online A Levels follow the same AQA specifications as sixth forms, so universities treat them identically. With Lift College:
- You can start any time and study from home, with tutor support and a 7-day free trial.
- Lift College A Levels in Maths, Physics and Chemistry are AQA qualifications, the same ones used in schools.
- Exams are sat at a Tutors & Exams centre in England in the May and June exam series, with exam entry on the +Exams plan. Physics and Chemistry also have the CPAC practical endorsement, available at a Tutors & Exams laboratory venue.
- You can study two subjects at once, and multi course discounts apply.
Many adults take Maths and Physics together, aiming for the May and June exams about 18 months after they start, then apply through UCAS for the following September.
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Frequently asked questions
What A Levels do you need for mechanical engineering?
What A Levels do you need for aerospace engineering?
What A Levels do you need for civil engineering?
Can I do engineering with Maths and Chemistry but no Physics?
Is a BBB offer realistic for an engineering degree?
Can adults take A Level Maths and Physics online?
Sources checked
- UCAS, Tariff points tables for A Levels, Access to HE and T Levels
- AQA, A Level Mathematics (7357), Physics (7408) and Chemistry (7405) specifications
- Gov.uk, Access to Higher Education Diploma and T Level guidance