Entry Requirements

Luma accepts A-levels, BTEC Extended Diplomas, International Baccalaureate, Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers, Welsh Baccalaureate, T-levels and equivalent international qualifications. Typical A-level offers range from BBC to AAB depending on subject demand and professional accreditation requirements.

GCSE requirements apply to most programmes: grade 4/C in English language and mathematics is standard, with some courses requiring higher grades or additional GCSEs in science subjects. Nursing, midwifery and education programmes may require GCSE science at grade 4/C or equivalent. Equivalent qualifications such as Functional Skills are accepted for mature applicants in some circumstances.

Taught Master's programmes generally require a UK honours degree at 2:2 or above in a relevant discipline. Competitive programmes including MSc Finance, LLM and MBA typically require a 2:1. Professional experience may substitute for academic qualifications on the MBA and selected management programmes.

Research degree applicants should hold a Master's degree with distinction or a first-class Bachelor's with research experience, though exceptional candidates with a 2:1 and a strong proposal may be considered. Professional doctorates such as the EdD and DBA have additional requirements including substantial senior professional experience.

Some programmes require supplementary application steps. Nursing and social work applicants attend values-based interviews and must pass occupational health and DBS checks before enrolment. PGCE applicants complete literacy and numeracy skills tests as part of the selection process. Law applicants are not required to sit LNAT.

Portfolio submission is required for BA Fine Art, BA Graphic Design and MA Creative Writing. Music applicants attend audition. These requirements are detailed on individual course pages and in offer communications. Failure to complete additional requirements by specified deadlines may result in withdrawal of the offer.

We evaluate international qualifications against UK equivalencies using UK ENIC (formerly NARIC) guidance. Applicants from countries with national university entrance examinations should include certified results. Indian applicants typically require 60–70 per cent from a recognised university depending on programme; Chinese applicants require 75–80 per cent from a Project 211 institution for postgraduate study.

If your qualification is not listed on our country-specific pages, contact admissions@luma.ac.uk with scanned certificates for preliminary assessment. Conditional offers may be issued pending formal credential evaluation.

Luma participates in contextual admissions schemes to widen participation. Applicants who have attended a state school in a low-participation neighbourhood, spent time in local authority care, or are estranged from their family may receive offers up to two A-level grades below standard requirements. Eligibility is assessed automatically from UCAS data where possible.

The Luma Access Programme, completed in year 12 or 13, guarantees a reduced offer upon successful completion. Partner schools across the West Midlands receive dedicated outreach support. Contextual offers do not apply to programmes regulated by statutory bodies where minimum requirements are fixed nationally.