Welsh Baccalaurate Qualification
Higher Education Recognition Statements

(As at 25/04/06)

[NB:  This information is continually being updated.  
The fact that a HE institution is not included here does NOT mean that it will not recognise the WBQ]

Higher Education Institutions in Wales

Name of InstitutionStatement
Cardiff UniversityCardiff University welcomes applications from students offering breadth of education and diversity of learning experiences.  All applications to the University are considered by Admissions Tutors on their individual merits.  Applicants taking the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma will be made offers incorporating the Core plus specified subjects and grades in the optional qualifications, where these are compatible with the entry requirements for the scheme.  Please contact the relevant Admissions Tutor for more specific guidance.
University of Wales, Aberystwyth

Aberystwyth welcomes the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma (WBAD) and regards it as an excellent preparation for success in HE.

  • Aberystwyth will include the WBQ in its offers.
  • Aberystwyth welcomes the 120 point score allocated to the WBQ Core by the UCAS Tariff and will make offers on that basis.  Aberystwyth uses (and supports) the UCAS Tariff.
  • Aberystwyth recognises the Core as being equivalent to one A level at grade A.
  • The WBQ Core at level 3 will be appropriate for entry to HND schemes/foundation Degrees.
  • Aberystwyth recognises the breadth of learning and the range of skills offered by the award.  The added value of the whole award may provide a more exacting learning experience than the traditional three A levels.  Aberystwyth will make a differential offer to WBQ applicants – typically a 20 point reduction (e.g. WBQ applicants would receive a 280 point offer rather than a 300 point offer) to recognise the range of skills and the breadth of learning required in the achievement of the full Qualification.
  • Please note that degree schemes that require A levels in relevant subjects for progression purposes e.g. Mathematics A level for Mathematics will continue to do so.  Applicants for these subjects must offer the relevant A level as part of the WBAD (please see prospectus for details of A level prerequisites).

University of Wales, Bangor

The University welcomes applications from students following this qualification and offers will vary to reflect both the course applied for and the qualification profile of the applicant.
University of Wales, GlamorganThe University considers the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma a valuable preparation for Higher Education and recognises the breadth of learning and experiences it offers students.  The University therefore welcomes applications from students who are studying the Welsh Baccalaureate.  In line with the UCAS tariff, the University accepts the Welsh Baccalaureate core as worth 120 tariff points.  As with other qualifications, entry requirements for individual courses vary and applicants may need to have appropriate tariff points/grades in relevant subject(s) in qualifications of more than 3 units for entry to specific courses.  Applicants are encouraged to contact admissions advisers in the subjects for which they are applying for further information and advice.
University of Wales, LampeterApplicants will be required to pass the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma core (120 UCAS tariff points) as well as obtain an additional 100 tariff points from A or AS-level (or equivalent).
University of Wales, NewportThe University welcomes applicants following this qualification.  Offers will be made including the Core plus specified grades or points from the optional qualifications.
University of Wales, Swansea

The University of Wales Swansea supports the introduction of the WBQ and will accept the qualification in considering applications for all courses.

Departmental Admissions Tutors will tailor offers according to the demands of their individual subjects, and will incorporate the WBQ into those offers.

These offers will be couched in terms of tariff points for completing the whole of the WBQ and not for its various components.  For example, Physics might make an offer of 300 points from the WBQ including 180 points from Physics and Mathematics at GCE A Level.  This would amount to, e.g., successfully completing the WBQ with Grades B in Physics and C in Mathematics.

e.g. Physics - 300 points

WBQ Core    120

Physics (B)   100

Maths (C)     80

Total     300 UCAS Points

Trinity College, CarmarthenTrinity College, Carmarthen accepts the Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification on its own and combined with other qualifications.

For information, the Welsh Baccalaureate is also referred to on the Undergraduate Programme Entry Requirements section of our website/prospectus. The statement reads as follows:

Applicants under 21 years of age: You must be at least 17 years of age at the time of entry and possess good literacy skills, normally demonstrated by the achievement of Grade C or above at GCSE English (or Welsh for Welsh medium courses), or equivalent qualifications. If you intend applying to the BA Primary Education with QTS, you must also meet the statutory requirements for that course, details of which are printed with the course information.

In addition:
UCAS Tariff Points: Applicants should normally offer between 140 and 360 UCAS Tariff Points. At least 80 points should be attained from qualifications greater than 3 units ie an A Level/BTEC National Award (6 units). Ideally, applicants will offer at least 12 units at A Level/BTEC National Certificate or equivalent in relevant subjects for their intended course of study. The remaining points may be attained from a variety of qualifications within the National Qualifications Framework, e.g. Welsh Baccalaureate Core; Scottish Framework Qualifications. The College will accept a maximum of 20 points for Level 3 Key Skills
University of Wales Institute, Cardiff (UWIC)

UWIC welcomes students presenting this qualification.  See the entrance requirements in the undergraduate prospectus: http://onlinedm.mobular.net/onlinedm/76/60/107/

Swansea Institute of Higher Education

Swansea Institute of Higher Education recognises the breadth of learning and range of skills and experience gained through the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma and welcomes applications from students offering the qualification.

All applications are considered on their individual merits and offers will reflect both the programme applied for and the individual profile of the applicant.

Institutions which have not issued a formal recognition statement but have confirmed that they will accept the WBAD:

- North East Wales Institute of Higher Education (NEWI)

- Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama