Arden University

Arden University needs evidence that your English is at the right level for the course. You can meet this through recent study in English or an accepted English test.

Qualifications studied in English

• 45 credits at Level 2 or 3, or
• 90 credits at Level 4, 5 or 6, or
• 60 credits at Level 7 or 8, or
• GCSE English Language at grade C/4 or above

These normally need to have been completed within the last 5 years.

Accepted English tests (usually valid for 2 years)

Duolingo

• Undergraduate: overall 105 (Literacy 95, Conversation 85, Comprehension 105, Production 75)
• Postgraduate: overall 120 (Literacy 105, Conversation 95, Comprehension 115, Production 85)

IELTS

• Undergraduate: overall 6.0 (no less than 5.5 in each element)
• Postgraduate: overall 6.5 (no less than 6.0 in each element)

Other accepted options include TOEFL, Pearson PTE, and Arden University’s Password English Proficiency online invigilated test. Confirm which option fits your situation with your AF Education adviser before you book a test.

These entry requirements apply to Arden University foundation degrees (FdA / FdSc) and the CertHE, which start at Level 4 (not Foundation Year, Level 5 entry or Top-up). All applicants must provide supporting evidence to enrol.

Standard entry

• Two subjects at GCE A level or equivalent, plus passes at grade C or above in three subjects at GCSE level or equivalent

Non-standard entry

• If you don’t meet these requirements, your application may be considered based on a minimum of 2+ years of professional work experience evidenced with a CV and reference.

AF Education will confirm with Arden if your chosen course asks for anything different before you apply.

These entry requirements apply to Arden University courses with a Foundation Year. All applicants must provide supporting evidence to enrol.

Standard entry

• A minimum of 45 credits at Level 3 completed within the last 3 years, or equivalent.

Non-standard entry

• If you don’t meet these requirements, your application may be considered based on a minimum of 2 years of professional work experience evidenced with a CV and reference.

If you are applying for a Level 4 (year 1) degree without a foundation year, see the undergraduate entry requirements on that course page instead.

These entry requirements apply to Arden University degrees that start at Level 5 (year 2 of the undergraduate programme). All applicants must provide supporting evidence to enrol.

Standard Level 5 / year 2 entry

• Completed Level 4 study (120 credits) in a relevant subject, or an equivalent qualification such as a relevant HNC or CertHE.

Supporting evidence of prior learning is required. AF Education will confirm with Arden whether your previous study is accepted before you apply.

These entry requirements apply to Arden University postgraduate top-up routes. A top-up lets you complete a full master’s award by building on prior Level 7 study or professional status, rather than starting a full taught master’s programme from scratch. All applicants must provide supporting evidence of prior learning.

Standard top-up entry

• MBA (Top-Up): a suitable Level 7 diploma or equivalent credit.
• MSc Accounting and Finance (Top-up): qualified accountant status — ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW or equivalent professional status.
• MSc Health and Care Management (Top-Up): relevant postgraduate credit from previous Level 7 study.

Arden assesses prior learning case by case. AF Education will confirm with Arden whether your previous award or professional status is accepted before you apply.

These entry requirements apply to Arden University postgraduate courses (for example MSc, MBA and postgraduate certificates). All applicants must provide supporting evidence to enrol.

Standard entry

• A UK Honours Degree at a minimum of second class (2.2) or equivalent

Non-standard / experience routes

• If you are unable to provide academic qualification, application may still be considered based on at least 5 years of work experience, ideally within the relevant discipline.

Programme-specific notes

For program specifics requirements, please see the relevant course's information.

Note: Postgraduate applicants normally pay a holding fee (around £170–£250). Confirm the current amount with admissions before you pay.

These entry requirements apply to Arden University Top-up degrees and recognition of prior learning (RPL) routes. All applicants must provide supporting evidence to enrol.

Standard top-up entry

• A relevant HND or equivalent qualification, provided that your prior learning is consistent with the required Level 5 knowledge and skills relevant to the subject area of the chosen top-up degree.

These entry requirements apply to Arden University undergraduate degrees starting at Level 4 (not Foundation Year and not Top-up). All applicants must provide supporting evidence to enrol.

Standard entry

• Two subjects at GCE A level or equivalent, plus passes at grade C or above in three subjects at GCSE level or equivalent

Non-standard entry

• If you don’t meet these requirements, your application may be considered based on a minimum of 2+ years of professional work experience evidenced with a CV and reference.

Arden University interviews are held online on Microsoft Teams. They are a short conversation about your course choice and how you meet the entry route — not a formal exam.

Before the interview

1. Install Microsoft Teams on the laptop, desktop or phone you will use.
2. Join 5 minutes early using the link in your calendar invite. Arriving more than 5 minutes late usually means the interview is cancelled and needs rebooking.
3. Check camera and microphone work before you join.
4. Re-read your personal statement — you may be asked about what you wrote.
5. Know your entry route: academic qualifications or work-experience (non-standard) entry.
6. Know your course: the exact course title, why you want it, and whether you are applying for blended learning or distance learning.
7. Prepare a couple of questions about the course, timetable or support before you enrol.

During the interview

• Take a moment to listen to each question before you answer.
• Answer clearly and honestly — the interviewer is checking fit and readiness, not trying to catch you out.
• Ask anything you are unsure about. It is better to clarify now than after you enrol.

After the interview

• AF Education will contact you with the outcome.
• If your documents are complete, your application can move to Arden admissions.
• If anything is still missing, send it to your AF Education adviser as soon as you can so the application can progress.

Already have a degree but considering a new career path? You may still be eligible for Student Finance England (SFE) funding for a second undergraduate degree if your chosen course is one of the subjects approved for second-degree funding.

Unlike standard undergraduate funding, second-degree funding is generally limited to a Tuition Fee Loan. This means there is no standard SFE Maintenance Loan for living costs under this route. The Tuition Fee Loan is paid directly to your university or higher education provider.

Arden University Courses Eligible for Second Degree Funding

The following Arden University programmes are available under the second-degree funding route:

• BSc (Hons) Psychology (BPS)
• BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling
• BSc (Hons) Computing
• BSc (Hons) Computing – Final Year Top-Up

Who Can Apply?

You may be considered for second-degree funding if:

• You already hold a degree or equivalent higher education qualification.
• You are applying for an eligible second undergraduate degree in an approved subject area.
• You meet the relevant SFE nationality and residency requirements.
• Your chosen course and institution meet the requirements for student finance.
• You have sufficient previous-study funding entitlement available. Previous study can affect the amount of Tuition Fee Loan you can receive.

How Does the Funding Work?

If your application is approved, SFE provides a Tuition Fee Loan to cover eligible tuition fees, with the funding paid directly to the institution.

There is no standard Maintenance Loan available through the second-degree route, so students should plan separately for living and study-related costs.

Important: Eligibility Is Assessed Individually

Having an existing degree does not automatically mean you will qualify for second-degree funding. SFE considers factors including your previous study, chosen course, institution, nationality and residency status. For courses starting from 1 January 2027, the student finance system is also changing, with eligible courses moving under the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) framework.

If you already have a degree and are considering one of the courses above, contact our admissions team for an eligibility check before applying for funding.

Please note: Student Finance England makes the final decision on funding eligibility. Funding rules can change, and meeting the course criteria does not guarantee approval.