Choosing a university is a big decision, especially if you’re concerned about A Level grades, meeting entry requirements or facing stiff competition. You’re allowed up to five courses on your UCAS form… so how to make the right choice?
Luckily, not all unis are as selective as Oxford or Cambridge. Lots of unis have more flexible admission criteria – making them easier to get into with a more laid-back student experience.
In this blog, we’ll look at the easiest UK universities to get into. We’ll unpack the lowest entry requirements and highest acceptance rates as well as the easiest degrees and Russell Group universities.
If you’re looking for less stressful options that still provide a solid education, we’ll help you feel confident in your choices.
In this article:
Table of Contents
What’s the easiest university to get into in the UK?
If you’re searching for unis where you’ve got a good shot at getting in, you’ve got plenty of options. Universities like the University of Bedfordshire, London Metropolitan University and Bishop Grosseteste University are known for being more accessible. The University of Roehampton and Anglia Ruskin University are also famed for student-friendly admissions.
These unis have more flexible admissions criteria, which often means lower grades. So you won’t have to meet the sky-high entry requirements of places like Oxbridge, St Andrews or UCL. They also offer a wide range of courses, meaning competition is less fierce.
Universities with lower admissions criteria usually consider a broader range of post-16 qualifications beyond just A-levels. So if you’re relying on BTECs, T Levels, A Level and GCSE retakes, professional work experience or apprenticeships, they’re a great option.
Want to know about the hardest universities to get into? We’ve also got that covered.
Which UK university has the lowest entry requirements?
When it comes to UK unis with the lowest entry requirements, you’ll find a few institutions with more lenient standards. But the grades you’ll need change between courses, so always check individual subject requirements.
As ranked by the Complete University Guide 2025, here are the ten UK universities with the lowest entry standards.
- London Metropolitan University
- University of Roehampton
- Bishop Grosseteste University
- Buckinghamshire New University
- University of Bedfordshire
- University of Suffolk
- Anglia Ruskin University
- University of Wolverhampton
- Middlesex University
- Leeds Trinity University
De Montfort University, the University of Bedfordshire and London Metropolitan University have courses with relatively low UCAS points. These schools often ask for around 90-100 UCAS points, roughly equivalent to CCC at A Level.
For example, at De Montfort, you only need 96 UCAS points for a degree in Professional Policing. It’s the same for studying Advertising, Marketing and PR at London Metropolitan University.
But remember, lower entry standards don’t mean the education isn’t great. It just means these unis are more inclusive in their admissions process. They might also focus more on vocational subjects or offer extra student support.
Which UK uni has the lowest acceptance rate?
Interestingly, the universities with the lowest acceptance rates (i.e. the percentage of applicants they accept onto courses) are the hardest to get into. For instance, the acceptance rates of Oxbridge, UCL, St Andrews and LSE hover between 7% and 15%, meaning only a small portion of applicants succeed.
But if you’re looking for places you’re more likely to get into, focus on universities with higher acceptance rates. So spots like the University of Bedfordshire, Bishop Grosseteste University and London Metropolitan University are worth considering.
These institutions accept a larger percentage of applicants (combined with lower entry requirements), making them easier to get into. Their acceptance rates can be well above 70%, meaning you’ve got a greater chance of receiving an offer.
According to Save the Student, the University for the Creative Arts gives the most offers, with places offered to a whopping 97% of applicants.
What’s the easiest Russell Group to get into?
If you’re aiming for a Russell Group university, some are easier to access than others. Known for their research focus and high academic standards, they’re all competitive. But Russell Group unis at the lower end of league tables (like the University of Liverpool, University of Southampton and Queen’s University Belfast) have lower entry requirements compared to Oxford, Cambridge or LSE.
For example, Liverpool might accept BBB for certain programs (like Classics or German), whereas universities like Imperial College London or UCL are more likely to require A*AA or AAA. So if you’re looking for a balance between prestige and more manageable entry requirements – they’re great options.
Interested in non-Russell Group universities? Don’t miss our guide to the top ten non-Russell Group unis.
What’s the smallest university in the UK?
When it comes to choosing a university, bigger isn’t always better. For some students, smaller institutions offer a more personal, community-driven experience. They tend to have a calmer, more relaxed environment which suits people who get easily overwhelmed by crowds and deadlines.
Whether you’re looking for closer relationships with your lecturers, more individual support, or a tight-knit student body, smaller universities in the UK provide a unique atmosphere.
The smallest unis in the UK are often specialist institutions like:
- The Royal Agricultural University (RAU): Located in Cirencester, RAU has just over 1,200 students and offers a specialised, practical education in agriculture and land management.
- Courtauld Institute of Art: A niche institution in London with around 500 students, Courtauld focuses on art history and conservation. Despite its size, it’s highly respected in the art world, offering personalised mentoring and small class discussions.
- AECC University College: Situated in Bournemouth, AECC specialises in health sciences, particularly chiropractic and radiography. With just over 1,000 students, it offers hands-on learning in a supportive, focused environment.
While not necessarily small in student numbers, some universities are based in smaller towns, offering a more relaxed, community-focused lifestyle compared to busy city campuses. If this appeals, here are a few worth considering:
- University of St Andrews: This historic university, located in a small coastal town in Scotland, has around 10,000 students. It’s known for its intimate campus, stunning seaside views and the strong sense of tradition among students.
- Durham University: With around 20,000 students, Durham retains a small-town feel thanks to its collegiate system and medieval surroundings. It’s perfect for students who want the benefits of a prestigious university while still enjoying a tight-knit environment.
- Aberystwyth University: Nestled on the Welsh coast, Aberystwyth provides a tranquil, scenic setting with a student population of around 9,000. If you’re drawn to nature and a close community, this could be the place for you.
What’s the lowest rated UK uni?
In terms of rankings, Wrexham University, the University of Bedfordshire and London Metropolitan University are often found near the lower end of the league tables. But don’t let this put you off! Rankings reflect a variety of factors, including student satisfaction, research output and facilities. But they don’t always paint the full picture of a university’s strengths.
For example, some lower-ranked universities excel in specific subjects or offer strong student support. Wrexham University currently sits at the bottom of the Complete University Guide. Despite this, it has over 82% student satisfaction rating – fourth best in the country!
Just because a university sits lower on the list doesn’t mean it’s a bad choice. Often, these institutions accept lower grades and provide quality education with less pressure. So it’s always a good idea to attend open days in person, to get a feel for whether a uni is the right fit for you.
Here are the “top ten” lowest rated universities by the Complete University Guide, ranked by student satisfaction, entry requirements, research quality, facilities spend, student-staff ratio and more.
- Wrexham University
- University of Bedfordshire
- University of the West of Scotland
- London Metropolitan University
- University of Buckingham
- University of East London
- Birmingham Newman University
- University of Cumbria
- Bishop Grosseteste University
- Anglia Ruskin University
What’s the least popular degree in the UK?
Some degree programs attract fewer students, either because they’re niche, seen as difficult or because they don’t lead to obvious career paths. Subjects like Geography, Philosophy, Maths and Veterinary Sciences often have lower numbers compared with fields like Business, Medicine, Computing or Creative Arts.
According to the latest UCAS data (reflecting the 2023 entries), the degrees with the lowest number of applicants were:
- Combined and General Studies: 12,210 applicants
- Veterinary Sciences: 15,880 applicants
- Agriculture, Food and Related Studies: 17,500 applicants
- Architecture, Building and Planning: 52,700 applicants
- Geography, Earth and Environmental Studies: 54,740 applicants
- Mathematical Sciences: 59,860 applicants
Does this mean these degrees are easier to get into? Not necessarily. While fewer applicants might mean less competition, these programs still have high academic standards. However, smaller student numbers could mean more individual support and less pressure within the course. So it’s a factor worth considering, especially if you’re aiming for a first-class degree.
What’s the easiest uni degree in the UK?
It’s tricky to define the “easiest” degree as this depends on your strengths and interests. However, courses like Media Studies, General Studies or Creative Arts are often viewed as less demanding compared with subjects like Medicine, Engineering or Maths. That said, what one person finds easy, another might find challenging. It all comes down to where your skills lie.
Interestingly, the so-called “easier” degrees can have higher dropout rates because students may underestimate the work or find they aren’t as interested in the subject as they thought.
The degrees with the highest drop-out rates include:
- Computer Science: 9.8%
- Business and Administration: 7.4%
- Engineering and Technology: 7.2%
- Mass Communications: 7.2%
- Creative Arts and Design: 7.2%
As a rule of thumb, the easiest degree subjects are similar to the easiest A Level subjects. If you’re naturally drawn to a subject at school (or your reading), this is a great place to start.
For a deeper dive into difficulty, check out our guides to the easiest and hardest degrees in the UK.
Are you thinking about university applications?
Whether you’re aiming for a less selective university, more personal support or a degree that perfectly matches your interests, you’ve got plenty of options. At Academic Coaching, we support students and parents through this crucial educational phase.
From university application coaching (including help with uni choices and personal statements) to academic life coaching, exam and study skills strategies, we’re here every step of the way. Get in touch today to discover how we can help.
