Students reach higher education in different ways. Some begin straight after school, while others return to study after building a career. If your route is non-traditional, it’s natural to question whether you meet the criteria for your chosen programme.

At Aston University Online, we assess undergraduate and postgraduate applications using a combination of academic qualifications, professional experience, and programme-specific requirements. This creates fairness for applicants who have developed expertise through work, training or life experience.

This guide explains how standard and non-standard entry works, what each programme expects, and how professional experience or prior learning can strengthen your application.

Understanding standard and non-standard entry

A standard entry pathway involves meeting the usual academic criteria for an undergraduate or postgraduate programme. Non-standard entry recognises applicants who may not have these qualifications but can show readiness through experience, achievements or alternative learning.

Standard entry often includes the following:

For undergraduate applicants:

• A-levels or equivalent qualifications
• GCSE Maths and English or international equivalents

For postgraduate applicants:

• A UK 2:2 degree or international equivalent
• Subject-specific requirements where relevant
• For the Executive Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), a master’s degree in business management or a related field, plus senior management experience

Non-standard entry may consider:

• Substantial professional experience
• Strong achievements in relevant roles
• Professional certifications or employer-led training
• Partial higher education
• Contextual information (undergraduate programmes only)

All applicants must meet the English language requirements for their programme.

Undergraduate entry routes

Aston Online delivers several undergraduate programmes:

• Bachelor of Science in Business and Management (BSc)
• Bachelor of Science in Psychology (BSc)
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSc)
• Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity (BSc)
• Bachelor of Law LLB (Hons)

Standard undergraduate entry

Most undergraduate programmes require A-level grades in the range of BBB, alongside GCSE Maths and English at grade C/4 or above. Equivalent BTEC, IB, T Level and approved international qualifications are also accepted.

Programme-specific examples:

• Bachelor of Science in Business and Management (BSc) / Bachelor of Science in Psychology (BSc): BBB standard offer; BBC/BCC contextual routes
• Bachelor of Law LLB (Hons): BBB standard offer; BBC with EPQ or contextual adjustments
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSc) / Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity (BSc): BBB or BBC, including at least one STEM subject, with contextual offers from BCC or CCC with STEM

Contextual offers

Aston Ready, the contextual offer scheme, may reduce an applicant’s offer by one or two grades. 

Non-standard undergraduate entry

Applicants who do not meet standard A-level criteria may still be considered if they can demonstrate evidence of capability and readiness.

You could qualify through a non-standard route if you:

• Are aged 21 or over
• Have three years of work experience in a relevant field
• Can demonstrate strong professional achievements
• Hold relevant qualifications at Level 3 or above

You will need to provide:

• A personal statement
• A professional reference
• A CV
• Any relevant academic or professional certificates

This route applies across all Aston Online undergraduate programmes.

Postgraduate entry routes

We also offer a range of postgraduate programmes:

• Executive Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSc)
• Master of Science in Computer Science (MSc)
• Master of Science in Cybersecurity (MSc)
• Master of Public Health (MPH)
• Master of Science in Psychology (Conversion)

Standard postgraduate entry

Standard requirements vary by programme.

Most master’s degrees require:

• A UK 2:2 degree or international equivalent
• Subject-specific background for technical programmes
• Evidence of mathematical ability where needed (e.g. Business Analytics, Cybersecurity, MPH)
• CV, transcripts, references, and ID

Programme examples:

• Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSc): Degree in a quantitative, technical or scientific field
• Master of Science in Computer Science (MSc): Technical degree and GCSE Maths at Grade B or equivalent
• Master of Science in Cybersecurity (MSc): Numerate or technical degree
• Master of Public Health (MPH): Degree and evidence of maths ability (GCSE Maths B/5 or quantitative university modules)
• Master of Science in Psychology (Conversion): Degree in any discipline

Non-standard postgraduate entry routes

Professional experience can support an application where academic criteria are not entirely met. This applies to the MBA and most MSc programmes.

Master of Business Administration (MBA) non-standard entry

Applicants without a degree may still be considered if they have:

• At least five years of progressive work experience
• Managerial responsibility
• Evidence of achievements and leadership potential

Supporting documents include a detailed personal statement, a professional reference, a CV and any additional qualifications.

MSc programmes with experiential routes

Business Analytics, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, MPH and Psychology (Conversion) can consider applicants with:

• Three years of relevant work experience
• Strong professional achievements
• A personal statement explaining readiness
• A CV and appropriate references

Some programmes, like Computer Science and Cybersecurity, will still require proof of mathematical capability.

Executive Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

Aston University does not offer non-standard entry routes for the Executive Doctor of Business Administration. Applicants must meet the full standard entry requirements to be considered for admission.

Standard entry requirements include:

• A master’s degree in business, management or a related field, or an equivalent professional qualification
• A minimum of five years of senior management experience
• A detailed research proposal (a guide on writing a great research proposal)
• A personal statement outlining motivations and readiness for doctoral study
• A curriculum vitae (CV)
• Two references, including one from a current employer
• Official academic transcripts and certificates
• Proof of English language proficiency, where applicable
• Identification (ID)

International applicants and English language requirements

Aston Online welcomes learners from over 120 countries. International qualifications at school and university level are reviewed for equivalency by Student Recruitment Advisors.

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide a recognised English language qualification. We accept a range of English language qualifications, including:

• IELTS Academic and IELTS Academic Online 
• IELTS One Skill Retake 
• TOEFL and TOEFL iBT 
• Oxford ELLT (Global and Digital) 
• Pearson Academic (PTE) 
• Password Test 
• Language Cert International ESOL SELT 
• Kaplan Test of English (KTE) 
• Cambridge Advanced Test (CAE) 
• Cambridge Proficiency Test (CPE)    

If you are unsure about your English qualification, please contact a Student Advisor for assistance.

How we assess your application

Our admissions team take a holistic approach to applications. We consider:

• Academic history
• Professional experience
• Personal statement
• References
• Evidence of prior learning
• English language proficiency

If you are exploring a non-standard route, speaking with a Student Advisor is the best way to understand which pathway aligns with your background and academic interests.

We also provide a step-by-step application guide to make the application process easier for you.

Fees and payment options

Aston University Online supports flexible and affordable study through:

• Flexible payment plans: Split your tuition fee across monthly instalments
• UK government funding options for undergraduate and postgraduate students: Learn about England, Wales, and Northern Ireland UK government funding options for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes
• Employer sponsorship: Follow our step-by-step guide on how to approach your employer for sponsorship

Advisors can help you choose the most suitable arrangement.

Read more information about undergraduate and postgraduate loans in our blog, and visit our fees and funding page.

What to do next

If you’re considering undergraduate or postgraduate study:

1. Review your chosen programme’s entry requirements
2. Compare your experience and qualifications
3. Explore non-standard or contextual routes if relevant
4. Prepare a personal statement, CV and references
5. Speak with a Student Advisor to confirm your options

Whether you’re entering university for the first time or returning after years in the workplace, there is often a route that fits your experience and ambitions. Chatting to one of our Student Advisors is the best way to understand your options and determine the most appropriate entry route for you.