What A-levels Do You Need to Study Engineering?

To study engineering at a UK university, you almost always need A-level Maths. Every direct-entry engineering course on this page asks for it. Physics is the most common second subject, but it isn't always required: many courses accept Chemistry, Computer Science or Further Maths instead. The exact mix depends on the branch of engineering and the university.

If you don't have Maths, you haven't missed your chance. Foundation years exist for students without the usual subjects, and we cover those below. Everything here comes from the universities' own 2027-entry course pages, checked in September 2026.

What A-levels do you need for engineering?

Here's the short version:

• Maths is essential for direct entry. It's the subject every course checked insists on.
• Physics is the usual second subject, and some top courses require it.
• Further Maths helps. Some universities recommend it or give preference to students who take it.
• Chemistry matters for chemical engineering, though not every university insists on it.
• Your third A-level is often open, though some universities exclude subjects such as General Studies and Critical Thinking.

Many universities also ask you to pass the practical element of any science A-level in your offer. Imperial and Manchester both say so.

What do different engineering degrees ask for?

Requirements change from branch to branch, and from university to university. This table shows real 2027-entry examples.

Newcastle says its 2027 entry requirements will be finalised in September 2026, so double-check its page before you apply. Offers can change during the year at any university.

Which courses need an admissions test?

Most engineering courses don't use one, but the most selective do. Cambridge Engineering asks every applicant to take the ESAT (Engineering and Science Admissions Test), sitting the Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2 and Physics modules. Imperial uses the ESAT for Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Maths 1, Maths 2 and Physics) and for Chemical Engineering (Maths 1, Maths 2 and Chemistry). Cambridge and most medicine courses share an early UCAS date of 15 October 2026 for 2027 entry, so check our UCAS deadlines guide if you're applying there.

Do you need physics for engineering?

It depends on the course. Of the courses in the table, only Cambridge Engineering and Imperial's EEE require Physics. The rest accept other subjects:

• Newcastle Mechanical asks only for Maths or Further Maths at A-level. If you're not taking Physics at a higher level, you need GCSE Physics or Dual Award Science at grade 6 (B).
• Bristol Civil accepts a "science-related subject", including Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Further Maths, Geography, Geology, Physics, Electronics and some Design and Technology options.
• Bristol Aerospace prefers two of Further Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Computer Science, but doesn't insist on Physics.
• Manchester Chemical accepts Chemistry or Physics.

So if you love engineering but Physics isn't for you, look for courses that accept your science. Physics is still the safest choice if you want to keep every door open, especially for electrical and general engineering at the most selective universities.

Do you need Further Maths for engineering?

It's rarely compulsory, but it's often valued:

If your school doesn't offer Further Maths, don't panic: Cambridge's rule only applies where it's available, and the other universities here don't require it.

What A-levels do you need for chemical engineering?

Chemical engineering is the branch where Chemistry matters most. Imperial asks for A* in both Chemistry and Maths, plus an A in Biology, Business Studies, Economics, Further Maths or Physics. Manchester is more flexible: AAA including Maths and either Chemistry or Physics. Manchester's contextual offer is AAB, with an A in Maths and a B or above in Chemistry or Physics.

If you're choosing A-levels now and like the idea of chemical engineering, Maths and Chemistry together keep the most options open.

What grades do you need for engineering?

The grades vary a lot. For 2027 entry, the courses on this page run from ABB at Newcastle to A*A*A at Cambridge and Imperial. Here's what a common mid-range offer is worth on the UCAS Tariff:

Most of these universities make offers in grades, not UCAS points, and in named subjects. So your Maths grade often matters more than your total. For other offers, see how many UCAS points A*AA is worth or what ABB comes to. Our UCAS points for engineering guide shows the Tariff range across more universities.

Can you get a lower offer?

Often, yes. Contextual offers take your background and school into account:

• Bristol: AAB for Civil and for Aerospace, instead of A*AA
• Manchester Chemical: AAB, instead of AAA
• King's College London Biomedical: AAC, instead of AAA
• Newcastle: up to three grades lower through its contextual or alternative offer routes
• Sheffield EEE: ABB through Access Sheffield, or ABB plus a B in a relevant EPQ

Our guide to contextual offers explains who qualifies and how to check.

Can you study engineering without A-level maths?

Yes, through a foundation year (sometimes called Year 0). It adds a year to your degree and teaches the maths and science you'd otherwise need.

Notice that Newcastle's foundation year actually excludes A-level Maths and Further Maths. It's built for students who took other subjects. So if you're halfway through, say, Biology, Chemistry and Geography and you've fallen for engineering, this is your route.

How should you choose your A-levels for engineering?

If you're in Year 11 and engineering is on your list:

1. Take Maths. It's the one subject almost every course needs.
2. Add Physics if you can. It keeps the widest range of courses open.
3. Consider Further Maths if you enjoy maths and your school offers it.
4. Pick Chemistry if chemical engineering appeals to you.
5. Check two or three real course pages for the universities you like, because the rules really do differ.

Once you have predicted grades, put them into the A-level UCAS points calculator and compare them with your courses. Aiming for Cambridge? Our Cambridge entry requirements page covers the university's wider offers.

Check your predicted A-level points