Queen’s welcomes applications from International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma students.

Offers will normally be conditional upon successful completion of the IB Diploma, to include three subjects at Higher Level (with scores between 6,6,6,- 5,5,5), in addition to an overall score (normally between 29 and 36 points). Points obtained for the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge can count towards the total.

The table below shows the IB requirements compared to the University’s UK A-level entry requirements. We may also require specific grades in relevant Higher Level subjects.  Details of the A-level grades and any specific subject requirements for each programme may be found in our Course Finder.

Please note that these grades should be treated as a guide as variations may occur in certain circumstances.

English Language Requirements

Applicants should also hold an acceptable English language qualification at the appropriate level. English (Syllabus A) and English (Syllabus B) taken as part of the International Baccalaureate Diploma may be considered. 

The table below shows the scores required in comparison to IELTS Academic requirements:

 However, please note that English language requirements may vary depending on your chosen programme.  Please refer to our Course Finder for English language requirements by programme.

Applicants who are not studying English as part of the International Baccalaureate Diploma should refer to the full list of other acceptable English language requirements.

Mathematics Requirements

We will accept both Mathematics Standard Level and Mathematical Studies Standard Level in lieu of GCSE Mathematics.  The corresponding grade requirements are:

For courses which require A-level Mathematics we will accept both Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation Higher Level and Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches Higher Level in lieu of A-level Mathematics.  The corresponding grade requirements are:

Individual Diploma Programme Courses

Applicants offering a mixture of Level 3 qualifications (eg A-level, Cambridge Pre-U Principal subjects, DP courses, etc) will be considered on an individual basis. Applicants should normally be offering the equivalent of three A-levels in order to be considered for admission. For the majority of courses at the University we would be willing to consider applicants offering the following combinations:

1. Two A-levels and one DP course at Higher Level.
2. Two Cambridge Pre-U Principal subjects and one DP course at Higher Level.
3. Two DP courses at Higher Level and one A-level.
4. Two DP courses at Higher Level and one Cambridge Pre-U Principal subject.

The University will also consider applicants completing the US High School Diploma along with DP courses at Higher Level. Please contact us before making an application to discuss your combination of qualifications.

IB Career-Related Programme

Candidates presenting one of the following can be considered:

1. Three DP Higher Level courses within the Career-related Programme.

2. Two DP Higher Level courses as part of the IBCP plus an approved vocational/career-related study qualification (eg BTEC Subsidiary Diploma, BTEC National Extended Certificate or equivalent).

3. One DP Higher Level course as part of the IBCP plus an approved vocational/career-related study qualification (eg BTEC Diploma, BTEC National Diploma or equivalent).

Due to the selective nature of some courses at the University, candidates should be aware that those presenting the full International Baccalaureate Diploma will typically be considered as presenting more competitive applications.

If a subject is required at A-level for admission to a degree course then applicants must offer the DP course at Higher Level.

Please note that we would not consider the Career-related Programme for admission to Medicine, Dentistry or Pharmacy.