Alternative Routes Into University If You Didn’t Do A‑Levels
If you never finished school, didn’t sit your A‑Levels, or left education years ago — you might think university is out of reach.
The good news? It’s not.
There are multiple routes into university that don’t require A‑Levels — and you don’t have to figure them out on your own.
At Omega Partners, we specialise in helping people from non-traditional backgrounds find alternative ways into higher education. Here are three of the most accessible paths:
1️⃣ Foundation Year Degrees (Our Speciality)
Many universities offer degrees with an extra year at the start — called a foundation year. This route is designed specifically for people who don’t have the usual qualifications.
✔ No A‑Levels required
✔ Study full-time, part-time, evenings or weekends
✔ Go straight into a degree after the foundation year
✔ Funded by Student Finance England
We help you apply directly (no UCAS), prepare your personal statement, and sort out all the paperwork — for free.
2️⃣ Access to Higher Education (HE) Diplomas
These are year-long courses run by colleges that prepare adults for university. After completing it, you apply to university (usually through UCAS).
✔ Good for people returning to study after a long gap
✖ You’ll need to apply again after finishing
✖ Less hands-on support through the process
3️⃣ Experience-Based Entry
Some universities accept work or life experience as an entry route, especially for mature students. If you've worked in healthcare, customer service, retail, or raised a family — you’ve developed valuable skills.
With our help, we can guide you to universities that accept experience instead of grades, and help you tell your story in a compelling personal statement.