Entry requirements for students from Hong Kong
The University of Sheffield accepts a number of different qualifications from Hong Kong. Some of the most common are listed below. If your qualification is not listed here, please contact us.
The following information is for guidance only.
English Language Requirements
All applicants are required to have an internationally recognised English language qualification such as IELTS. The minimum score that is accepted for entry is IELTS 6.0 or equivalent for undergraduate study and 6.5 for postgraduate study. Some departments may require a higher score.
English language entry requirements - find out more
Undergraduate Programmes e.g. BSc, BA, BEng/ MEng
A variety of qualifications can be considered for direct admission to undergraduate bachelor degree programmes. All applications for undergraduate programmes should be made through UCAS.
Visit the UCAS website for more information
GCE A-Level
Applicants with a minimum of three A-levels will be considered for direct admission to undergraduate programmes.
HKALE
Applicants with a minimum of three HKALEs will be considered for direct admission to undergraduate programmes.
HKDSE
A range of offers will be made to applicants presenting with the HKDSE, depending on course and specific requirements. Most offers will range from 555 to 544 in core or elective subjects (excluding liberal and general studies). Competitive subjects may require higher grades.
International Baccalaureate
International Baccalaureate diploma holders will be considered for direct admission to undergraduate programmes.
Other Qualifications:
Hong Kong Polytechnic University, City University Diploma/Certificate holders may be considered for direct admission to related undergraduate programmes.
Hong Kong Polytechnic University, City University Professional Diploma, Higher Certificate or Higher Diploma holders (including IVE certificate and diploma holders) may be considered for second year entry to undergraduate programmes, on merit.
Honours Diplomas from Hong Kong Baptist College (until 1993) and Lingnan College (until 1991) holders may be considered for second year entry to undergraduate programmes, on merit.
Higher Certificate and Higher Diploma holders will be considered for entry to undergraduate programmes and in many cases will be considered for direct entry to the second year.
Shue Yan College or Lingnan College Diploma and Hang Seng School of Commerce Diploma holders may be considered for direct admission to undergraduate programmes.
Associate Degree holders may be considered for first or second year entry to undergraduate programmes, on merit.
Undergraduate degree pathway programmes at the University of Sheffield International College
The University of Sheffield International College provides International Foundation Year programmes specifically for international students who want to progress to the University of Sheffield. Upon successful completion, students can progress to an undergraduate degree. Students can choose to study an International Foundation Year in the following subjects:
● International Foundation Year in Business, Social Sciences and Humanities
● International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering
Northern Consortium UK (NCUK)
Students who wish to stay in Hong Kong to take their foundation course may wish to consider taking an NCUK course.
Students who have completed the IFY programme and have obtained the required grades will be considered for admission into the first year of undergraduate programmes.
Visit the NCUK website to find out more.
Postgraduate Taught Programmes e.g. MA, MSc
Search for a postgraduate course
Hong Kong University Degree Holders
You will usually need a four year bachelors degree from a recognised university in a relevant subject for entry. Most postgraduate courses require a UK 2:1 (or equivalent) for entry, but some courses may consider 2:2 grades. Please see our course finder for specific course requirements.
The score required will depend on the university you have attended and the course you have applied.
| Qualification | UK degree classification | International equivalencies (Hong Kong) |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor degree / Associate degree and Bachelor top-up (2 + 2) | First Class Honours | Depending on grading scale used: First Class Honours or; 70% overall or; GPA 3.8 out of 4.3 or; GPA 3.8 out of 4.0 |
| Bachelor degree / Associate degree and Bachelor top-up (2 + 2) | 2:1 (Upper Second Class Honours) | Depending on grading scale used: Upper Second Class Honours or; 60% overall or; GPA 3.0 out of 4.3 or; GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 |
| Bachelor degree / Associate degree and Bachelor top-up (2 + 2) | 2:2 (Lower Second Class Honours) | Depending on grading scale used: Lower Second Class Honours or; 50% overall or; GPA 2.5 out of 4.3 or; GPA 2.5 out of 4.0 |
For Entry to MBA
Holders of a good bachelor degree from a recognised Hong Kong university and at least three years post-graduation work experience in a relevant position will be considered for direct admission to the MBA.
For further information on the MBA programme
Postgraduate degree pathway programmes at the University of Sheffield International College
The University of Sheffield International College provides Pre-Masters programmes specifically for international students who want to progress to the University of Sheffield. Upon successful completion, students can progress to an postgraduate degree.Students can choose to study a Pre-Masters in the following subjects:
● Pre-Masters in Business, Social Sciences and Humanities
● Pre-Masters in Science and Engineering
Postgraduate Research Programmes e.g. MPhil, PhD, PhD with Integrated Masters
With around 2,000 postgraduate research students from over 100 different countries, Sheffield is one of the foremost centres for research training in the UK.
Hong Kong Masters Degree Holders
You will usually need a bachelors degree AND a masters degree from a recognised university in a relevant subject for entry. Some courses may consider a bachelors degree on its own if it is combined with relevant research experience. Please see our departmental web pages for specific course requirements.
Exchange Students
Incoming exchange students should have minimum average grades equivalent to a UK 2:2 in their studies to date. Specific prior study requirements for individual modules may also apply.
Visit our Global Opportunities website for more information on exchange opportunities.