A-Level guide
What A-Level grades do Imperial, UCL and King's ask for?
Quick answer
For 2027 entry, Medicine at Imperial, UCL and King's typically asks for A*AA with Biology and Chemistry. Computer Science asks for A*A*A at all three, with Maths. Imperial Mechanical Engineering asks for A*A*A or A*AAA. Most of these courses also need an admissions test. Always check the course page for current entry requirements.
What grades do Imperial, UCL and King's ask for?
Imperial, UCL and King's College London usually ask for at least one A* at A-Level for their most popular courses, and often two. The exact offer depends on the course.
We checked each university's course page in October 2026 for 2027 entry. Entry requirements change from year to year, so always check the course page for current entry before your child applies.
What do they ask for Medicine?
All three ask for A*AA for Medicine, with Biology and Chemistry, plus the UCAT admissions test.
| University | Typical A-Level offer | Subject rules | Admissions test |
|---|---|---|---|
| Imperial | A*AA | A* in Biology or Chemistry, A in the other | UCAT |
| UCL | A*AA | Biology and Chemistry, with either at A* | UCAT |
| King's | A*AA | A in Biology and Chemistry | UCAT |
Medicine has an early deadline. Imperial's and UCL's course pages both show applications for 2027 entry closing on 15 October 2026.
King's says applicants taking linear A-Levels in England "will be required to pass the practical endorsement in all Science subjects". Imperial says the same for science subjects that form part of an offer. Our guide to the A-Level Chemistry required practicals explains what the endorsement is.
What do they ask for Computer Science?
All three ask for A*A*A for Computer Science or Computing, and all require Maths.
| University | Course | Typical offer | Subject rules | Admissions test |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Imperial | Computing BEng | A*A*A (or A*A*AA with four A-Levels) | A* in Maths | TMUA |
| UCL | Computer Science BSc | A*A*A | A* in Maths or Further Maths | TARA |
| King's | Computer Science BSc | A*A*A | A in Maths or Further Maths | None listed on the course page |
Imperial shows a deadline of 13 January 2027 for this course, and UCL shows the same date for Computer Science.
The tests matter. UCL says that for 2027/28 entry it will require all applicants to sit TARA, a test "designed to assess essential skills required for undergraduate study". Imperial's Computing course requires the TMUA, with test windows on 12 to 16 October 2026 and 4 to 8 January 2027.
What does Imperial ask for Engineering?
Imperial's Mechanical Engineering MEng page lists a typical offer of A*A*A or A*AAA. Applicants must also book an admissions test for the course.
Subject rules for Engineering vary between courses and universities, so check the full entry requirements on each course page.
What is a contextual offer?
A contextual offer is a lower offer made to students from certain backgrounds or schools, such as students who meet a university's widening participation criteria. Each university decides who qualifies.
From the pages we checked:
| Course | Typical offer | Contextual offer |
|---|---|---|
| UCL Medicine | A*AA | AAB, with A in Biology and Chemistry |
| UCL Computer Science | A*A*A | A*AB, with A* in Maths or Further Maths |
| King's Computer Science | A*A*A | AAA |
| King's Medicine | A*AA | No contextual offer for this programme |
Imperial's Medicine page says that for contextual offers "the A* can be in any subject". Families in Barking, Dagenham and wider East London should check whether they qualify, because each university sets its own rules. Check the university's own contextual admissions page, and ask your child's sixth form for help.
Are grades enough to get in?
No. Grades get your child considered, but most of these courses receive far more strong applicants than places.
Universities look at the whole application. For Medicine at King's, the university says "examination results and the UCAT score" are "perhaps the most important factors" when shortlisting, alongside GCSEs, the personal statement and the reference.
Predicted grades are the first hurdle. Read our guide to how A-Level predicted grades are set, because your child's predictions must usually meet the typical offer.
How can my child get ready from Year 12?
The best preparation starts early in Year 12. Here is a simple timeline.
- Autumn of Year 12: check the course pages for subject rules and tests. Make sure your child's A-Level choices fit.
- Through Year 12: build strong results in class tests and mocks. These shape predicted grades.
- Summer of Year 12: prepare for any admissions test, such as UCAT, TMUA or TARA, and draft the personal statement.
- Autumn of Year 13: apply by the deadline. For Medicine, that is mid-October.
- Year 13: keep working towards the offer grades, including the practical endorsement in science subjects.
How LCB can help
We help Year 12 and 13 students reach the grades these universities ask for. Our A-Level tutoring covers Maths, Biology, Chemistry and Physics in small groups of 3 to 5, with the same tutor every week, taught to your child's exam board.
Our founders are Imperial graduates. Adam studied for an MEng at Imperial after A-Levels at Brampton Manor Academy in East London, and Abdus holds a PhD from Imperial. Our lessons focus on the A-Level grades.
Lessons run at our Barking centre or live online. A-Level plans start at £72 a month with no contract; see pricing. Book a free assessment to set a target grade and a plan.
Questions parents ask
- Do Imperial, UCL and King's accept resits?
- Policies vary by course. King's Medicine says it can consider applicants who have retaken qualifications, but they are reviewed alongside applicants who achieved the grades first time. Check each course page.
- Does UCL accept any A-Level subjects?
- UCL's course pages say at least two A-Level subjects should come from its list of preferred subjects. Check that list before your child chooses A-Levels.
- Does King's accept General Studies or Critical Thinking?
- No. King's course pages say A-Level General Studies, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and Global Perspectives are not accepted as one of your A-Levels.
- Are these grades the minimum for an offer?
- They are the typical offers listed on course pages. Meeting them does not guarantee an offer, and some applicants receive different or contextual offers.
Sources
Related guides
- What are the AQA A-Level Chemistry required practicals, and how are they assessed?The 12 AQA A-Level Chemistry required practicals, how the practical endorsement (CPAC) works, how practicals appear in exams, and tips to secure the marks.
- How are A-Level predicted grades set, and can my child raise them?How A-Level predicted grades are set for UCAS, what teachers base them on, and practical steps your child can take in Year 12 to raise them before applying.
- Why does A-Level Maths feel so much harder than GCSE, and how can my child catch up?Why the GCSE to A-Level Maths jump feels so big, which skills cause the most trouble in Year 12, and a simple plan to bridge the gap in the first term.