We welcome applications from talented candidates of all backgrounds and ages. MK:U students will normally have at least 96 UCAS points (three Cs at A level/T level core pass C) or an equivalent academic or professional qualification. Other relevant or prior experience may be considered as an alternative. We’ll review those applicants without the ‘headline’ entry qualifications and work with you on assessing any skill gaps.

Additional statutory requirements

To be considered, you must also:

  • Have been a UK/EU/EAA resident for at least three years prior to starting the course,
  • Have left full-time education when the apprenticeship starts,
  • Have the right to work in the UK.

Before an application is submitted for one of our MK:U programmes, prospective students need to have approval from their employer. Students have to be employed and your employer has to agree to provide you with the support and supervision needed to carry out your job role and your apprenticeship. It is a requirement of the apprenticeship funding rules that you are working at least 50% of your contracted hours in England.

A three-way agreement needs to be put in place between Cranfield University, the employer and the student.

English and maths

To study for a formal award with us you will need to demonstrate that you can communicate effectively in English in an academic environment prior to the start of the course.

Most applicants meet our English language requirements having previously obtained a Level 3 (A level, BTEC etc) or higher education level award from a UK education institution and have been taught and assessed in English.

Applicants without UK qualifications can usually meet the English requirement through employment in the UK (a minimum of 5 years continuous employment immediately prior to the start of the course is required), providing you can supply a reference from your current employer which explicitly confirms you are able to communicate effectively in English.

If you require further information about our English language entry requirements, please contact studymku@cranfield.ac.uk.

Apprenticeship requirements

As part of all higher level apprenticeships in England (this includes all apprenticeship provision at Cranfield University), it is a requirement by the Education and Skills Funding Agency that an apprentice holds or achieves an approved Level 2 qualification in mathematics and English before they can successfully complete the apprenticeship. Such evidence can include GCSE/O level grade C/4 or higher.

Please see list of acceptable qualifications, under tab 'Level_3_Apprenticeships'.

Please note that degree certificates (unless the words 'mathematics' or 'English' are in the title) and secure English language tests, such as IELTS, are not deemed acceptable by the Education and Skills Funding Agency.