Study with the IB
IB requirements at the University of Essex
By Michael Thompson - Head of Teaching Excellence; 15 years as an IB Coordinator
Data checked 6 October 2026
29-30
Published offers
Yes
Accepts the IB
UCAS
Apply via
Colchester, United Kingdom
Location
1965
Founded
Public
Institution
Published IB offers by course
As published for the 2027 entry cycle. Offers vary by course and year - always confirm on the course page.
Most common offer: 29 - 30 points (31 courses)
| Course | IB offer | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Politics (Including Placement Year)29 points in the IB Diploma or 112 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of 2 Higher Level subjects. | 29 points | 29 points in the IB Diploma or 112 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of 2 Higher Level subjects. |
| Biomedical Science (Including Year Abroad)29 points in the IB Diploma or 112 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of 2 Higher Level subjects including 5 in Higher Level Chemistry or Biology or equivalent. Equivalent science subjects include Physics or Maths. GCSE Maths requirement can be met with 2 in Standard Level Maths, 2 in Higher Level Maths or 4 in IB Middle Years Maths. | 29 points | 29 points in the IB Diploma or 112 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of 2 Higher Level subjects including 5 in Higher Level Chemistry or Biology or equivalent. Equivalent science subjects include Physics or Maths. GCSE Maths requirement can be met with 2 in Standard Level Maths, 2 in Higher Level Maths or 4 in IB Middle Years Maths. |
| Art History with Language Studies30 - 29 points in the IB Diploma or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of 2 Higher Level subjects. | 29 - 30 points | 30 - 29 points in the IB Diploma or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of 2 Higher Level subjects. |
| English Language with Media Communication (Including Year Abroad)29 points in the IB Diploma or 112 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of 2 Higher Level subjects. | 29 points | 29 points in the IB Diploma or 112 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of 2 Higher Level subjects. |
Worth knowing
- Published IB offers for the 2026 entry cycle span 24 to 32 points depending on the course (35 courses list an IB offer).
All 35 courses with an IB offer
Every course this university published an IB offer for in the 2026 entry cycle. Search to narrow, and confirm current offers on the course page.
| Course | IB offer |
|---|---|
| Applied Biomedical Science (NHS Placement)or three Higher Level certificates with 555-554. Either must include Higher Level Chemistry or Biology and a second science or Mathematics grade 5, plus Standard level Mathematics grade 4 if not taken at Higher Level. Computer Science, Design Technology, Physics, Sport, exercise and Health Science at Higher Level are all acceptable as second science subjects. We are also happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programmes at both Higher and Standard Level. Please note that Maths in the IB is not required if you have already achieved GCSE Maths at grade C/4 or above. | 29 - 30 points |
| Art History (Including Foundation Year)We are happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programmes at both Higher and Standard Level. Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standard level, and the course applied for. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information. | 24 points |
| Art History and Language Studies"Or three Higher Level certificates with 555-554. We are happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programmes at both Higher and Standard Level. Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standar" | 29 - 30 points |
| Art History with Language Studies"Or three Higher Level certificates with 555-554. We are happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programmes at both Higher and Standard Level. Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standar" | 29 - 30 points |
| Biochemistryor three Higher Level certificates with 555-554. Either must include Higher Level Chemistry or Biology and a second science or Mathematics grade 5, plus Standard level Mathematics grade 4 if not taken at Higher Level. Computer Science, Design Technology, Physics, Sport, exercise and Health Science at Higher Level are all acceptable as second science subjects. We are also happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programmes at both Higher and Standard Level. Please note that Maths in the IB is not required if you have already achieved GCSE Maths at grade C/4 or above. | 29 - 30 points |
| Biochemistry (Including Placement Year)or three Higher Level certificates with 555-554. Either must include Higher Level Chemistry or Biology and a second science or Mathematics grade 5, plus Standard level Mathematics grade 4 if not taken at Higher Level. Computer Science, Design Technology, Physics, Sport, exercise and Health Science at Higher Level are all acceptable as second science subjects. We are also happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programmes at both Higher and Standard Level. Please note that Maths in the IB is not required if you have already achieved GCSE Maths at grade C/4 or above. | 29 - 30 points |
| Biochemistry (Including Year Abroad)or three Higher Level certificates with 555-554. Either must include Higher Level Chemistry or Biology and a second science or Mathematics grade 5, plus Standard level Mathematics grade 4 if not taken at Higher Level. Computer Science, Design Technology, Physics, Sport, exercise and Health Science at Higher Level are all acceptable as second science subjects. We are also happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programmes at both Higher and Standard Level. Please note that Maths in the IB is not required if you have already achieved GCSE Maths at grade C/4 or above. | 29 - 30 points |
| Biomedical Scienceor three Higher Level certificates with 555-554. Either must include Higher Level Chemistry or Biology and a second science or Mathematics grade 5, plus Standard level Mathematics grade 4 if not taken at Higher Level. Computer Science, Design Technology, Physics, Sport, exercise and Health Science at Higher Level are all acceptable as second science subjects. We are also happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programmes at both Higher and Standard Level. Please note that Maths in the IB is not required if you have already achieved GCSE Maths at grade C/4 or above. | 29 - 30 points |
| Biomedical Science (Including Placement Year)or three Higher Level certificates with 555-554. Either must include Higher Level Chemistry or Biology and a second science or Mathematics grade 5, plus Standard level Mathematics grade 4 if not taken at Higher Level. Computer Science, Design Technology, Physics, Sport, exercise and Health Science at Higher Level are all acceptable as second science subjects. We are also happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programmes at both Higher and Standard Level. Please note that Maths in the IB is not required if you have already achieved GCSE Maths at grade C/4 or above. | 29 - 30 points |
| Biomedical Science (Including Year Abroad)or three Higher Level certificates with 555-554. Either must include Higher Level Chemistry or Biology and a second science or Mathematics grade 5, plus Standard level Mathematics grade 4 if not taken at Higher Level. Computer Science, Design Technology, Physics, Sport, exercise and Health Science at Higher Level are all acceptable as second science subjects. We are also happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programmes at both Higher and Standard Level. Please note that Maths in the IB is not required if you have already achieved GCSE Maths at grade C/4 or above. | 29 - 30 points |
| English Language with Media Communication"Or three Higher Level certificates with 555-554. We are happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programmes at both Higher and Standard Level. Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standar" | 29 - 30 points |
| English Language with Media Communication (Including Placement Year)"Or three Higher Level certificates with 555-554. We are happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programmes at both Higher and Standard Level. Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standar" | 29 - 30 points |
| English Language with Media Communication (Including Year Abroad)"Or three Higher Level certificates with 555-554. We are happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programmes at both Higher and Standard Level. Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standar" | 29 - 30 points |
| English Literature (Including Placement Year)Or three Higher Level certificates with 555-554. Either must include a Higher Level essay-based subject grade 5. We are happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programmes at both Higher and Standard Level. Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standard level, and the course applied for. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information. | 29 - 30 points |
| English Literature (Including Year Abroad)Or three Higher Level certificates with 555-554. Either must include a Higher Level essay-based subject grade 5. We are happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programmes at both Higher and Standard Level. Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standard level, and the course applied for. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information. | 29 - 30 points |
| Global Studies and Language Studies"Or three Higher Level certificates with 555-554. We are happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programmes at both Higher and Standard Level. Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standar" | 29 - 30 points |
| Mechatronic Systemsor three Higher Level certificates with 555-554. Either must include Higher Level Mathematics grade 5, plus Standard level Science grade 4. We are also happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programmes at both Higher and Standard Level. Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standard level, and the course applied for. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information. | 29 - 30 points |
| Mechatronic Systems (Including Placement Year)or three Higher Level certificates with 555-554. Either must include Higher Level Mathematics grade 5, plus Standard level Science grade 4. We are also happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programmes at both Higher and Standard Level. Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standard level, and the course applied for. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information. | 29 - 30 points |
| Mechatronic Systems (Including Year Abroad)or three Higher Level certificates with 555-554. Either must include Higher Level Mathematics grade 5, plus Standard level Science grade 4. We are also happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programmes at both Higher and Standard Level. Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standard level, and the course applied for. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information. | 29 - 30 points |
| Modern Languages with Latin American Studies (including a year in Latin America)"Or three Higher Level certificates with 555-554. We are happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programmes at both Higher and Standard Level. Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standard level, and the course applied for. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information." | 29 - 30 points |
| MPhilos Philosophy (four-year integrated masters)or three Higher Level certificates with 655-555. We are also happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programmes at both Higher and Standard Level. Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standard level, and the course applied for. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information on ugquery@essex.ac.uk. | 30 - 32 points |
| MPhilos Philosophy (integrated masters) including placement yearor three Higher Level certificates with 655-555. We are also happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programmes at both Higher and Standard Level. Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standard level, and the course applied for. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information on ugquery@essex.ac.uk. | 30 - 32 points |
| MPhilos Philosophy (integrated masters) including year abroador three Higher Level certificates with 655-555. We are also happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programmes at both Higher and Standard Level. Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standard level, and the course applied for. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information on ugquery@essex.ac.uk. | 30 - 32 points |
| Nursing (Adult)Or three Higher Level certificates with 555-554. Either must include Standard Level Mathematics or Maths Studies and English grade 4 or above (if not taken at Higher Level). Maths and English in the IB is not required if you have already achieved GCSE Maths and English at grade C/4 or above or 4 in IB Middle Years Maths. We are happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programmes at both Higher and Standard Level. Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standard level, and the course applied for. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information. | 29 - 30 points |
| Nursing (Adult) (Including Year Abroad)Or three Higher Level certificates with 555-554. Either must include Standard Level Mathematics or Maths Studies and English grade 4 or above (if not taken at Higher Level). Maths and English in the IB is not required if you have already achieved GCSE Maths and English at grade C/4 or above or 4 in IB Middle Years Maths. We are happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programmes at both Higher and Standard Level. Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standard level, and the course applied for. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information. | 29 - 30 points |
| Nursing (Mental Health)Or three Higher Level certificates with 555-554. Either must include Standard Level Mathematics or Maths Studies and English grade 4 or above (if not taken at Higher Level). Maths and English in the IB is not required if you have already achieved GCSE Maths and English at grade C/4 or above or 4 in IB Middle Years Maths. We are happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programmes at both Higher and Standard Level. Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standard level, and the course applied for. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information. | 29 - 30 points |
| Nursing (Mental Health) (Including Year Abroad)Or three Higher Level certificates with 555-554. Either must include Standard Level Mathematics or Maths Studies and English grade 4 or above (if not taken at Higher Level). Maths and English in the IB is not required if you have already achieved GCSE Maths and English at grade C/4 or above or 4 in IB Middle Years Maths. We are happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programmes at both Higher and Standard Level. Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standard level, and the course applied for. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information. | 29 - 30 points |
| Occupational TherapyOr three Higher Level certificates with 555-554. Either must include Standard Level Mathematics, English and Science grade 4. | 29 - 30 points |
| Politics (Including Placement Year)"Or three Higher Level certificates with 555-554. We are happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programmes at both Higher and Standard Level. Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standar" | 29 - 30 points |
| Politics (Including Year Abroad)"Or three Higher Level certificates with 555-554. We are happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programmes at both Higher and Standard Level. Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standar" | 29 - 30 points |
| Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies"Or three Higher Level certificates with 555-554. We are happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programmes at both Higher and Standard Level. Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standar" | 29 - 30 points |
| Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies (Including Placement Year)"Or three Higher Level certificates with 555-554. We are happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programmes at both Higher and Standard Level. Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standar" | 29 - 30 points |
| Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies (Including Year Abroad)"Or three Higher Level certificates with 555-554. We are happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programmes at both Higher and Standard Level. Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standar" | 29 - 30 points |
| Social WorkWe are happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programmes at both Higher and Standard Level. Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standard level, and the course applied for. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information. | 29 - 30 points |
| Urban Sustainability Studies"Or three Higher Level certificates with 555-554. We are happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programmes at both Higher and Standard Level. Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standar" | 29 - 30 points |
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Sources
- ucas.comPer-course IB offers as published in UCAS entry requirements for the 2026 cycle (University of Essex).
- essex.ac.ukUniversity website for application route and context.
- wikidata.orgFounding year, student numbers and institution type (Wikidata, CC0).
- essex.ac.ukCurated course offers checked against the university's own course pages for 2027 entry (October 2026); courses without a published 2027 requirement keep their 2026 label.