GCSE Equivalences are sometimes known as Pre-Access because they form part of an Access Diploma but are studied before it. They are for Access students who wish to enter university using an Access Diploma but are starting without GCSEs in English, Maths or Science, or more than one of these, at Grade C or above. They are not a compulsory part of the Access Diploma course, even if you do not already have these GCSEs. However, as the competition for university places is increasing, we are finding that a growing number of universities are asking for GCSEs, or equivalents, in addition to the Access Diploma We recommend you contact your preferred university to ask about their particular entry requirements before you start an Access Diploma, so we can advise on the best pathway for you and help you to decide whether it would be advisable for you to study one or more GCSE equivalences.