will UK unis accept a degree mostly from non-traditional sources?

[rvm]

Without wanting to sound unkind, I am genuinely not sure a UK university is her best option. The entirety of the UK education system is based on timed exams.

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Thank you for your reply, Sarah!

Though I was in IT for many years, I now teach people how to process their emotions and put them in their proper places so I don't see your advice as unkind.  It's extremely beneficial and I am very grateful!

When we finish high school at 16 we take 8-10 classes worth of written exams (with generally 2-3 final exam papers per class, each of which is 2-ish hours long). Pre-university from 16-18 is more of the same: 3-4 courses, each consisting of 4-6 classes, each of which requires multiple timed hand-written exam papers. Though the exams get longer (3 hours). These are the exams that are worth college credit in the US.

This is how most university modules are examined too, and because British kids have been through this system they are expected to be very practiced at writing essays and long-format answers and proofs in timed conditions. No multiple-choice tests, not much graded homework, just one handwritten final exam in a proctored exam hall setting that is usually essay or long answer-based (or proof-based if studying a mathematics-related subject). Occasionally some classes will have a midterm, but it isn't that common.

If timed exams are something she struggles with, it would sort of be like setting her up to do badly knowing that this education system doesn't suit her. Allowances are of course made for dyslexic students, they often get extra time and may be allowed to type the exam, but dyslexic Brits have still been through this education system up until the point of starting uni - and so have intensively practiced coping with their dyslexia in this system if that makes sense?

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Yes, that makes sense and is very good to know.  

If you have the money to support her, and her goal is to study in the UK or Europe, but not necessarily at a UK or European uni, maybe look into American colleges in the UK/Europe? There are quite a few and they follow the US educational style while still giving her that experience overseas.

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We were unaware of American colleges in the UK or other countries in Europe.  Something to definitely investigate as that sounds like an excellent option. 

I have a friend whose son is in his second year at the University of Amsterdam.  He and my daughter have discussed his experiences.  She's concerned Amsterdam may not be the best choice for her.  Maybe will get to find out as we have a trip planned for next year.

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UK uni's don't do 'alt-credit' as such. IB, A-level, BTEC, ACCESS, T-levels (new), Advanced Highers, are the general entry requirements. AP, ACT, SAT for US students.

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I'm familiar with IB & A-Levels as we've done a bit of research however we need to learn more.  What are BTEC, ACCESS, T-levels, and Advanced Highers?

Not to dispute you:  for the unis we've investigated thus far, their websites indicate they will accept AP, ACT, SAT or associate degree or one year at an American college or university for American students.

A top-up degree needs: foundation degree, HND, BTEC, Associate Degree, DipHE etc. There are not many top-up degrees and are usually subject specific.

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What are HND, DipHE and top-up degrees?

Thank you!

If she can do an Access course as an international student online she could get in for 1st year.

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Would you share more on this?  Is this a single class, or set of classes, that she would take at her chosen uni in the UK and if she performs to acceptable standards, it would count toward her admission and degree?

The Open University doesn't ask for qualifications and is online. Start in 1st year unless have RA credits.

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Is the website:  https://www.open.ac.uk/ ?