Year 10
GCSE Subject Options
Mrs Devlin
Compulsory Subjects
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English Language
English Literature*
Mathematics
Religion
Subject Options
• Select subjects you are required to study by virtue of
degree course/career requirements
• Select subjects you enjoy and have an interest in as
these will offer a greater chance of attaining high grades.
* Further Mathematics at GCSE is an option. It is highly
advisable for those who wish to undertake a professional
career in engineering (mechanical/aerospace/electronic.
Decisions on this option should be performance related
and discussed with your Mathematics teacher.
GCSE Profile
The foundation for your future
• Achieving a high standard across your GCSE
subject range will help you progress to A level
and further your goal of gaining a competitive
university place and a future career.
• It is important to choose subjects wisely and
vital that you set out on a two year GCSE
course with a determination to work
consistently hard to reach your full potential.
What do universities want at GCSE
level?
Queens, Belfast.
Law: offers are made initially to students with 8As at GCSE
reducing to 4A and 4B grades for final places
Engineering: Applicants for this programme must have
achieved a minimum of 6 GCSE passes at grade B and one
grade A.
Business Mangement: offers are normally made to
applicants who have achieved a minimum 4 A grades at
GCSE.
Computer Science: Applicants must offer a minimum of 6
B grades at GCSE.
Modern Foreign Languages (French, Irish and
Spanish)
•It is strongly recommended that students take a minimum of
one modern language subject at GCSE.(A future career in
languages would be best served by taking 2 GCSE languages)
•Universities in Republic of Ireland expect applicants to present
a modern foreign language at GCSE level. DCU (Dublin City
University) and DKIT (Dundalk Institute of Technology) do not
require a GCSE Foreign language.
Allied Health Careers
• Radiography, Optometry and Dietetics require
a minimum of 2 Science GCSE subjects.
Physics essential for Radiography and
Optometry, Chemistry essential for Dietetics.
• Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational
Therapy require a minimum of one GCSE
Science.
• Physiotherapy – 2 GCSE Sciences advised with
Biology preferred.
Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary
Science
• Students considering a career in Medicine,
Dentistry and Veterinary Science must take all
3 Science subjects at GCSE level
Careers in Biology and Biosciences
• Any student who may consider a career in
Biological or Biomedical Sciences must take
GCSE Chemistry in addition to GCSE Biology.
• In other words “if you really like Biology, you
will not be able to study it at university if you
do not have a GCSE Chemistry’.
Engineering – maths, maths, maths!
• All degree courses in Mechanical, Structural,
Aeronautical, Chemical and Software Engineering
degrees require you to have at least a B and in
many cases an A in Maths at GCSE and A level.
• Physics is essential for many engineering degree
courses and highly desirable for others.
• Technology, Construction and Engineering are
excellent supporting subjects for a future
Engineering degree course or apprenticeship.
• Software Engineering and Computing degree
courses look for high level ICT skills. A GCSE in
Computing and ICT would be desirable.
Architecture – Think Art!
• Many universities state that GCSE Art is
essential others say highly desirable.
• An Art portfolio will be required from all
students applying to Architecture. This is not
scale drawings or building plans but is to be a
reflection of creative and artistic ability.
• Design Technology and Construction are good
supporting subjects.
Main Considerations
• Research GCSE subject content and method of
assessment carefully
• Check that you have the correct subject
combinations for future career options
• Thinks about your skills and abilities and play to
your strengths
• Seek advice from teachers and talk with your
parents and careers advisors.
Informed choices are good
choices