Choosing A level subjects with University in mind
Some University degree courses require specific A level choices although not all higher
education establishments have the same requirements, and there is often a level of
flexibility. However, if you apply with an unconventional combination of subjects for a
particular course you may put yourself at a disadvantage in relation to other applicants.
Some A level subjects will be cited as ‘Required’ and are therefore essential and others will
be ‘Recommended’ which means that whilst they are not necessarily essential they will be
the qualifications held by the majority of people applying for that course. The most up to
date information is usually on the UCAS website http://www.ucas.com which may also
direct you to individual university websites, and university Admissions Officers will
respond to specific queries if the answer cannot be found on the website.
Although they may not be specified as required subjects, many successful applicants to
popular courses in some of the most prestigious and Russell Group Universities do have A
level qualifications in at least two of the facilitating subjects (see below).
Some of these courses may still have a preference for some of the facilitating subjects and
one or two universities may be more prescriptive in their subject requirements – check the
Entry Profiles on UCAS Course Search.
• Maths and Further Maths
• English Literature
• Physics
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Geography
• History
• Languages (Classical and Modern)
There are some A level subjects which provide suitable preparation for entry to university
generally, but which are not included within the facilitating subjects, because there are
relatively few degree programmes where an advanced level qualification in these subjects
would be a requirement for entry. Examples of such subjects include Economics and
Religious Studies.
Some courses will be happy with a subject at a lower level (for example, at AS-level instead
of A-level). This will be something to check before you apply.
Some popular degrees will often be open to you without any specific subject background;
these include: Accountancy, Anthropology, Archaeology, Business Studies, History of Art,
Law, Management Studies, Media Studies, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, Religious
Studies, Sociology, Surveying although there are often preferred subjects – see notes
below.
NB. Sustained and relevant work experience may be a requirement for some courses.
Accountancy
Some courses require Maths, and Business Studies and Economics can be useful
Animal Sciences / Zoology
Biology and Chemistry preferred. Relevant work experience is useful.
Archaeology
History, Geography, English and / or a Science subject may be preferred. 2 Sciences required for
Archaeological Science courses.
Anthropology
Biology and Geography preferred for some biological anthropological courses, however for Social
Anthropology there are no specific requirements
Architecture / Architectural Engineering
Maths and/or Physics required or preferred for some courses. Graphics or Art are sometimes a
requirement and a portfolio of art work is often requested.
Art / Design
Art A level and portfolio of art work required by many courses. You may choose to complete an Art
Foundation course prior to university.
Bioscience / Biochemistry / Biomedical Science / Genetics / Physiology
Chemistry required. Biology usually preferred, one or two Maths / Science subjects required.
Business and Management Courses
Maths is often essential or desirable. There is a wide range of courses, some show preference for
Economics, Business Studies, Geography, English or a Foreign Language.
Chemistry / Chemical Engineering
Two Science subjects including Chemistry (Chemistry, Physics and Maths is a good combination).
Computer Science
Maths and Further Maths, with some preference for Physics and Computing. STEP used by some
universities as part of conditional offer.
Dentistry
Chemistry and Biology usually required. Another Science subject may be required or preferred.
Proof of precision motor skills required, examples might be model making, painting or playing an
instrument.
Drama / Theatre Studies
English and Theatre Studies may be required. Extensive record of involvement in theatre
productions often required. Not all courses involve acting – you need to check.
Economics
Maths and Economics may be required or preferred. Check university websites carefully for other
preferred subjects.
Education Studies / Teaching
A level in the main subject of choice required plus one or two other A levels. Other useful subjects
for Primary Teaching are English Language or Maths, a language, a practical subject, Health and
Social Care.
Earth and Ocean Science
Sciences required – usually at least two out of Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Geography
Engineering - including electronics, civil engineering, mechanical engineering etc
Maths and/or Physics usually required. Further Maths sometimes recommended and for some
courses Graphics may be an advantage. Some universities may use STEP as part of conditional
offer.
Environmental Science
One or two Science subjects are usually stipulated. Maths may be required.
Events Management / Marketing
Relevant work experience is required. Business studies is an advantage together with subjects
that show your communication skills
Geography
Geography with two other subjects. Maths or Science required for BSc
Geology
Maths / Science subjects usually required. Geography may be accepted as an additional Science.
Chemistry, Maths and Physics often preferred.
Journalism, Media & Cultural Studies
No specific subject requirements but students should have studied at least one subject in which
significant experience of academic essay writing has been gained (e.g. English Literature, English
Language, History, Government and Politics, Economics). Students should also show an interest
in the world of current affairs.
Law
A very high standard required in 3 subjects. Focus should be on the facilitating subjects,
preference for at least some essay based subjects.
Management Studies / Marketing
Useful subjects include: Maths, Economics, Business Studies
Materials Science
Maths, Physics and/or Chemistry
Mathematics / Statistics
Maths and Further Maths, preference given to Physics. STEP may be used.
Medicine
Chemistry required together with Biology, often Physics or Maths. Subject requirements vary –
check university websites carefully. High grades at GCSE and AS level and relevant work
experience are essential and an interview will be required. Additional admissions test may also be
required (BMAT, UKCAT)
Music
A level Music plus instrumental grade usually required.
Nursing and Midwifery
Usually Biology or another science will be required. Psychology or Health and Social studies can
be helpful. Relevant work experience required.
Occupational Therapy
Some courses ask for Biology. There may be a preference for Psychology, Physical Education or
another science.
Optometry (Ophthalmic Optics)
Two from Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics (some courses prefer Biology as one of the
choices).
Orthoptics
Biology is essential, some universities prefer candidates to have one or more out of Chemistry,
Maths, Physics
Pharmacy
Chemistry and one from Biology, Maths and Physics keeps the vast majority of courses open to
you. Some courses like to see Chemistry, Biology and Maths. Doing Chemistry and Biology keeps
most courses open.
Philosophy / PPE - Philosophy, Politics and Economics:
Usually ‘No specific subjects required’ but in our experience Maths is often essential and very
useful for logic (and Economics) and an essay-based subject can give evidence of ability to
expand on ideas.
Physics:
Physics and Maths (and Chemistry sometimes preferred). Further Maths is desirable for some
courses.
Physiotherapy:
Most courses will consider you with just Biology. However, some also require a second science
from Chemistry, Maths or Physics. Other useful subjects include Psychology.
Physical Education / Sports Science
PE and Biology are required for some courses.
Politics:
No subjects specified. History or English are useful.
Psychology:
Look carefully at individual course outlines – some are more science based than others and so
may require Biology or another science. Others will be more arts based.
Town and Country Planning:
Geography may be specified.
Vet Science:
Excellent GCSE grades essential. Extensive and varied work experience over a long period of
time essential. (Work experience in as many different situations as possible – small / large animals,
etc.) You should do Chemistry and Biology and one from Maths / Physics so that you have all
universities open to you.
More information can also be found at:
http://university.which.co.uk/advice/six-things-you-need-to-know-before-making-your-a-levelchoices