General considerations:

Pupils need to take four AS levels if they are to be competitive when applying for high demand courses at university. Entry to courses at Oxbridge and other top universities will normally require applicants to have studied four AS
Levels. Applicants for medicine, veterinary science, dentistry and some law courses, for example, will normally be expected to have studied four AS
Levels in Lower Sixth.

Pupils with a moderate GCSE profile will be advised to finally select three AS levels only.
The following information outlines some of the ‘A’ Level course requirements for a range of courses in the local universities. This information is essential for pupils considering application to any of these areas. The information provided is specific to the local universities, where itemised, but the general principles apply to most institutions. Please note that these are requirements have been taken from the university on-line prospectus. The grades stated are typical offers and can be subject to change by the university. Where the UCAS tariff stated, at A2,
A* = 140 A = 120, B = 100, C = 80, D = 60, E = 40. If the student studied four AS subjects the grade obtained by subject dropped at the end of the Lower Sixth
A2. attracts half the points of the
Note: QUB = Queen’s University, Belfast UU = University of Ulster.

Interview: all applicants will be ranked on cognitive performance, and a proportion selected for interview.
UKCAT: all applicants are required to sit the UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT) and the results achieved will be used as part of the selection process prior to interview.
A-level: AAA at A-level + A in a fourth AS-level subject including A-level Chemistry plus at least one other A-level from Biology, Mathematics or Physics. If not offered at
A-level then Biology to at least AS-level grade B.
GCSE: Mathematics and GCSE Physics are required if not offered at AS-level or Alevel. A maximum of either one Applied A-level or one Applied AS-level will be counted. Please also note that only one Mathematics subject will be counted at Alevel (the other would be acceptable as the fourth AS-level). In considering applications, GCSE performance in the best 9 subjects will be scored with 4 points awarded for an A* and 3 for an A grade. UKCAT will be scored and used in conjunction with the GCSE score to rank for interview. AS performance and additional GCSE A grades may also be taken into account in borderline cases.
Evidence of commitment to medicine, motivation, communication
Interview: all offers are made on the basis of interviews. All candidates will be ranked and a proportion selected for interview. Offers will be made on the results of the interview.
UKCAT: all applicants are required to sit the UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT) and the results achieved will be used as part of the selection process prior to interview.
A-level: AAA at A-level + A in a fourth AS-level subject including A-level Chemistry plus at least one other A-level from Biology, Mathematics or Physics. If not offered at
A-level then Biology to at least AS-level grade B.
GCSE: Mathematics and either GCSE Physics are required if not offered at AS-level or A-level. A maximum of either one Applied A-level or one Applied AS-level will be counted. Please also note that only one Mathematics subject will be counted at Alevel (the other would be acceptable as the fourth AS-level). In considering applications, GCSE performance in the best 9 subjects will be scored with 4 points awarded for an A* and 3 for an A grade. UKCAT will be scored and used in conjunction with the GCSE score to rank for interview. AS performance and additional GCSE A grades may also be taken into account in borderline cases.
Evidence of commitment to Dentistry, motivation, communication skills and initiative are important.

Pharmacy (QUB)
Biology, Mathematics or Physics + GCSE Biology or Double Award Science + GCSE
Mathematics. Note: Biology to at least AS preferred.
A minimum of 340 UCAS tariff points to include grades AAB (including Chemistry and one science subject from Mathematics, Physics or Biology). Biology preferred as second science. GCE Applied Science Double Award is acceptable only when offered with A level Chemistry at least at Grade B.
Both Biology and Chemistry can be required or strongly supportive. This depends on specific courses. Please refer to individual university prospectuses.
Usually Mathematics and Physics are required. However, given the diverse nature of the courses available it is advisable to refer to individual university prospectuses.
(QUB) A-level: ABB + GCSE Mathematics. Applicants without GCSE Art may be invited to a portfolio interview. Neither Technology and Design nor Craft, Design and
Technology are considered an alternative to Art.
A broad spread of scientific, creative and language-based subjects is desirable, since high scores in specific subjects do not necessarily indicate suitability for the wide-ranging demands of the degree. Evidence of broad general intelligence, a hardworking nature and a genuine motivation and interest in architecture is also required. Applicants are encouraged to appreciate the demands of studying architecture and the combined scientific and creative nature of the subject.
(UU) A minimum of 300 UCAS Tariff Points to include grades BB at A-level is required. Additional A-levels or their equivalent may be submitted toward the remainder of the UCAS tariff, but will only be considered with a minimum pass grade
C (or its equivalent) in each. While there is no definitive combination of A levels required, it would be an advantage in determining selection to the course for applicants to have successful studies at A level in both Scientific subjects and Art or
Art & Design.

Grades BBB (to include 2 science subjects from Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics,
Biology, and Home Economics of which Chemistry is preferred).
Grades BBB One of the required 'A' level passes must be in English (or modern foreign language), Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, Health and
Social Care, Geography.
QUB: A-level: BCC including a relevant Science (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or
Physics) OR BBC where a relevant Science subject is not offered. UU: A minimum of
280 UCAS Tariff Points to include grades BB at A Level.
BBB to include one A-level from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths
Grades BBB to include one science subject from Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry or
Biology.
Grades AAB to include grade A from one of the following: Biology, Chemistry,
Mathematics, PE, Physics, Sport Science & Leisure Industry
Grades AAB to include grade A from one of the following- History, Geography, Sports
Science & Leisure Industry.
Normally Business Studies and Economics at AS or A2 level are of equal value. Both
QUB and the UU have indicated that either is equally acceptable but are not a requirement.
Given the diverse nature of the courses available, specific subjects may be required.
It is advisable to refer to individual prospectuses.

No specified subjects exist for most universities.
A-level: A*AA including Mathematics OR AAA + A (AS) including A-level Mathematics
Law
No specified subjects exist for most universities.
No specific subjects exist for most universities.
BEd Primary: At least one subject from Art, English, Geography, History,
Mathematics, Music, Physical Education, Religious Studies, Science
• Business Studies: BBC Business Studies or Economics
• Mathematics and Science: BCC Mathematics and Physics or Chemistry or
Biology
• Religious Studies: ABB Religious Studies
• Technology and Design: BCC Technology and Design / Art / Computing /
Physics
Further information on specific subjects can be found on the Internet sites of the appropriate universities or in university prospectuses.