The A level subject choices you make when in Year 11 can have a significant impact on the course options available to you at university. In considering your advanced level choices, it is a good idea to consider the ways in which certain subject combinations tend to relate to broad groups of university degree courses.
A student who is good at science often chooses sciences and mathematics. This will keep open science/mathematics options at university. In terms of science choices, if you know you are inclined towards the life sciences you should choose Chemistry and Biology. If you know you are on the engineering side you should choose Mathematics and Physics.
A student who is good at arts/humanities/social sciences often chooses a combination of subjects at advanced level from 'essay' based subjects. A large range of university degrees in the arts/humanities, social sciences and business fields will be open to such a student, but not normally degrees in the mathematics/sciences field.
Some students will emphasise their linguistic abilities by doing not one but two foreign languages. Students that study languages are highly sought after by universities for language degrees or degree courses with a language component.
If you have a talent in music you may well want to study it at university. If so, it is important that you take Music to advanced level.
If you have a talent in art you may well be thinking about an art foundation course as a precursor to a degree programme. Studying a subject like Art or Design and Technology at advanced level will provide you with the basis for your portfolio, which you will need to gain entry to an art foundation course.
You are advised to consult the list provided by Russell Group universities at RussellGroup in conjunction with more detailed information on the UCAS website and on university websites.
It is important to note that this list notes essential advanced level qualifications only and not the other subjects which will be useful preparation for a degree course in a specific discipline.
Accountancy
Usually no subjects are essential although some universities require Mathematics
Actuarial Science/Studies
Mathematics
Aeronautical Engineering
Mathematics and Physics
American Studies
Requirements vary but English and/or History are often asked for
Anthropology
No subjects are essential
Archaeology
No subjects are essential
Architecture
Some courses say they want an arts/science mix. Some may require Art
Art and Design
Art or Design Technology
Biochemistry
Always Chemistry and some degrees will say that you must have Biology as well, while some say choose one from Mathematics/Physics/Biology.
Biology
Biology and Chemistry
Biomedical Sciences (including Medical Science)
Normally two from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics. Chemistry is essential for some courses
Business Studies
No subjects are essential
Chemical Engineering
Chemistry and Mathematics and sometimes Physics as well
Chemistry
Chemistry and occasionally Mathematics. Most courses require Chemistry and would like Mathematics and one other science subject (for example, Physics or Biology)
Childhood Studies
No subjects are essential
Classical Studies
For Classics courses Latin or Ancient Greek are required. For Classical Studies and Classical Civilisation courses most subjects will be considered. Do note that there are some Classics courses which will allow you to start Latin and/or Classical Greek from scratch
Computing
For some courses, Mathematics
Dentistry
Chemistry and Biology for most courses, but some require Mathematics and Physics as well
Dietetics
Chemistry, Biology
Drama
Some courses require English Literature and for a few courses English and/ or Theatre Studies
Economics
Usually Mathematics
Electrical/Electronic Engineering
Mathematics, Physics
Engineering (General)
Mathematics and Physics
English
English Literature. Some courses will accept English Language
Environmental Science/Studies
Many courses will ask for two from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics and Geography
European Studies
A modern foreign language
French
French
Geography
Most degrees require Geography
Geology/Earth Sciences
Usually two from Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geology and Geography
German
German (a handful of universities offer the opportunity to study German from scratch, without German A level)
History
Most degrees require History
History of Art
No subjects are essential
Italian
Italian or another language such as French, German or Spanish
Law
Usually none, although a few universities require English
Management Studies
Sometimes Mathematics
Materials Science (including Biomedical Materials Science)
Normally two from Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Biology (also Design Technology for some universities)
Mathematics
Mathematics and sometimes Further Mathematics
Mechanical Engineering
Mathematics, Physics
Media Studies (including Communication Studies)
A few courses ask for English or Media Studies
Medicine
If you do Chemistry, Biology and one from Mathematics or Physics you will keep all the medical schools open to you. If you do Chemistry and Biology you will keep open the vast majority. If you do Chemistry and one from Mathematics and Physics you will limit your range of choices much more
Music
For most traditional courses, Music and Grade VII/VIII
Nursing and Midwifery
Usually Biology or another science including Psychology
Occupational Therapy
Some courses ask for Biology
Optometry (Ophthalmic Optics)
Two from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics (some courses prefer Biology as one of the choices)
Orthoptics
Biology
Pharmacy
Chemistry and one from Biology, Mathematics and Physics keeps the vast majority of courses open to you. Some courses like to see Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics. Doing Chemistry and Biology keeps most courses open
Philosophy
No subjects are essential
Physics
Mathematics, Physics
Physiotherapy
Most courses will consider you with just Biology, however some also require a second science from Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics
Politics
No subjects are essential
Psychology
A few courses ask for one from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics
Religious Studies/Theology
No subjects are essential
Sociology
No subjects are essential
Spanish
Spanish (some degrees will also consider French, German or Italian)
Speech Therapy
Some degrees want a science such as Biology, Chemistry or Physics. Some specify Biology, but some degrees will consider candidates with none of these
Sports Science/Physical Education
Many courses want to see one from Biology/Chemistry/Mathematics/Physics (some courses will treat Physical Education as a science equivalent). Psychology and Geography may also be accepted.
Surveying
No subjects are essential
Teacher Training (Primary and/or Secondary)
At least one National Curriculum subject
Veterinary Science
You should do Chemistry and Biology and one from Mathematics/Physics so that you have all universities open to you