Sixth Form
A-Level Choices

How do certain subject combinations relate to university courses?

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.

Which subjects are required for different degree courses?

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