FOR USEFUL INFORMATION ON
WHAT TO STUDY, WHERE TO GO
AND HOW TO GET THERE, LOG
ONTO:
www.university.which.co.uk
See inside for their handy
tips on choosing the right AS
and A’ Level subjects.
ART
Many universities or art colleges will be looking for you to
have an art foundation qualification under your belt - a
one-year course usually taken after A-levels - before
progressing on to an art and design degree course.
Art and design essentials


Many courses require a diploma in foundation art and
design, or a BTEC National Diploma in general art and
design (or equivalent). This will help you to build up the
portfolio you need when applying to creative arts degree
courses.
Art A-level or a design-related subject.
Useful A-levels (or equivalent)



Design technology.
Photography.
History of art.
Other typical A-levels taken by current art and
design students

English literature.
BIOCHEMISTRY
If you want to study biochemistry, then it’s crucial that you
pick the right A-levels. Chemistry is a must-have subject
wherever you plan to study, but there are certain other
‘essentials’ depending on the course you apply to.
Taking chemistry, biology and either maths or physics (or
both) will keep all biochemistry courses open to you.
Essential A-levels (or equivalent)

Chemistry and often one from biology, maths or physics.
Useful A-levels (or equivalent)



Biology.
Maths.
Physics.
BIOLOGY
If you’re planning to study a biology or biological sciences
degree, unsurprisingly the majority of courses will require
you to have A-level biology under your belt, though a few
may accept you with any science subject.
Essential A-levels (or equivalent)


Biology.
Many courses also require at least one from chemistry,
physics or maths - preferences for particular subjects vary
between universities.
As a general rule of thumb, the A-levels combo that will
keep as many options open to you as possible is biology,
chemistry and maths.
Useful A-levels (or equivalent)



Chemistry.
Maths.
Physics.
BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION
Whether you want to study building services engineering,
building surveying or construction management, many
building degree courses require you to have A-levels (or
equivalent) in maths or physics (or both).
Essential A-levels (or equivalent)

Maths and/or physics (for building services engineering).
Useful A-levels (or equivalent)




Maths.
Physics.
Technology.
A science subject.
Other typical A-levels taken by current building
students



Business studies.
Geography.
IT.
BUSINESS
Business studies and similar subjects such as
accountancy and management are popular degrees that
are normally open to you with any A-levels. However,
certain A-level choices will help prepare you for business
at degree level, and could give you an edge over other
applicants.
The following requirements also apply to degrees in
accountancy, finance, banking and management.
Essential A-levels (or equivalent)

None (very occasionally maths for management degrees).
Useful A-levels (or equivalent)



Maths.
Business studies (AGCE, National and Diploma).
Economics.
Other typical A-levels taken by current
business students



IT and computing.
General studies.
Geography
Do note that many degrees will be open to you whichever
A-levels you choose. Some courses will be happy with a
subject just at AS-level while some courses may want the
full A-level - something to check before you finalise your
A-level choices in Year 12.
CHEMISTRY
If you’re planning to study chemistry, unsurprisingly the
majority of courses will require you to have A-level
chemistry under your belt, though a handful may accept
you with any science subject.
Essential A-levels (or equivalent)


Chemistry.
Occasionally maths.
Most courses require chemistry and would like maths and
one other science subject (e.g. physics, biology).
Useful A-levels (or equivalent)



Maths.
Biology.
Physics.
CLASSICS
If you want to study a classics degree, most universities
expect you to have an A-level in Latin or ancient Greek,
although there are some courses which allow you to start
Latin and / or classical Greek from scratch. For classical
studies or classical civilisations, however, most courses
will be open to you with any A-level subjects.
Whether you plan to study classics or classical studies, a
language would be a useful addition to your A-level line
up.
Essential A-levels (or equivalent)


Latin or ancient Greek for a classics degree.
None for a classical studies/ civilisation degree.
Useful A-levels (or equivalent)




A modern foreign language.
English literature.
History.
Classical civilisations.
COMPUTER SCIENCE
Some computer science courses will require maths – and
for a handful of courses, further maths is also preferred,
but many others will accept you with just GCSE-level
maths.
Essential A-levels (or equivalent)

Maths for some courses.
Useful A-levels (or equivalent)





Computing
Further maths.
Physics.
Philosophy.
ICT.
DENTISTRY
If you want to study dentistry, then it’s crucial you pick the
right A-levels. Most courses will ask for chemistry or
biology or both, but a few will also expect maths or
physics A-level.
Essential A-levels (or equivalent)



Chemistry, biology and either maths or physics (or both)
will keep all dentistry courses open to you.
If you don’t take maths or physics but do take chemistry
and biology, most courses will accept you.
If you only take one from chemistry or biology, fewer
dentistry courses will accept you.
Useful A-levels (or equivalent)


Maths.
Physics.
DRAMA
If you’re planning to study drama at university (the
criticism and analysis of drama rather than focusing on
performance - we've got tips helping you choose between
these courses here), an A-level in English literature or
English language and literature will keep all courses open
to you.
You don’t necessarily need an A-level in drama and
theatre studies to study a degree in drama, although a few
courses might ask for it.
Essential A-levels (or equivalent)


Some courses require English literature.
A few courses ask for English and / or theatre studies.
Useful A-levels (or equivalent)



English literature.
English literature and language.
Theatre studies.
Other typical A-levels taken by current drama
students


History.
Media studies.
ECONOMICS
You don’t necessarily need A-level economics to study an
economics degree, but some courses specify maths as a
must-have A-level. Take a look at individual economics
courses on Which? University to find out the most popular
subjects students studied before attending.
Essential A-levels (or equivalent)

Maths (some courses).
Useful A-levels (or equivalent)

Economics.
Other typical A-levels taken by current
economics students



Further maths.
History.
Statistics.
ENGLISH
If you’re planning to study English at university, an A-level
in English literature or English language and literature will
keep all English courses open to you. But you may find
that combining your A-level in English with certain other
subjects is a useful way to prepare for degree-level
studies.
Essential A-levels (or equivalent)

English literature / English literature and language (some
courses will accept English language on its own).
Useful A-levels (or equivalent)




History.
Religious studies.
French or another foreign language.
Latin or another classical language.
Other typical A-levels taken by current English
students

Psychology.
ENGINEERING
If you want to study engineering, then it’s crucial that you
pick the right A-levels. Maths is a must-have subject
whatever type of engineering you want to study, but there
are certain other ‘essentials’ or preferred subjects
depending on the course you apply to.
The following requirements apply to degrees in
engineering, aeronautical engineering, chemical
engineering, civil engineering and mechanical
engineering.
Essential A-levels (or equivalent)



Maths.
Chemistry for chemical engineering.
Usually physics.
Useful A-levels (or equivalent)


Further maths.
Design technology.
GEOGRAPHY
If you’re planning to study geography at university, an
A-level in geography will keep all courses open to
you - though more unis than you might think will accept
you without it. Some BSc degrees require you to have a
science or maths A-level.
Essential A-levels (or equivalent)

Most courses require geography, but there are some
exceptions.
Useful A-levels (or equivalent)
Some BSc degrees prefer one or more of the following:




Biology.
Chemistry.
Maths.
Physics.
Other typical A-levels taken by current
geography students



Business studies.
English literature.
History.
HISTORY
If you’re planning to study history at university, an A-level
in history will keep all courses open to you - though more
unis than you might think will accept you without it. Either
way, having a combination of essay-based subjects such
as English literature and politics will set you in good stead
for studying history at degree level.
Essential A-levels (or equivalent)

Most courses require history, but there are some
exceptions.
Useful A-levels (or equivalent)






Economics.
English literature.
Politics.
Philosophy.
Sociology.
Theology or religious studies.
Other A-levels taken by current history
students



General studies.
English language.
Maths.
LAW
Think you have to do A-level law to go on and study a
degree in it? Not necessarily. Law is a popular degree that
is normally open to you with any A-levels. However,
certain A-level choices will help prepare you for law at
degree level, and may give you an edge over other
applicants.
Essential A-levels (or equivalent)

None.
Useful A-levels (or equivalent)



Critical thinking may help with the Law National
Admissions Test - but, to keep your options open, the
subject is better done as a fifth AS-level.
Essay-based subjects such as history or English will set
you in good stead for law at degree level.
Many law students take at least one 'facilitating' subject
such as a foreign language, maths, science, English,
history or geography, which are deemed as good choices
for students who want to keep their degree options
flexible.
Other typical A-levels taken by current law
students



Maths.
Law.
French.
MATHS
If you’re planning to study maths at university, you may
find that combining your A-level in maths with certain other
subjects is a useful way to prepare for degree study. And
it’s not just further maths that will complement your maths
A-level – IT and a science subject could help too.
The following requirements also apply to degrees in
statistics.
Essential A-levels (or equivalent)

Maths, sometimes further maths
Useful A-levels (or equivalent)

Physics.
Other typical A-levels taken by current maths
students



IT and computing.
Chemistry.
Business studies.
MEDIA
Media studies is a popular degree that is normally open to
you with any A-levels. However, some smart A-level
choices will help to better prepare you for media at degree
level.
Essential A-levels (or equivalent)

A few courses ask for English or media studies.
Useful A-levels (or equivalent)




English.
Media studies.
Sociology.
Psychology.
Other typical A-levels taken by current media
students



Film studies.
Maths.
Art and design.
MEDICINE
If you want to study medicine, then it’s crucial that you
pick the right A-levels. Chemistry is a must-have subject
wherever you plan to study, but there are certain other
‘essentials’ depending on the particular university you
want to go to.
Essential A-levels (or equivalent)



Chemistry, biology and either maths or physics (or both)
will keep all the medical schools open to you.
If you don’t take maths or physics but do take chemistry
and biology, it will keep open the vast majority.
If you don’t take biology, but do take chemistry and one
from maths or physics, fewer medical schools will accept
you.
Useful A-levels (or equivalent)

Critical thinking will help with section three of the Biomedical Admissions Test (BMAT), but it is better to take
this as a fifth AS-level rather than as a replacement for
biology, maths or physics.
MODERN LANGUAGES
If you’re planning to study a modern language such as
French or German at university, an A-level in your chosen
language is, in most cases, an essential. For languages
not so commonly offered in schools and colleges, such as
Italian or Chinese, a modern foreign language is required
or preferred.
Whatever language you plan to study, at least one A-level
in a modern language should be in your A-level line up.
The following requirements apply to degrees in French,
German, Italian and Spanish.
Essential A-levels (or equivalent)


French for a French degree and German for a German
degree (in most cases).
An A-level in a modern language is usually required.
Useful A-levels (or equivalent)




Any other modern language.
English literature.
History.
Politics.
Other typical A-levels taken by current modern
language students




General studies.
English language.
Maths.
Business studies.
MUSIC
Essential A-levels (or equivalent)

Music and Grade VII / VIII for your main instrument (for
most traditional courses).
Useful A-levels (or equivalent)

Some universities have a preference for at least one
essay-based subject such as history or English
Other typical A-levels taken by current music
students



Maths.
French.
Physics.
NURSING
Whether you’re interested in working with children or you’d
prefer to specialise in mental health, unsurprisingly
nursing courses usually require at least one science. As
care and people skills are central to nursing, you may also
find a social science useful.
The following requirements also apply to degrees in
midwifery.
Essential A-levels (or equivalent)

Some courses ask for biology or another science.
Useful A-levels (or equivalent)




Psychology.
Sociology.
Chemistry.
CACHE.
Other typical A-levels taken by current nursing
students



General studies.
Health and social care.
Religious studies.
PHILOSOPHY
Philosophy is a popular degree that is normally open to
you with any A-levels. However, some smart A-level
choices will help prepare you for philosophy at degree
level.
Essential A-levels (or equivalent)

None.
Useful A-levels (or equivalent)




Maths.
Classical civilisations.
Philosophy.
Religious studies / Theology.
Other typical A-levels taken by current
philosophy students



Maths.
English literature.
History.
PHYSICS
If you want to study physics at university, then it’s crucial
that you pick the right A-levels. Not only is physics a
must-have subject, but maths is essential too. A small
number of courses will accept just one of these, but study
both to keep all your options open.
Essential A-levels (or equivalent)


Maths.
Physics.
Useful A-levels (or equivalent)


Further maths.
Chemistry.
PHYSIOTHERAPY
Requirements do vary from course to course, but the
majority of physiotherapy courses will expect at least one
science subject.
Essential A-levels (or equivalent)


Biology for most courses (many accept human biology).
Some courses may accept physical education as an
essential subject instead of biology.
Useful A-levels (or equivalent)




Chemistry.
Maths.
Physics.
Physical education.
Other typical A-levels taken by current
physiotherapy students


General studies.
Psychology.
POLITICS
Politics is a popular degree that is normally open to you
with any A-levels. However, certain A-level choices will
help to prepare you for studying politics at degree level.
Essential A-levels (or equivalent)

None.
Useful A-levels (or equivalent)

Politics.
History.
Philosophy.
Law.

Sociology.



Other typical A-levels taken by current politics
students



Maths.
English literature.
General studies.
PSYCHOLOGY
Psychology and other social sciences like sociology are
popular degrees normally open to you with any A-levels.
However, certain A-level subject choices will help prepare
you for studying psychology at degree level, and may give
you an edge over other applicants.
Essential A-levels (or equivalent)

A few courses ask for one or more from biology,
chemistry, maths or physics.
Useful A-levels (or equivalent)




Biology.
Maths.
Psychology.
Sociology.
Other typical A-levels taken by current
psychology students



English.
General studies.
History.
SOCIOLOGY
Sociology and other social sciences like psychology are
popular degrees that are normally open to you with any
A-levels. However, certain A-level choices will help
prepare you for studying sociology at degree level.
Essential A-levels (or equivalent)

None.
Useful A-levels (or equivalent)




Sociology.
Psychology.
Geography.
Media studies.
Other typical A-levels taken by current
sociology students



English.
General studies.
History
TEACHING
There are two main paths into teaching: you could take a
teacher training undergraduate degree, or you could study
a different subject and then take the postgraduate route
into teaching (via a PGCE qualification).
The A-levels listed here refer to the teacher training
degree requirements, whether you want to become a
primary or a secondary school teacher. You should also
decide whether or not there is a subject you want to
specialise in.
Essential A-levels (or equivalent)
At least one from:

Art, biology, chemistry, design and technology, English,
French, geography, German, history, IT, Italian, maths,
music, physics, physical education, religious studies
(theology), Spanish.
You may not need A-levels for some general primary
courses; CACHE meets the entry requirements for early
years primary teaching and a large number of primary
education teacher training degrees.
You should also note that for primary teaching you must
have GCSE maths, English and science at grade C or
above. For secondary teaching you may be able to get
away with not having science GCSE at C or above.
Other typical A-levels taken by current
teaching students



Psychology.
Sociology.
Sports science.
VETERINARY SCIENCE
If you want to study veterinary science or medicine, it’s
crucial that you pick the right A-levels. Chemistry is a
must-have subject wherever you plan to study, but there
are certain other ‘essentials’ depending on the particular
university you want to go to.
Essential A-levels (or equivalent)


Chemistry.
Combining chemistry, biology and either maths or physics
(or taking both) is the best way to keep all veterinary
courses open to you.
Useful A-levels (or equivalent)

Critical thinking will help with section three of the Biomedical Admissions Test (BMAT), but it is better to take it
as a fifth AS-level rather than as a replacement for maths
or physics.