How to Choose the Right Subjects at A-Levels

"Depth and breadth" are the keys to selecting subjects and it is likely that students taking A-levels will be allowed to choose 3 or 4 ( 1 AS subject) subjects that will allow further study at university. Moreover, research is required to increase your chances of getting the course and institution you desire.

Do you know which degree you would like to study at university? If you're not sure, then it's time to review which subjects you're interested in and which ones you're good at. From this, try to imagine the possible careers you see yourself having after university.

But if your answer is YES, then it's time to select the subjects!

What are hard and soft subjects?

But there are others you need to take into consideration:

• To gain entrance in one of the best universities in the United Kingdom, you start with an expectation of 3 A grades and 1 AS (some institutions ask for unit scores).
• Further mathematics is highly valued for any mathematics-based course
• To study medicine, you must have studied chemistry, mathematics and two other 'academic' subjects
• Some universities do not want an A-level in a subject to be studied at degree level, e.g. law and economics
• The new A* grade is yet untested

Ideal mix of subjects according to field of study

Other qualifications for those planning to study Medicine in the UK

Please take note that aside from this mix of subjects, students who intend to study medicine and other related courses should prepare for BMAT (Biomedical Admissions Test). Here's a list of universities and courses that require this test:

(*) The Royal Veterinary College does not require non-EU international applicants to BVetMed programmes D100, D101 and D102 to sit the BMAT.

(**) Biomedical or allied science graduates should hold, or expect to hold, a first or upper second class honours degree and be expected to demonstrate an adequate knowledge of biology and chemistry. GCSE Maths and English at Grade B is required. Graduates who do not meet these criteria will need to demonstrate an adequate knowledge of biology and chemistry, either by taking the appropriate A-levels or an accredited Access to Medicine course. GCSE Maths and English at Grade B is required. These graduates will NOT be required to take BMAT. Please see Brighton and Sussex Medical School’s website for more information:

 Other qualification for those planning to study Law in the UK

If you are applying to study undergraduate law at the LNAT-participating universities you should aim to take the test as early in the academic year as possible for maximum choice of test venue and availability and to meet admissions deadlines.The LNAT must be taken in the UCAS year in which you are applying to university. You may only sit the test once in the cycle, and results cannot be carried over from one year to the next. You are advised to consult the individual university’s websites to check these deadlines.