Combinations
In choosing A Level courses, students, at one time, concentrated on either three Arts / Humanities
subjects or three Science subjects. However, mixed A Levels have become more common and the
new arrangements for AS Levels give the opportunity for greater breadth still.
In UK universities, the majority of Science degrees require two Science (inc Maths) A Levels in Year
13 and so two Sciences along with an Art / Humanity is a good combination for the science-oriented
student. Similarly, one Science taken along with two Arts / Humanities is a solid foundation for
many Arts / Humanities degrees. The choice of a fourth subject in Year 12 gives more opportunity
to ensure a broad academic experience.
There are, of course, some UK degree courses which demand specific A Levels. For instance, those
wishing to take English, History, Geography, Mathematics, French or German will be expected to
take it at full A Level but this tends to take care of itself in that, if you’re that keen on English, you
will have chosen it at A Level anyway. The slightly less obvious areas to be aware of are:
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Biochemical courses ask for Chemistry and at least one other Science; Psychology /
Neuroscience type degrees often also treat Psychology or Biology as key.
Engineering courses ask for Mathematics and Physics.
Foreign Language courses ask for one Language and often prefer two at A Level.
You increasingly need all grade A/A* results at GCSE to have a chance with the top universities
Otherwise, there are many degree courses such as Business Studies or new Media degree
specialisms that accept virtually any combination of A Levels. Many admissions tutors and, for that
matter, many employers are more interested in a student’s level of success at A Level than the
particular subjects taken. We all know that we tend to succeed in something which we enjoy and
which suits our particular skills and abilities. Therefore, while bearing in mind any possible career
implications, students should be primarily guided by the two criteria of aptitude and interest that
determined their earlier choice at GCSE.
You do not need to stick to traditional subjects unless you are highly likely to be aiming for the top
universities, and even then you only need two of them. For more than two-thirds of all students,
“traditional” subjects (those your parents did not do at A-level!) are not necessary and you should
feel no qualms choosing newer subjects to the curriculum like Sociology or Media. If you do wish to
aim for the very top universities, you should seek the advice of the Head of Careers early on in the
process as to what your chances are and what route will best support this. Contact Mr Drennan on
mdrennan@dubaibritishschool.ae
Creative A levels
Certain A Levels are regarded by universities as creative: these include Art, Drama, Design and
Technology, Media Studies and P.E. Universities generally recommend that students should not do
two out of their three final A Levels in such subjects if they wish to pursue an academic degree
course. These subjects have their own strengths, so do not be put off by this if you have a genuine
interest in them. If you wish to pursue Art and Design at college, you need a portfolio and it is
advantageous to take A Level Art. Design and Technology prepares students well for careers in
Engineering or Industrial Design.