1. Teacher slide
Objectives: To consider how A level choices affect your options when applying to universities.
You need:
A level choices – student worksheet
Links to other resources:
This resource can be taught at a similar time to Journey to University.
Right-click on the hyperlinks to open the resource

2. Unifrog resources
A level choices

3. A level choices
The rationale behind choosing A levels will be different for everyone, however some good reasons to continue to study a subject, or to study a subject for the first time at A level are:
- You have enjoyed and excelled at this subject in the past, meaning you believe you will achieve a high grade at A level
- This subject will help you to progress in your chosen career
- You have not studied the subject before, but you have thoroughly researched it and believe it will play to your strengths
When choosing A level subjects, it is good to remember to:
- Find out for yourself: there are always lots of rumours regarding subjects, their link to University etc but don’t take these rumours for granted. A levels themselves, as well as what Universities and Apprenticeships are looking for, are changing
- There is always a jump in expectations for A levels, but for some subjects this is even greater; make sure you have the skills and passion to achieve your potential
- A level subjects have adapted; if you are choosing a new subject, thoroughly research it to make sure it is right for you
Teacher’s note: Use this slide to emphasise the importance of choosing A levels for the right reasons. Explain that this activity will give more information and support on choosing A levels.
Main learning points:
Students should not take rumours for granted, and must always research for themselves

4. A level choices
Your choice of A level can be very important for future degrees at University. Some University courses require specific A levels.
Degree
A levels required
Music
Art
Art (or a design related subject)
Pharmacy
Chemistry, plus at least one from: Biology, Maths, Physics
English
English Literature and sometimes English Language also
Geology/Earth Sciences
At least 2 from: Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Biology
Economics
Maths for some courses (very rarely do you need Economics)
Dentistry
Chemistry and Biology usually
Medicine
Chemistry and either Biology, Physics or Maths,
Biochemistry
Chemistry and often one from: Biology, Maths or Physics
Teacher’s notes: This slide demonstrates some of the University courses which require specific A levels. This is not an exhaustive list but illustrates the point that A level choice is important, as it can directly influence what the student is able to study at University.
Main learning points:
A level choice is important and should be given deep consideration
Some courses require specific A levels
Each University’s requirements will differ. For example one University may require Chemistry and Maths to study Biochemistry, however another University may not require Maths. It is important that students see this slide as a guide, and check each University’s website to check their requirements.
Important note! This is a guide; all Universities will have different A level expectations, so always check the University website for admissions information.

5. Facilitating subjects
Some subjects are required more often than others at University. This is because Universities believe that these subjects, called facilitating subjects, develop skills and knowledge relevant to numerous degrees.
Universities do not necessarily require three facilitating subjects, some require two. Russell Group Universities often require students to have studied one or more facilitating subjects. Again, it is important to check each University’s admission requirements. If you are unsure of what to study at University, these A levels keep your options open.
Some examples of facilitating subjects are:
Maths and Further Maths
English Literature
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Geography
History
Languages (Classic and Modern)
Teacher’s notes: This slide explains the role of facilitating subjects.
Main learning points
Facilitating subjects keep University options open; they are looked on favourably by many Universities
These subjects develop skills and knowledge needed for a variety of University courses.
3 of these subjects are not always required; again it is important to check with each University.

6. Is variety a good thing?
When considering which A levels to choose, there isn't a straight yes or no as to whether you should choose subjects from a variety of areas. Choosing subjects you love is important, however choosing similar subjects is sometimes not what Universities want. For example…
London School of Economics and Political Science: ‘the combination of business studies and economics as two separate A-levels is best avoided.’
If two subjects cover a similar curriculum, such as Economics and Business Studies, or Biology and Human Biology, then this could be an issue for Universities. Again, this is something to be aware of and to check each University’s admissions expectations.
Teacher’s notes: Whilst there is not set answer on whether to choose A levels which are from a variety of disciplines, it is generally a good idea to not choose subjects with a similar curriculum. This also applies to more practical and vocational based subjects, for example Physical Education, Drama, Performing Arts etc, as too many of these subjects are often not looked upon favourably by Universities. It is important not to discourage students from choosing these subjects if they match their interests and skills, however it is a consideration when progressing to University.

7. Is there anything not to study?
Some Universities, and more likely specific courses, have A level subjects which they do not accept. Other Universities list A levels which they ‘prefer’. This will differ with each University and course. If your A level choices don’t match up, you shouldn’t necessarily discount the course, or be put off from taking subjects you are passionate in.
Taking some of the subjects which are not on the ‘preferred’ lists, as well as at least one of the facilitating subjects shouldn’t be an issue (as long as the grades you gain are the correct standard).
If choosing the subjects below, it is worth checking some University admissions criteria to see if they are accepted, and in conjunction with which other A levels.
History of Art
Economics
Geology
Law
Media Studies
Philosophy
General Studies
There are lots of rumours about these subjects, especially Media Studies, Law and General Studies, so always check the facts on University websites. Some Universities do accept Media Studies and Law, however General Studies is much less commonly accepted.
Teacher’s notes: Students should not be discouraged from studying the above subjects; some Universities do accept them, however the presence of 2 facilitating subjects with these subjects will increase the University options.

8. Where does this leave me?
I have a few ideas about courses I would like to study
I have no idea what course I would like to study
I know what course I want to study
Check multiple University websites to learn more about the course, modules and learning styles to make sure it is right for you.
Check A level requirements from multiple Universities. If there are no specific required A levels, then consider choosing some facilitating subjects.
Use the Unifrog tool to read about University courses you are considering, and the A levels required for these subjects.
If a theme emerges, e.g many of the courses require Biology A level, then consider choosing this. Also, look at the A level course content for the facilitating subjects and consider choosing one or two of these which you feel confident you can get good grades in, and which you will enjoy.
Read about the course content for facilitating A level subjects. Choose at least 2 facilitating subjects which you feel confident you can get good grades in, and which you will enjoy. Take advice from your teachers as well, they will know if you have an aptitude for a subject.
Teacher’s notes: This slide demonstrates what students may be thinking at this point about their A level choices, and what they can do from here. Emphasise that is perfectly ok for a student to not know what they want to study at University; the presence of facilitating subjects does not put these students at any disadvantage.
I don’t know for sure what I want to study- read about potential courses and A levels required- choose facilitating subjects and some subject specific ones if they are cropping up for more than one uni
I have no idea what I want to study- 2 facilitating subjects which you can acheieve high grades in

9. Instructions
Use the Unifrog tool, as well as individual University websites, to complete your research into which A levels you should choose.
Using the sheet provided, make 3 potential University course choices, and then list the A levels which you would choose to get onto this course, as well as the rationale behind choosing each A level.
Teacher’s notes:
Resources needed: ‘A level choices’

10. What is the content for the potential A levels you have chosen?
Reflection
Is there one A level which is present in every University course choice?
What is the content for the potential A levels you have chosen?
Are you particularly interested in, or excelling at any of the facilitating subjects?
Teacher’s notes: Students should discuss the reflection questions in groups, and then some students should feedback to the whole group.

11. Sign in at: unifrog.org/student