A Levels and academic study

A Levels, AS Levels, BTEC Extended Certificates

A Levels are ideal if you enjoyed your GCSEs and are ready to move up to the next level of academic study. Most students apply for three subjects and an Extend option and we will offer advice and guidance at interview to ensure that you have chosen the best programme of study for you. Any A Level subject can be combined with other A Levels or a BTEC Certificate plus Extend to form a four-part programme. After a year at Exeter College, in the majority of A Level subjects, you will receive a standalone AS Level qualification. See the full course information for details of which subjects offer an AS Level in the first year.

BTEC Certificates and Extended Certificates

BTEC courses are accepted by universities (they have equivalent UCAS points) and many students choose to combine one with two A Levels.

Picking a good combination

We have included information on each course entry about what other options that course combines well with. Common combinations include ones which have similar topics such as Geography and Environmental Science or Physical Education with Biology. Other courses which work well together are ones which complement each other in terms of their approach and skills required, for example, a mix of Maths and Science courses with a Modern Language, or with a Humanities course, such as Sociology or History. However, it is important that you choose subjects you feel you really enjoy and that will provide you with a basis for your future career. We will support you to find the best combination of subjects for you. Some degrees and universities can be highly specific about A Level combinations and grade requirements, so when deciding what to pick, it is a good idea to check out what sort of combination might work well for your potential next steps. You can also enhance your progression options with a suitable Extend course, for example, Medical Technologies to support Veterinary and Medical Science applications. You are welcome to chat to our College Advice Team (see page 54) for guidance prior to your interview or you can explore options online, for example with the Informed Choices website: informedchoices.ac.uk.

The Extended Project Qualification

(EPQ) is a research project that can be taken alongside an A Level study programme in your second year. See page 15 for further information.

A Level

Student programme of study - you will choose:

A Level

+

A Level or BTEC Certificate Extend option

Art and Design

3-Dimensional Design (Product Design) - Grow your

understanding of 3-Dimensional (3D) art and design. 59

Fashion and Textiles - A practical course that will enhance your creative and visual recording skills. 59 Film and Video - An ideal course for budding film makers. 60 Fine Art - A challenging course which encourages students to pursue individual creative investigations. 60 Graphic Communication - Develop your own designs in traditional and digital media. 60 Photography - Develop advanced photography skills and express yourself as a creative individual. 61

Business

Business - A good introduction to a career in business. 69

Drama, Performing Arts and Production

Drama and Theatre - Combine practical performance with theoretical work. 83

English Language and English Literature

English Language - This course focuses on how we communicate across a range of contexts. English Literature - Study a wide variety of texts, covering the major literary genres of poetry, prose and drama. 91

91

Humanities and Social Sciences

Classical Civilisation - Study the culture and society of Graeco-Roman antiquity and its impact upon the modern world. 122 Early Modern History (1485-1799) - Go back deeper into

history and develop an understanding of a range of historic events. 123 Economics - Find out about economic forces and how they shape the world around us. 122 Geography - Study both human and physical geography through a variety of topics. 122 Later Modern History (1780-1991) - Learn about major

events in the recent past, develop on themes from GCSE. 123 Law - Gain an understanding of the English legal system and three areas of substantive law in practice. 124 Philosophy - Gain an introductory knowledge of philosophy as an academic subject. 124 Politics - Gain an understanding of the British political system and examine political ideologies and global power. 124 Psychology - Develop scientific skills in research methods and analysis and the use of theory to develop explanations of individual and social behaviour. 125 Religious Studies - Gain an insight into some of the key aspects of religion and ethical issues in contemporary society. 125 Sociology - This course gives you knowledge about contemporary society, social processes and social change. 125

Information Technology

Information Technology BTEC Certificate/

Extended Certificate - Prepares you for employment with enhanced IT use, with the most commonly in demand software packages. 132

Languages

French - This course constitutes an integrated study with a focus on language, culture and society. 137

German - You will develop your language ability by practising listening, speaking, reading and writing. 137 Spanish - Build on your knowledge and skills acquired at GCSE. 138

Mathematics

Double Mathematics - Explore mathematical relationships in far greater depth with pure and applied maths, including statistics. 142 Economics - Find out about economic forces and how they shape the world around us. 140 Mathematics - Take your mathematical knowledge to the next stage by studying pure and applied mathematics. 142 Maths (with Statistics) Level 3 Certificate - Use maths and

statistics to make logical and reasoned arguments in a variety of contexts. Please note, this is a one year course which can only be taken as a fourth option alongside three A Levels instead of an Extend option. It is an equivalent to an AS Level. 140

Media and Film

Film and Video - Art and Design - An ideal course for

budding film makers. Film Studies - Study different genres of film while also producing your own material. Media Studies - Study different forms of media while producing your own material. 147

147

147

Music

Music - Learn techniques of performance, harmony and composition and gain a historical perspective. Music (Performance) BTEC Subsidiary Diploma - For

those of you with a good level of instrumental technique and some performance experience who want to develop their skills in a practical, industry-relevant way. 150

Music Technology (Production) BTEC Certificate/

Extended Certificate - Develop your skills in sound recording, sequencing and mixing, applying them to a broad range of music styles and genres. 150

150

Science

Biology - Study the subject in great depth to understand biological principles from the biochemistry of a cell to whole organisms. 154 Chemistry - Develop your understanding of the chemical world, what drives reactions and how these can be used to build a better society. 155 Computer Science - Ideal if you love mathematical analysis programming and want to work in computer science, software engineering or games development. 155 Environmental Science - This course is ideal for those who have a keen interest in the sustainability of our planet through an understanding of the key scientific principles involved. 155 Geology - A culmination of science and physical geography, giving an understanding of the earth we live on. 156 Physics - Explore the fundamental forces and principles which underlie the building blocks of the universe. 156

Sport and Fitness

Physical Education - Gain a practical and theoretical introduction to the various disciplines involved in physical education. 163

Look out for this icon in the course information

You can combine that course with other courses with this icon to create a full time programme of study