8 minute read
A guide to subject requirements for degree courses
This document is a guide only for both A-level and IB DP courses. For IB DP, where a subject is specified, it is likely to be at Higher rather than Standard Level. Full details of degree requirements can be found on university websites and course entry requirements on UCAS (www.ucas.com).
The more competitive or specialised the course, the more prescriptive the subject requirements are likely to be. The Russell Group of UK universities has produced an online guide to subject requirements for some of their courses (https://www.informedchoices.ac.uk/). This document should be used with care: although the advice is of general use, universities not in the Russell Group may be more flexible. Some universities offer a foundation year for some subjects whose requirements are less strict.
The majority of Universities now require a 4 or above in English Language and Mathematics GCSE. Some require a 5 or 6.
If students do not have a first language English Language IGCSE/GCSE and are taking A-Levels, they will likely need to take an English language exam (IELTS) for university entry. At Oakham, we can provide weekly lessons, which are chargeable, in either individual or small groups.
MEDICAL
Dentistry At least two Sciences/Mathematics including Chemistry.
Health Sciences Variable, but one or two sciences (preferably Biology and/or Chemistry) advisable, for Nursing, Biomedical Sciences, Speech Therapy, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Nutrition. For Physiotherapy, Biology is often required. For Dietetics, Chemistry is often required.
Radiography One or two Sciences required. Check courses for specific subjects.
Medicine
Optometry A good spread of Sciences and Non Science GCSEs. At least two Sciences or Mathematics, including Chemistry and/or Biology at Alevel or HL IB. A few universities ask for Chemistry and other Sciences or Mathematics. Three Sciences and Mathematics provide strong profile especially for those courses requiring BMAT as an entry Aptitude Test, see www.medschools.ac.uk IB Maths is accepted at most medical schools in combination with two Sciences at HL (typically Chemistry and Biology). It is sometimes accepted as the 2nd Science in combination with Chemistry.
Science subjects are required. Maths is often acceptable.
Pharmacy / Pharmacology Chemistry required and preferably two of Biology, Physics, Mathematics.
Veterinary Science Chemistry and Biology are required at most universities.
Sport Science An A-level Science subject often Biology preferred. PE required for some Sport Study courses. For Sport and Exercise Science at Loughborough the BTEC Level 3 National Diploma is accepted with grades D*D* including Distinctions in all units and in combination with a grade A in a preferred A-level subject. The preferred subjects are: Biology, Human Biology, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Psychology, PE/Sports Science. For the Sport and Recreation Management course at Edinburgh University, the BTEC Sport Science course is not suitable as they will only accept one BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in combination with two A-levels.
Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry
Food Science
Biochemistry One or two Mathematics/Biological Science subjects required. Geography may be accepted as a Science at some universities.
Chemistry and another Science; for management/marketing options, the Science requirements are less, although one science is useful.
Chemistry and Biology.
Biology Biology, Chemistry and a science/Mathematics for some courses.
Genetics/Biotechnology Biology and Chemistry usually required.
Microbiology
Chemistry Usually Biology and Chemistry required.
Two Science subjects including Chemistry.
Computer Science Mathematics required for most courses. Computer Science is useful.
Environmental Science Two Sciences (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Geography, Biology). Chemistry/Biology may be required.
Geology Two Sciences (Chemistry advised) or Maths required.
Geophysics Mathematics and Physics recommended.
Mathematics
Physics Mathematics (and possibly Further Mathematics and/or STEP). [IB Mathematics –Higher Level only required.]
Mathematics and Physics.
Statistics Mathematics.
Psychology Two types of degree, BSc or BA. A Science/Mathematics subject is usually required. Some universities like a broad mix of Mathematics/Science combined with a Humanity or Social Science Subject.
ENGINEERING / TECHNOLOGY / DESIGN / ARCHITECTURE
Engineering
Architecture
Surveying
Design Usually Mathematics and Physics but sometimes Mathematics and another Science is okay. Mathematics and Chemistry for Chemical Engineering.
Artistic ability in terms of drawing skills may be preferred and a portfolio asked for in many cases. Mathematics and/or Physics are sometimes required.
Mathematics sometimes asked for Quantity/Construction Surveying.
A relevant IB or A-Level Art or Design course. Mathematics and/or Physics required for some courses (product design, industrial design etc).
SOCIAL SCIENCES
Business / Management Mathematics useful (required for some courses). Language required for European/International Business courses. Business Studies/Economics gives useful background, but not required. Good grade in GCSE Mathematics often required if A-Level not offered.
Economics Mathematics, either A-Level or IB HL, is required for certain types of courses. Sometimes SL maths is acceptable with a higher score. For the more competitive courses such as LSE and Oxbridge Further Mathematics is an advantage. Economics/ Business Studies gives useful background, but not required.
Accountancy / Finance Mathematics required for Financial Analysis/Actuarial Science.
Geography Geography is usually required. Two types of course (Science or Arts/Social Science). Maths or Science subjects preferred for BSc courses.
Law No specified subjects. Essay subjects such as English and History may be helpful.
PPE
Politics / International Relations
Sociology / Social Studies / Anthropology Mathematics can be required by some universities, but access does not explicitly require any of the consitutional subjects prior to entry.
Politics useful but not required. Other useful subjects include English, History, Geography, Economics, and Languages.
A wide range of subject combinations acceptable. Biology and Geography may be preferred for some Anthropology courses.
ARTS
Archaeology
Art
History of Art Not specified, although a Science and Classical Language can be useful.
Many students go on to do a one year Foundation Course, prior to a degree in Art/Design areas. The basic requirement is a good portfolio of work, although in general a student would be expected to study Art or Design.
Critical and Contextual Studies useful but not required. History is preferred on some courses.
Drama Drama and Theatre. English. Many students go on to study a degree or an acting foundation course at a Drama School and whilst the audition is paramount, there is much to be gained from having studied Theatre at a higher level and to have played an active role in productions.
Education No specific subject; PGCEs require relevant degree subjects.
History / Economic History History is usually required.
Music
Philosophy
Languages
African Oriental Asian Studies Music generally required, plus an instrumental grade.
No specific requirements.
Usually the relevant language is required for French, German, Spanish, and Italian, with a specified grade. Two Languages give more scope.
Many places do not require a language, but SOAS does - so Language advised.
Classics Latin is usually required to study Classics but Greek is not. For a Classical Studies course, Classical Civilisation is recommended but there is no ancient language requirement. Latin may also be studied as part of a joint degree with another subject such as a modern language or history, in which case a modern language/history may be required.
English English Literature. Foreign language useful for joint courses.
European Studies A Modern Language usually required.
American Studies English, Humanities subjects, Social Sciences, or a Language preferred.
Russian and East European Studies
Linguistics One or two Modern Languages often required.
Modern Language often useful. English may be required.
A comparison of A-level and IB Diploma Programme
A-level IB DP
Numbers of Subjects
Usually three or four subjects at A-level Three subjects at Higher Level, plus three subjects at Standard Level
Compulsory elements
Subject combination
None English Lit, a Language, a Humanity, a Science, Mathematics ToK Essay 1,200 to 1,600 words Extended Essay 4,000 words CAS, first year only
Any combination that can be timetabled A subject from each of the 6 groups BUT instead of a Group 6 subject, one extra subject is allowed from groups 2-4 (2 Languages, 2 Humanities, 2 Sciences) Environmental Systems and Societies can be used as either a group 3 and 4, so frees up lesson time for 3 languages, 2 arts, or another Humanity or Science
F6 Teaching Time (per week)
Four subjects Six periods per subject
Total periods = 24 + CCF/DofE/Community Service
F7 teaching The courses finish in June Depends on whether three or four subjects are being studied.
Prep
16 hours per week
Public Examinations
Linear Five periods per HL subject Three periods per SL subject Theory of Knowledge = 2 periods per week (4.5 terms only) Total periods = 26 CAS: not timetabled
The Diploma finishes in May Teaching hours remain the same in term one.
13.2 hours per week
Linear
Coursework Most subjects do not have coursework - see individual subject sections
Grades
Individual subjects graded Grades A-level; A*, A, B, C, D, E, U BTEC; D*, D, M, P Diploma average is based on subjects, EE and ToK Grades for SL and HL: 1 to 7 points per subject ToK and EE maximum of 3 points Maximum possible, 45 points Diploma awarded for at least 24 points
All subjects have coursework. Varies by subject from 20% to 50% (100% in Art), see individual subject sections
Suitability of subjects for university
. The Russell Group represents 24 leading universities below:
University of Birmingham University of Bristol University of Cambridge Cardiff University Durham University University of Edinburgh University of Exeter University of Glasgow Imperial College London King's College London University of Leeds University of Liverpool London School of Economics and Political Science University of Manchester Newcastle University University of Nottingham University of Oxford Queen Mary, University of London Queen's University Belfast University of Sheffield University of Southampton University College London University of Warwick University of York
The Russell Group previously published a list of subjects the so called ‘facilitating subjects’ which could be particularly useful for pupils who were not sure what to study at university. It was sometimes suggested that facilitating subjects were the only subjects pupils should consider to get into a Russell Group university, or that you must take them for any degree. The Russell Group have advised that this was not the case.and have recently launched their new website (www.informedchoices.ac.uk) providing information about suitable subject choices and combinations.
Please note also that there are many other good universities and courses which are not members of the Russell Group so you should not limit your research to the above list of universities.
It is important to check the entry requirements for courses at individual universities when choosing your Upper School subjects.If you are at all concerned about the link between subjects and university entrance you should check the most recent literature and the websites of a sample of universities.
