How to choose your subjects

It is not easy to decide which subjects you wish to study at Sixth Form. It is a huge decision that can impact your university choices and even your future career. The UK’s leading universities make no secret of favouring some subjects over others and, if you have aspirations to study at one of the top destinations, you must choose wisely.

Universities look for students who not only have good grades, but grades in the right subjects for the course they want to apply for. If you already know what you want to study at university, you should think about choosing subjects that give you the best possible preparation for your chosen degree course. If you are not sure what you want to study at university, it is important to choose subjects that will leave as many options open as possible.

THINGS TO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION:

Does the course you wish to study at university require specific subjects?

Some courses require you to take certain subjects at A Level. Students interested in studying Medicine at university must take Chemistry, Biology and either Mathematics or Physics. Similarly, language courses typically require an A Level in that particular language or another modern language.

You can find out more about degree course entry requirements: https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate

Certain subjects can keep your options open for the future

Facilitating subjects such as English Literature, Mathematics and Further Mathematics, Sciences, Languages, History and Geography are useful if you do not know what you want to study at university and will give you more of a choice if and when you do decide to advance to higher education.

Have a look at some career and job roles information: https://www.ucas.com/explore

A Level subjects are more difficult than GCSE level

At Sixth Form level, subjects are studied in greater detail and the transition from (I)GCSE to A Level is significant. Many A Levels require at least a Grade 7 at (I)GCSE to continue to study the subject at an advanced level.

Subjects can affect your university choice

If there is a certain university you have your heart set on, find out their course entry requirements before making your subject choices, but be realistic and open to advice.

Choose subjects you will enjoy

Most importantly, you have to enjoy what you are studying. You are more likely to do well in a subject.