There has been a lot of discussion [Guardian, BBC, Telegraph] in the media recently about how a student’s choice of A Levels affects their chances of securing a place at University. It has been suggested – frequently – that there is a “secret” list of subjects that are considered “hard” and therefore worthwhile, and those that are considered “soft” and therefore not worthwhile.
The Russell Group of universities, which includes Oxford, Cambridge, and my alma mater, King’s College London, has recently released a guide for students called Informed Choices. It is one of the ugliest and most difficult-to-read documents I have ever come across, so I have summarised below what I think is the most important advice.
The guide lists “facilitating subjects” that are “required more often than others” for entry to university:
“By choosing facilitating subjects at advanced level, you will have a much wider range of options open to you at university. An A Level qualification in any facilitating subject will keep open to you a number of degree courses.”
The list of facilitating subjects consists of physics (of course), chemistry, biology, maths and further maths, english, geography, history and classical and modern languages. The guide goes on to warn that:
“If you decide not to choose some of the facilitating subjects at A Level, many degrees at competitive universities will not be open to you.”
On the subject of “hard” and “soft” subjects, the guide has this to say:
“In general, subjects referred to as being ‘hard’ are more traditional and theoretical subjects, for example: English, History, Physics and Chemistry. In fact all the facilitating subjects listed earlier can be considered ‘hard’ with the addition of others such as Economics and Politics. ‘Soft’ subjects are usually subjects with a vocational or practical bias, for example: Media Studies, Art and Design, Photography and Business Studies.
“If you plan to take more than one perceived ‘soft’ subject, some caution may be needed.”
The University of Cambridge published its own list of “soft” subjects a couple of years ago. It included accounting, art and design, business studies, communication studies, dance, design and technology, drama and theatre studies, film studies, health and social care, home economics, ICT, leisure studies, media studies, music technology, performance studies, performing arts, photography, physical education, sports studies and travel and tourism on a list of subjects that it considered “less than ideal”.
There is a section in the Russell Group’s guide entitled Subjects Required for Different Degree Courses. I did a quick totting-up of the subjects listed as “Essential” and whilst I was hoping that Physics would come in in first place, I’m happy to settle for the Silver Medal.
(I took to using “MPBC” as shorthand, due to the frequency with which that four-subject combination came up.)
Update: Tom Hartley has a better graph than mine.
I want to get in to oxford to study Physics I’m currently studies these A-levels Geography Physics Biology Chemistry Maths Further Maths Greek , Latin and islamic studies I know they look quite a lot but do I stand a chance into getting into Physics with these
The Physics, Chemistry, Maths and Further Maths will help your application and the Greek, Latin and Islamic Studies will demonstrate breadth of study. It does seem like rather a lot to study though; whether or not you’re accepted will probably depend on what grades you get. With that many subjects you might sacrifice great grades in some for good grades in all.
I want to be an accountant and I have to hand in my sixth form application next month but I am sure what A levels to take to help me exceed in accountancy? I think i am taking Economics & Further maths but unsure what else. Will i need to take both maths & further maths? Also, is there any A-levels that you suggest I take?
I don’t really have any expertise in applying for Accountancy; so I can’t really offer any advice.
Would psychology be considered a hard or soft subject?
Definitely soft. Most decent universities don’t require Psychology A Level for a Psychology degree course. The NHS says that “[A2 or AS-level] psychology is never required for entry onto degree courses”.
Is Biology, Chemistry, Geography and Music a good combination, or would English lit be better than music? Or would the Music not make such a difference to my Uni chances?
A good combination for what? It depends on what you want to study.
Hi, I’m thinking of studying Medicine. I’m definitely doing Biology, Chemistry and Maths for A level, but I can’t decide between Physics or Geography for the fourth option. I know that Physics is a science, but would Unis prefer it to Geography by a lot? My geo teacher says that an ‘essay subject’ would be helpful, but my physics teacher says that physics would be more related! Any suggestions would be appreciated :)
sorry, forgot to type my email in.
Generally, universities prefer physics over geography. For medicine, definitely so.
Hi,
I really want to go into medicine at uni and I will soon be starting my A levels but I really DO NOT want to study maths because I think i might struggle, so would you say Biology, Chemistry, Physics and maybe History or French would be a good combination?
Thanks
If you struggle with Maths you may well struggle studying medicine! Without, at the very minimum, a decent maths GCSE grade you will probably not get in. Chemistry is absolutely essential; without chemistry you will find it very difficult to get a place to read medicine. Biology is very sensible, though there are some places that do not require it. Physics at A Level is harder than biology, and so it is probably looked upon more favourably by universities. History or French will only be useful in the sense of displaying the fact that you are a candidate that has studied a broad range of subjects. The Student Room has a good post about getting in to read medicine.
Thank you…
I was going to study at A level Double Business Studies, ICT and Mathematics but am now concerned after reading recent articles that these may be ( apart from maths) considered soft subjects. I am not yet sure what i want to study at university but am considering something like business/ accounts. Thanks for any help
I’m not sure what your question is, Mark.
Business Studies and ICT aren’t on the Russell Group’s list of enabling subjects. Business Studies is specifically mentioned as a “soft subject” by the Russell Group and both Business Studies and ICT are on Cambridge’s list of “less ideal” subjects.
Is it possible to do a level physics without maths or would it be a struggle?
The two subject naturally go together, but most A Level physics courses are now pretty light on mathematics and you’re unlikely to struggle with A Level physics if you’re a strong IGCSE mathematician.
Would religious studies/philosophy be a facilitating or a soft subject choice?
Neither religious studies nor philosophy are considered to be facilitating subjects by the Russell Group.
I am want to go into medicine in the futures and I am thinking about the right as/a levels courses I should do in college. I have currently applied for human biology, chemistry, maths and psychology. I am definitely taking the first three subjects but I am unsure about taking psychology as my fourth subject as I am unsure about whether it is considered a favourable/acceptable subject for medical schools. If not which subject(s) would you suggest to me as an alternative that is considered favourable?
Psychology is considered to be a “soft” subject; most psychology degrees do not require psychology A level. Physics would be a good fourth subject, but so would most “hard” subjects.
Hi, I am interested in acquiring a degree in psychology. I have currently taken the following A level subjects: English Literature, Business Studies and Textiles. I have just completed my AS-level course and was wondering whether psychology is an available option to me as I have not taken a science subject at A-level and I have two subjects that are black-listed. Basically, is it a good idea for me to apply for Psychology without having done a science? Any advice or suggestions?
BS and Textiles are both considered (very) soft subjects. You’ll find it very hard to get into a top-flight university to study anything with those; psychology will be especially difficult as it’s a popular course. You might find some luck applying to one of the less popular and less well-respected universities. Then again, I’m not an expert and you should do your own research.
I am thinking about applying for a maths course at university and I would like your opinion on my chosen subjects; at the moment I will be doing maths, further maths, physics and philosophy (with chemistry a possible 5th subject). Is this a good combination?
I have checked the Cambridge list of hard and soft subjects and philosophy appears on the harder arts list, is it well respected at the top universities?
Finally, how much do the top universities take GCSE results into consideration?
Maths, Further Maths and Physics will stand you in very good stead for an application to read maths. Philosophy ticks the “well rounded” box but that’s not really what universities are looking for – I’d go with chemistry in its place. I don’t know how well respected philosophy is when compared with other arts subjects, but it’s not as well respected as the non-arts subjects. Universities only look at GCSE results if there isn’t enough in A Levels, personal statements etc, to differentiate between candidates.
I would like to study geography at university, and possibly specialise in physical geography. My A level options at the moment are English, Maths, Geography and Music, but I am unsure whether to do a science. Is a science needed?
I don’t know whether a science is needed – this is likely to vary from one university to another – but for physical geography in particular a physical science (i.e. either physics or chemistry) would be a very good idea and might well make you more attractive to Admissions Tutors when applying.
My eldest son is indecisive between A levels double maths, physics and chemistry and double maths, physics and greek (as he is loath to give up his classics) with a view to do natural sciences, classics or physics; any advice please
That’s pretty easy. If he’s going to read sciences at university then his A Levels should be science-focused; if he’s going to read classics then Greek would be a reasonable choice. From a general point of view, ignoring university choices, chemistry beats Greek.
I want to study a degree in travel and tourism but i,m not sure which A-level subjects to do …
Hi, I am looking to study a Mathematics degree and currently trying to decide which subject to take as my fourth A Level alongside Maths, Further Maths and Physics. I am unsure whether to take History, Psychology or an additional Science in Biology or Chemistry. I will most likely only take the fourth subject to AS Level and so didnt know how much relevance it will have on determining an offer at university.
Another science will probably be easier, as there will be more overlap with the other subjects you’re intending to study. Having said that, I’m not sure that this choice will make a huge difference to your application chances, so I would just go with the one you’re most interested in. Check with your careers advisor.
Hi, I’d like to study physics at university, and my chosen options ar Physics, Maths (mechanics), Biology and Philosophy & Ethics.
Would this be enough to have a chance at getting into a well-respected university to study physics? And would I stand a stronger chance if I applied for a university course in a more specific branch, such as astrophysics, instead of physics?
These are reasonable A Level choices, yes. Some physics-related courses are more popular than others: astronomy for example is more popular than “straight” physics. You’d have to look at individual courses. There is some information on this in a previous post that I wrote.
Just wondering would double maths, physics English lit be a better choice than maths chem physics and English lit? I may do music as an additional in both combinations
It depends entirely on what you want to do. Double Maths is very hard, but so is Chemistry and Maths.
Hi, Mr Reid
I want to do engineering in the USA and I am currently living in the UK. Is Chemistry, Physics, Spanish and Maths a good mix of subjects for both UK and USA. Also I was going to drop one subject and take on another like Music or Performance studies to show I am versatile should I or not ? Also how would I apply for universities in America or do they just use ucas as well?
Thanks
I know absolutely nothing whatsoever about the US university application process, so I’m afraid I can’t help with that. For engineering in the UK it would be an excellent choice; and I can’t imagine the US is that difficult. I wouldn’t bother with Music/Performance – versatility is overrated. Universities don’t want all-rounders, they want somebody who’s very interested in the subject they’re applying for.
Hi, I want to study medicine in the UK. I am choosing chemistry, biology, Geography and History (or English as a fourth A Level instead of History). Do these A Levels meet the requirements of most universities in London? I am considering Maths but not sure if a B in GCSE will enable me to get an A in A Level. Do most unis want maths?
Thank You
Maths is certainly viewed in a more positive light than Geography or History, especially for a scientific course, but it’s viewed that way because it’s hard. Not all universities in London offer Medicine, so you may wish to look further afield.
Mr Reid, I think you should make it clear you are only interested in giving advice to students who want to get into the Russell Group of Univerisities and stop talking about good or bad A levels or good or bad Universities
Tony,
I assume you’re angry at the Russell Group’s and Cambridge’s criticism of Business Studies.
I am categorically not only “interested in giving advice to students who want to get into the Russell Group of Univerisities [sic]”. The vast majority of those that have posted questions here haven’t mentioned where they are applying to. In cases where I don’t have any expertise I have said as much.
In most cases I am simply stating facts, based on the Russell Group’s report, and I have drawn attention to this as the source, for example: here and here. If you would like to point out a factual error I am happy to consider revising my comments.
At no stage have I ever referred to universities as being “good or bad”. I have referred to them as “top-flight” and “less well-respected”, but never as “good or bad”. If you’re trying to argue that all universities are equally well-respected then you are deluded.
“BS and Textiles are both considered (very) soft subjects. You’ll find it very hard to get into a top-flight university to study anything with those; psychology will be especially difficult as it’s a popular course. You might find some luck applying to one of the less popular and less well-respected universities. Then again, I’m not an expert and you should do your own research.”
In which university publication does is say BS and Textiles are “soft” let alone “very soft” and come on be honest, by top-flight you mean good and by less well respected you mean bad or at least that is the impression you leave the reader. Perhaps you need to attend a few AS Media Studies classes to understand the difference between fact and subjective press interpretations. As a teacher have you never heard of ‘raising aspirations’ or ‘inclusiveness’?
What was your advice to Sharon? “I want to study a degree in travel and tourism but i,m not sure which A-level subjects to do …” – you were not interested in that one then!!
So again be honest with your readers – tell them that you are only here to give advice to science students who are looking to go to Russell Group Universities and you don’t understand anything about any other type of course or university. As a Business and Economics A level teacher at least I appreciate that it is important that as many young people as possible go to university to study a wide range of subjects if we are to compete in a global economy. If you stick to your subject and make your agenda clear I admire what you are doing but please don’t knock other subjects or universities, otherwise you will upset hard working students like Sharon who still doesn’t have an answer from you.
The publication that states that Business Studies and Textiles are soft subjects is the Russell Group’s Informed Choices report on which the whole post is based. There’s also Cambridge’s list of soft subjects to consider. You yourself quoted my disclaimer: “I’m not an expert and you should do your own research”; if pupils are using my blog as their only source of information about university choices then their school’s Careers provision is obviously very poor and I feel very sorry for them.
The suggestion that by “less well-respected” I mean “bad” is nonsense. I mean exactly what I say, nothing more and nothing less.
As I’m sure you can appreciate, I get a lot of comments on my blog. If I missed one of Sharon’s (I did answer two questions from a Sharon) then to Sharon, I apologise.
And once again, I refute your accusation that I am “only here to give advice to science students who are looking to go to Russell Group Universities”. It just so happens that visitors to a blog about science happen to be asking questions that are predominantly about science- and engineering-related courses. There are many excellent universities that are not part of the Russell Group, universities like St Andrews, York, Bath and Surrey for example.
P.S. I liked your joke about attending a few AS Media Studies lessons. That was pretty great.
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Hi, I am thinking of doing the AS levels Geography, English Literature, Physics and History as these are the subjects I am interested in / good at. However, I am unsure about what degrees I could do with these. I don’t want to do an English or History degree and I don’t think I could get into a physics degree without maths. I could do a geography degree but apart from that and law, what are my options?
This really isn’t my area of expertise. What do you want to do? What do you enjoy doing? There are too many courses that you could get into with physics, geography, English literature and history for me to name. I suggest talking to your school’s careers advisor.
Hi, thanks for your response. My school doesn’t have a career’s advisor as it is a small school so that is why I asked you. I am relieved that you say that there are many courses I could do. Thank you.