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If you’re good at maths or science, but are more interested in studying an arts degree, what should you do? Photograph: Alamy
If you’re good at maths or science, but are more interested in studying an arts degree, what should you do? Photograph: Alamy

A-level combinations unlocked: what should students study?

This article is more than 9 years old

If your son or daughter is choosing their A-level subjects, they may be unsure of what to take. As a parent, you can support them as they make the decision

If you have a 15-year-old who knows exactly what degree they want to study, has chosen their preferred universities, and is likely to get the A-level grades required, congratulations.

You’re not home free yet – they could still change their mind – but the next few months will be less agonising than for families whose offspring are still, understandably, dithering about choices that will affect the rest of their life.

Gauging how best to align your child’s interests with their talents, then matching the various A-level combinations against the myriad of degree courses out there is enough to bamboozle the savviest parent. It’s even harder when you factor in the likelihood of them achieving a particular set of grades.

It’s perfectly possible, however, to navigate your way through the minefield of university entry requirements. It just needs some intensive online research and a healthy dose of realism. This may not always be easy if you’re 15 - which is where help from parents becomes critical to success two years down the line.

“There are three questions I always start with: what do you think you’re going to be good at? What do you want to study at university? And what career are you interested in?” says Simon Cusworth, head of careers at Croydon College.

“But while you may have a degree or career aspiration at 15, that may change by the time you go to university. So I would always advise a facilitating subject, such as a language, English, maths or a science, as that broadens your degree options. Do at least one if you’re doing three A-levels, and consider two if you’re doing four.”

The list of facilitating subjects are based on Russell Group universities coming together to state a simple principle, says University of Sheffield’s head of admissions Lynsey Hopkins.

“If you’re interested in a science or engineering degree, then maths is a good thing to do. If you want to study the arts, then taking an essay subject makes sense,” she explains.

Some degrees and universities are highly specific about A-level combinations and grade requirements. It’s a good idea to check out what will be needed for the degrees you may be interested in, even if you’re not committed one way or another yet.

People who are certain of their degree choice early on can change their minds on gap years or even in the first term, so “err on the side of keeping your options open,” urges Karen Pichlmann, head of admissions at Bournemouth University.

You don’t need to be sure of a top mark in maths or science to consider doing one of them at A-level, she says. “There are many fantastic degrees in the fields of maths and science where entry requirements aren’t necessarily high.” Getting a decent A-level grade in one of them - say a C or above - would mean you could realistically apply for a maths or science related degree with good career options, that would otherwise be barred to you.

If you happen to be good at maths or science, yet feel you’d be more interested in studying for an arts degree at university level, that’s no reason to shy away from those subjects going into sixth form, says Pichlmann. In fact it’s quite the reverse. “We’d be delighted to see a history candidate with A-levels in English, history and biology.”

At Sheffield, Hopkins sounds a warning note, however: don’t do maths or a science because politicians say they’re a good thing. “If you’re 15 and a talented all rounder, then there’s a good argument for taking one of them. But unless you’re attracted to a subject, advising someone towards two years study that they have no particular interest in or aptitude for is a dangerous path.”

Enthusiasm for a subject is important, because A-levels are stretching. “It’s worth considering which subjects you actually enjoy,” says Carys Roberts, head of admissions at Bangor University. “Then you’re more likely to get to grips with the continuous study and revision which comes with A-level work.”

It’s worth remembering that from next academic year, A-levels will no longer be assessed in modules. For someone who doesn’t thrive in an exam setting, this could have serious implications on their final grades. It’s therefore worth thinking about other qualifications that might better suit your personal learning preferences.

“Why not consider a BTec?” asks Cusworth. “There are some fantastic, challenging BTecs out there, and they remain modular.” The only difference to keep in mind, he observes, is ​“while A-levels are accepted by every university, some won’t consider BTecs at all.”

As​ a Russell Group ​university​, Sheffield is happy​ to make offers based on either a combination of BTec and A-levels, or on an extended Btec alone, for some degree courses. If you’re a good all-rounder, and the International Baccalaureate is on offer at your school or sixth form college, then it too has value for those who don’t want to narrow their choices early on.

The extended project is a piece of independent research and writing completed alongside the formal A-level qualification. “We are very keen on ​it,” ​says Hopkins. ​It isn’t offered by every school, but if you’re applying to Sheffield then​ “it can be the thing that helps you achieve your offer”.

“In history, for example, we can make an alternative offer,” says Hopkins. “It’s usually AAB, but if you’re doing an extended project, that can be ABB with a B in your extended project. And quite a few people have achieved their offer that way.”

However passionate a pupil may feel about wanting to take certain subjects, don’t embark on an extra A-level and end up feeling overwhelmed. “We don’t require four A-levels for any of our degree courses,” says Hopkins, “but one thing I see quite a lot of at results time is people who’ve overstretched themselves and instead of three good grades, they have four middling grades and just miss their offers.”

Finally, pupils shouldn’t always assume that if they were good at a subject at GCSE, they’ll do well at A-level. “It’s ​hard when you have your heart set on something,” acknowledges Cusworth. “But be realistic about your capacities and seek advice.”

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