Universities in Backlash Against
Universities in Backlash Against
Universities in Backlash Against
Universities are warning that students who take too many 'soft' A-levels run the risk of rejection. One in three A-levels is taken in a subject that top universities deem poor preparation for degree courses. Statistics show that 246,675 out of 744,675 A-levels taken last year were in subjects seen as less valuable - 8,000 more than five years ago. These subjects include media studies, business studies, general studies, art and design and ICT (information and communication technology). The Tories said a "cruel trick" was being played on bright students aiming for the best universities but hamstrung by poor subject choices. They believe exam league tables may be putting pressure on schools to steer students towards subjects seen as easier to pass. Cambridge advises students that it considers 20 A-level subjects "less effective preparation" for courses. It recommends that sixth-formers do no more than one subject on this list posted on the university website - while general studies does not count towards a conditional offer. The London School of Economics has a list of 14 "non-preferred" subjects and again advises students against applying with more than one. Like Cambridge, general studies does not count towards a conditional offer. At Oxford, senior don Professor Alan Ryan said the university accepts every "plausible" state school student. But too many are ruled out because they have not taken traditional academic subjects, he warned. Research from the Russell Group of 20 elite institutions has shown that 93 per cent of candidates for media studies are from non-selective state schools, responsible for a 74 per cent share of all A levels.
LIST A1 Generally Suitable Science A-levels Biology Chemistry Mathematics Further Mathematics Physics
LIST A2 Generally Suitable Arts A-levels Art History Chinese Classical Civilisation Economics English Literature French Geography German Greek History Irish Italian Japanese Latin Music Philosophy Religious Studies Russian Spanish Welsh
LIST B A-levels of More Limited Suitability Archaeology (Arch & Anth) Art & Design (Arts) Business Studies (Economics) Computing (Computer Science) Design & Technology (Architecture) Drama/Theatre Studies (Arts) Electronics (Engineering) English Language (Arts)
Film Studies (Arts) Government & Politics (Arts) Law (Land Economy & Law) Media Studies (Arts) Psychology (Arts) Sociology (Arts)
LIST C A-levels Suitable Only As Fourth Subjects Accounting Applied Science Citizenship Communication Studies Critical Thinking Dance Environmental Science General Studies Health & Social Care Home Economics ICT Leisure Studies Music Technology Performance Studies Performing Arts Perspectives on Science Photography Physical Education Science Science for Public Understanding Sports Studies Travel & Tourism World Development
Medical School
Typical Offer
A2 Chemistry
A2 Biology
Other
Not Acceptable?
Aberdeen
AAA
1 of Bio/Maths/Physics
General Studies.
minimum)
science subject are as acceptable as all-science combinations. Check with Medical Admissions Office if in doubt about suitability of a subject.
AAAb
AS/A2
AS/A2
Two sciences at A2 - one must be Biology or Chemistry (if one of these is dropped before A2, a B grade must be attained in that subject). Third A2 can be science or non-science. AS can be in any academic subject.
General Studies, Critical Thinking, Further Mat separate A2 but acceptable as an additional AS
Birmingham A*AA-AAA
Yes
1 of Bio/Maths/Physics
A in Biology at AS if not taken at A2. Zoology or Human Biology are acceptable substitutes for Biology. Candidates should be predicted AAA.
AAA/A*AB/A*A*C
Yes(grade A)
Yes (grade A)
Bristol
AAA
Yes(grade A)
No
General Studies, Critical Thinking. The choice o undue overlap of content. For example Biology Biology and Sports Science; Maths and Further
Cambridge*
A*AA
AS
One non-science subject is acceptable at most colleges. Must have passes in three of Bio/Chem/Maths/Phys with at least one of these at A2.
Cambridge special note: Christs, Downing, Jesu Peterhouse, St Johns, and Trinity prefer applica subjects to full A Level. Chemistry at A2 is essen Mathematics at A2 is essential for Magdalene.
Cardiff
AAAc
AS/A2
AS/A2
At least two science subjects (one must be Bio/Chem) and an AS level in a fourth subject with at least a C grade. Offer includes A grade in either A2 Chem or Bio. If Chem/Bio not offered at A2, the AS must have a grade of at least B.
General Studies (neither AS/A2), Critical Thinki A2). For applicants taking two or more Maths/S Maths), only one will count towards an offer.
Dundee
AAA
Yes
No
One other science at A2, third of your choice (plus at least GCSE Biology or Dual Science if individual sciences not taken).
General Studies.
Human Biology accepted instead of Biology A level. These results should be obtained at one sitting and at the first attempt at A level examinations, two years after GCSE.
Durham
AAA
AS/A2
AS/A2
Chemistry and/or Biology at A or AS level. If only one is offered, the other should be offered at GCSE (or Dual Science) grade A .
East Anglia
AAAb
No
Yes
Edinburgh
AAAb
Yes
1 of Bio/Maths/Physics
Biology must be taken to at least AS. Human Biology may replace Biology.
Glasgow
AAA
Yes
1 of Bio/Maths/Physics
If Biology is not offered at A2 it must be offered at AS or GCSE (minimum grade B). Human Biology is an acceptable alternative to Biology.
General Studies not acceptable as a third subje Maths are not considered as separate subjects.
Hull York
AAAb (typical offer but will accept applications from those predicted AAB)
Yes
Yes
Extended Project won't be part of offer but is respected. All other subjects considered of equal merit as third A2. Maths and Further Maths can be taken together, but will need Chemistry and Biology at A2 as well.
Imperial
AAAb/AAAC
AS/A2
AS/A2
Chemistry and/or Biology at A or AS level (B at AS-level if one is dropped), plus one other science/maths subject.
Keele
AAAb/A*ABb
One further rigorous academic subject. EPQ can be taken instead of 4th AS level.
AAAb/AAaab
AS/A2
AS/A2
Applicants who offer nonscience subjects (humanities, languages, social sciences) welcomed.
Lancaster
AAAb
Yes
Yes
Leeds
AAA
Yes (A grade)
No
Leicester
AAA
Yes
AS
Liverpool
AAAb
Yes (A grade)
Yes (A grade)
AAAC at A-Level will not meet the requirements of the standard offer, unless the C has previously been certificated at AS Level at grade B or above. EPQ may count as 4th AS.
General Studies and Critical Thinking only cons one of Maths or Further Maths will be consider
Manchester
AAA
Yes
1 of Bio/Maths/Physics
Including unit grade information is encouraged. If Biology or Physics are not offered at AS, must be offered at GCSE.
Newcastle
AAA
AS/A2
AS/A2
Chemistry and/or biology at A or AS level. If only one of Chemistry/Biology is offered at AS/A2, the other should be offered at grade A in GCSE (Dual Science is also acceptable).
Nottingham
AAA
Yes(grade A)
Yes (grade A)
Third A level can be any academic subject. Human Biology is accepted instead of Biology.
Oxford
AAA
Yes
1 of Bio/Maths/Physics
Peninsula
A*AAc - AAAc
Yes
AS/A2
General Studies. No AS/A2 below a C grade is c not overlap e.g. Maths and Further Maths.
Queen's Belfast
AAAa
Yes
1 of Bio/Maths/Physics
Sheffield
AAA
Yes
No
Two sciences must be offered at A2 (one must be Chemistry). Third A2 of your choice.
General Studies.
Southampton
AAA
AS/A2
Non-science subjects are welcome as long as Chemistry is taken to the appropriate level.
General Studies. Overlapping subjects e.g. Math Biology and Sports Studies may not be offered i
St Andrews
AAA
Yes (A grade)
1 of Bio/Maths/Physics
If Biology and Mathematics are not offered at A2 or AS Level, each must have been passed at least GCSE grade B. Dual award Science is not acceptable in lieu of GCSE Biology.
St Georges
AAAb
AS/A2
If attending a low performing school (lower than 517.7 average where A=270 B=240 C=210 D=180 at A2, and half at AS) then an offer as low as BBCb may be given.
UCL
AAAb
Yes
Yes
Maths and Further Maths would only be consid preferred that applicants take 3 full A levels in o who have taken A levels early will still be expec the end of the second sixth form year. Referenc and AS level predictions/grades achieved to be