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What Are The UK A-Levels?

A-Levels (short for Advanced levels) are UK national curriculum school-leaving qualifications that are taken by many students in the UK. 

Students usually choose three or four subjects, and take two years to study for these A-levels between the ages of 16 and 18.

The Extended Qualification

A-Level Subjects

How Many GCSEs Do You Need To Do A-Levels?

Which Subjects Should You Choose?

If you already know what you want to study at university

Knowing what you want to study at university puts you in a good position when choosing your A Levels. Your first step should be to check entry requirements on university websites for your chosen course.

 

A lot of courses will specify at least one subject you’ll need to have studied at A Level. For example, Medicine, Veterinary Science and certain Engineering courses may need three specific subjects. 

 

Also some universities publish a list of preferred A Level subjects that are acceptable for general admission, as well as specific requirements for individual courses.

If you don’t know what you want to study at university

You may not be sure what you want to study at university, or if you want to go at all. Don’t worry, as it means you can choose whichever subjects you want (within reason) and let that dictate your degree choice should you go on to study at university.

There are eight ‘facilitating’ subjects listed by Russell Group universities to help you keep your degree options open until you decide which course to take:

Generally speaking, taking two facilitating subjects will keep a wide range of degrees open to you. Make sure you still choose subjects you like – you’ll be studying them for the next two years.

 

If you’re still uncertain, phone or email the university admissions or schools liaison team for their advice before finalising your choices.

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