Blog Article
A Levels are an exciting opportunity to focus on the subjects you enjoy and zone in on your future study and career options. There are lots of things to consider when you choose your A Levels and if you want to continue to university, some degrees require you to have studied specific subjects to be accepted onto the course. We’ve put together a list of things to think about to ensure you make the right choice for you.
Remember, you don’t need A Levels to go to university! BCU, as well as many other universities, accept BTECs, T Levels and Access qualifications. Find out more about our entry requirements.
These are some things to consider when choosing your A Levels:
1. Which subjects do you find interesting?
Choosing your A Levels is your chance to focus on the subjects that interest you. A Levels are a big step up from GCSEs, and you’ll most likely be required to do some wider reading around your subjects and do more independent study, so it’s important that you find it interesting.
Also think about your hobbies outside school such as sports, art, music or computer games. This is a chance to learn more about what makes you tick and potentially turn them into a career!
2. What are your strengths?
In which subjects do you get good grades? When do you find yourself putting your hand up to answer questions? There are always some subjects which come more naturally to us than others, so work with your strengths and choose some of these subjects.
It can be hard to know what you’re good at so ask your parents, friends and teachers where they think your talents lie.
3. What is your learning style?
Do you prefer to learn by doing, listening or reading? If you’re a hands-on learner, then you may be good at subjects such as design and technology or art whereas students who like to read a lot may enjoy history or languages.
Considering this is important, as your A Levels or BTEC subjects will require independent work and more hours put into researching and working on your projects.
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4. Do you want to go to university or do a degree apprenticeship?
If you already know you want to continue your studies after sixth form or college, it’s worth double-checking university entry requirements. Entry requirements will differ from university to university, some requiring specific A Levels or BTEC qualifications to apply.
If you’re considering these subjects, check the qualifications at a few different universities as they will most likely require you to have studied a specific subject at A Level/ BTEC:
- Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Sciences, Health Sciences and other Health Professions such as Nursing, Midwifery and Diagnostic Radiography Education and Teacher Training
- Engineering
- Languages
- Computer Science
For other courses, universities may have a list of preferred subjects, as these subjects gain you the skills and experience that are desirable on the course. For example, if you want to apply for an Architecture course then Maths, Physics or Art may be desirable.
If you’re considering an Arts subject at university such as Illustration or Photography, then studying an artistic subject at A Level is a good idea as you may be requested by the university to provide a portfolio of your previous work as part of the application. A Level is a good chance to build your portfolio and develop your artistic style.
5. What are your career goals?
The start of your career could be a long way away but it’s never too soon to start thinking about jobs you’d like to do in the future and how your A Level or BTEC choices can help you get there. For example, if you’re particularly interested in becoming a Lawyer, you may want to choose Law if your sixth form or college offers this. If A Level Law isn’t an option, then consider the subjects that can give you skills to be a lawyer, such as English, History, Politics or Economics.
6. Are you prioritising the subjects you want to study?
It’s important not to choose the subjects your friends are choosing just because you want to be in class with them. Focus on your own interests as A Level study will have a focus on independent study.
Similarly, don’t choose a subject just because you like a teacher, or avoid a subject because you dislike a teacher. Your teacher is likely to change each year and there could even be new teachers joining your school.
If you’re uncertain about whether you want to go to university and what you want to study, it's never too soon to join us at our next Open Day to explore what’s on offer. You’ll be able to find out about different courses, get your questions answered, and learn what university life is like. If you can't make it, take a virtual tour.
