Animation

An animation degree will teach you how to creating moving visuals and tell stories using various techniques and equipment, preparing you for roles in computing, games, TV and film. Learning is a mix of theory and practice, as you study key skies and put them into action so the work you submit will include essays showreels and portfolios.

Most people don't get the change to study animation before applying to university. However, most place require that you’ve taken a creative subject at A-level, such as art, graphic design or media studies, IT, English language and English literature are also useful.

Architecture

An architecture degree will teach you how to design buildings. Becoming a chartered architect takes five years of study and two years of practical experience, so some students will only take the initial undergraduate degree and then find a role in a related field, such as building control surveyor or town planner. You’ll learn the principles behind building design, structural engineering, how to draw building designs, and historical context. Much of your work will occur outside the classroom so that you can see real-life examples.

Most people won’t get the chance to study architecture before applying for university. Still, several A-level subjects are relevant, including art and design, design and technology, mathematics, and physics.

Creative Writing

A degree in creative writing will cover many forms of writing, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, script writing, and writing in the media, as well as the basics of spelling, grammar, proofreading, and editing. Courses are normally taught in the form of workshops, tutorials, and lectures, with plenty of opportunities to develop critical thinking skills through lively discussion. The degree will prepare you for roles such as copywriter, editorial assistant, copyeditor, journalist, arts administrator, and lexicographer.

You’ll need a good A-level in English language or English literature. Other humanities subjects will also be looked upon favourably.

Fashion Design

A practical degree, fashion design courses will teach you the skills needed to design and create your own collection, such as research, drawing, illustration, colour and material use, pattern cutting, clothing production, and how to put a portfolio together. You’ll learn through practical workshops, group projects, educational visits, lectures and seminars, one-to-one tutorials, and independent study. Assessment is often done through catwalk presentations. This degree can lead to roles such as designer, buyer, trend forecaster, and pattern cutter.

Most people won’t have had the chance to study fashion design before applying, so you don’t need specific A-levels. However, you’ll need to demonstrate your passion for the subject, including any experience outside of education, and you may be asked to send in a portfolio.

Film Studies

A film studies degree allows you to develop knowledge and understanding of film. You’ll look at the theory, techniques, history, and criticism of different works, as well as the social, cultural, political, and economic context around them, and have the chance to shoot, edit, and produce your own films. The subject is a mix of theory and practice, so expect to be taught through lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, creative assignments, and group projects. After, you might pursue a career as a film director, film editor, location manager, production designer, programme researcher, runner, or producer.

Most universities don’t ask for specific A-levels. However, media studies, photography, art and design all show that you’re creative. Essay-based subjects, such as English language or literature, history, and philosophy will be helpful. Some universities require you to have at least one essay-based A-level.

Fine Art

Taking a degree in fine art gives you the chance to develop your skills in a variety of artistic methods and techniques, such as painting, drawing, sculpture, and photography. You’ll build up a portfolio of university coursework and your own ideas, as you start to establish yourself as an artist. Teaching methods include studio practice, group critiques, lectures, seminars, workshops, one-to-one tutorials, and independent study. You’ll also have the opportunity to enter competitions and exhibitions.

A fine art degree will prepare you for life as a professional artist but can also lead to other career paths, such as art director, art therapist, art gallery manager, community arts worker, illustrator, and printmaker.

You’ll need a good A-level in art and design. A-levels in other creative subjects, such as English language and literature and drama, will also demonstrate you have the skills needed.

Graphic Design

On a graphic design course, you’ll learn how to create visual content to communicate messages. This content might appear in adverts, magazines, books, and websites. As well as developing skills in different techniques, research, design, and presentation, you’ll be taught about the social and cultural context of graphic design past and present. Expect to spend a lot of time in the studio, attending lectures and seminars and making time for independent study.

A graphic design degree prepares you for roles such as graphic designer, advertising art director, design and marketing manager, concept artist, art editor, exhibition designer, illustrator, printmaker, UX designer, and web designer.

Many courses don’t require specific A-levels, but art and design will show your talent for, and interest in, the subject. You’ll probably need to submit a portfolio to show you have the skills needed to tackle the course.

Interior Design

This degree will prepare you for a career in the interior design industry, giving you the design and project management skills, structural and material knowledge, and technical know-how to create interior environments. Expect to cover elements of art, design, and architecture. You’ll balance practical studio time and workshops with lectures and seminars, as well as one-to-one tutorials and independent study. Some courses may offer a placement year so you can apply what you’ve learned to real working scenarios.

Career paths you could follow include interior designer, exhibition designer, production designer for theatre, TV or film, and visual merchandiser.

You’ll need an A-level in art and design, and to submit a portfolio as part of your application.

Journalism

We get our news in all sorts of ways, from online articles and videos to social media and radio shows, and it’s journalists who find and report on these stories. A journalism degree will equip you with the skills needed to succeed in this competitive field. Most degrees start with a general overview before giving you the chance to specialise in a type of journalism or a specific subject. You’ll divide your time between lectures and seminars and research undertaken during your own time. It’s also beneficial to get work placements in newsrooms.

After graduating, you could become a journalist for broadcast, magazines or newspapers, an editorial assistant, a features editor, a sub-editor, a proofreader, or a web content manager.

Useful A-levels include a combination of English language, English literature, media studies, and history.

Live Events Production

Whether your interest lies in live sound, lighting design and technology or visuals, a live events production degree will equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to enter into this dynamic industry. Or, you may be most passionate about the industry's business side and the thought of setting up your own events company. Either way, your course will introduce you to the main pathways within this exciting sector, helping you to make a clear decision about where you want to take your career.

Besides achieving the required grades, there won’t generally be any entry requirements from universities for prospective students looking to study live events production. However, any creative subject like English language, art, design technology or media studies will support your application and your education. In addition, if you think your future might lie in the industry's business side, a qualification in business studies or economics will be beneficial.

Media Production

The media industry is constantly growing and evolving, which makes it a particularly exciting career path for young creatives. Through a media production degree, you’ll learn about the latest trends and technologies shaping the contemporary media industry, while also developing your understanding of its legal and ethical implications. One of the most appealing aspects of a media production degree is that it will equip you with the necessary skills to take on various jobs within the creative industries.

Some examples of the roles media production graduates commonly take on include script writer, producer, director, editor, publisher, and social media manager.

A media production degree will generally be open for anyone to enrol onto, regardless of the subjects you studied beforehand. However, there are a few subjects that are useful to have and will support you through higher education, including media studies, English, and psychology.

Photography

On a photography course, you’ll learn a wealth of vocational skills that will be applicable throughout your career. As well as learning about the history and principles of photography, you’ll also develop a deeper understanding of practical strategies, techniques, and digital imagery – all while establishing your own photographic identity. One of the best aspects of this course for budding photographers is the fact that you’ll build up a vast portfolio of practical work to complement your theoretical knowledge.

Universities generally won’t request prospective students to have chosen specific subjects at A-level. Instead, more emphasis is usually placed on your portfolio of practical work. That being said, studying creative subjects at A-level will give you a head start on a photography degree. If universities do require a specific subject, they’ll ask for an art or art-related qualification. Design and media subjects will also be very beneficial to your application.

Accounting and Finance

A degree in accounting and finance prepares you for roles around a business's operation and growth, such as managing its funds. Accounting primarily involves reporting on the money coming into and going out of a business, so the accounting part of the degree will focus on that and give you the opportunity to look into specialist areas such as tax. Finance also involves money but is broader, so expect to learn how to analyse data, solve problems, and understand how a business generally works.

An A-level in mathematics is essential, as it shows that you can work with numbers. Required grades vary between universities. Other useful A-levels include business, statistics, and further mathematics.

Business Management

A business management degree will cover all the key areas of running a business:

• Finance

• Economics

• Accounting

• Business Law

• Operations

• IT

• Strategy

• Marketing

• Communication

You’ll gain a broad overview of these subjects in your first year of study, before specialising in topics of interest in your second and third years. The degree can prepare you for various roles, such as business adviser, business analyst, data scientist, insurance underwriter, management consultant, and project manager.

Most universities will ask for three A-levels. Many courses don’t ask for specific subjects, but mathematics, economics, business, IT, and English language will all be useful.

Hospitality Management

A hospitality management degree will teach you the skills you need to run a venue or attraction, including business management and finance, people management and leadership, marketing, food and beverage management, and service delivery. You’ll learn through seminars, lectures, workshops, one-to-one tutorials, and independent study, with most universities offering you the chance to take a placement year and put your learnings into practice. Roles you might pursue afterwards include accommodation manager, catering manager, event manager, restaurant manager, or hotel manager.

Universities don’t normally ask for specific A-levels, but you’ll need to complete two or three and show passion for hospitality management in your application.

Marketing

A marketing degree involves an interesting mix of creativity and business skills — you’ll need creativity to come up with new ideas and communicate them to the intended audience, whilst ensuring they make sense financially. Some marketing degrees are BAs (Bachelor of Arts) and will look more at the creative side, while some are BScs (Bachelor of Science) and will look more at the data side. But both sides are useful to study.

Most people won’t have had the chance to study marketing before applying, so universities will often be flexible if you demonstrate a real passion for the subject. However, a combination of English language, media studies, business studies, and statistics will demonstrate that you have the necessary skills to do well on the course.

Childhood Development

Also known as childhood studies, a childhood development degree will give you an in-depth insight into how children and adolescents develop and behave, as well as the factors that influence this, like family, society and education. You’ll also study the history of childhood. The degree will be taught with a mixture of theory and practice, preparing you for career paths such as education consultant, family support worker, play therapist, social worker, or youth worker.

Many universities don’t ask for specific A-levels, but psychology and sociology will give you a solid starting point. You’ll also need to pass an Enhanced DBS check before you can work with children.

Primary Teacher Education with QTS

If the idea of inspiring young minds appeals to you, then primary education could be a good fit. Teachers work hard to cover the national curriculum, including maths, English, science, design and technology, history, geography, art, music, and physical education. By taking a degree in primary education, you will get familiar with the subjects you’ll need to teach and learn how to manage a classroom environment. Plus, you’ll get the chance to gain hands-on experience in a school setting via local job placements. The QTS section of this degree title refers to ‘Qualified Teacher Status’ — an essential requirement for teachers looking to work in a state school in England or Wales.

You’ll usually need three A-levels, and whilst these can be in a variety of subjects, you may be required to have a C grade in English language, mathematics, and science at GCSE. Following these core subjects to A-level can allow you to take a more specialist course, such as primary education with English (QTS). In the case of this specific degree, for example, you’d likely need English or a similar subject such as history, philosophy, sociology, or drama at A-level.

Aerospace Engineering

Aerospace engineers design, test, build and maintain planes, spacecraft and satellites. An aerospace engineering degree prepares you for this through a mix of theory and practical work, teaching you the skills you need to work in the industry.

A-levels in mathematics and physics are essential. Required grades vary between universities. Other useful A-levels include IT, further mathematics, and design technology.

Civil Engineering

A civil engineering degree will prepare you for a career in designing and developing infrastructure, such as building control surveyor, site engineer, or structural engineer. Expect to learn through lectures, seminars, computer lab sessions and practical projects. You’ll often have the chance to specialise in the areas that interest you most in your second and third years.

You’ll need good A-levels in mathematics and physics. Further mathematics, statistics, design technology, and chemistry can also be useful.

Data Science

A data science degree will teach you how to collect, manage, and use data to make decisions and discoveries and solve problems. It incorporates elements of multiple disciplines, including mathematics, statistics, computer science, social sciences, and business. Your course will teach you the theory you need to know, how to apply it and the contexts in which it might be applied. You’ll learn through lectures, seminars, workshops, one-to-one tutorials, group projects, and independent study.

Data scientists are sought after in a number of industries, such as market research, finance, disaster management, manufacturing, retail, and healthcare. Aside from data scientist, roles you could take on include analyst, quantitative researcher, analytics manager, and business intelligence officer.

You’ll need a good A-level in mathematics and some universities will also ask for an A-level in further mathematics. Science subjects, particularly chemistry and physics, will also help prepare you as they relate to mathematics.

Mathematics

If you’re one of those people who just have a passion for numbers, mathematics degrees might be something you’re interested in researching. Many different topics are covered on a general course, from calculus, to algebra, to quantum mechanics. However, you’ll get to focus on the areas that interest you most later in your course. In addition, lots of prospective students combine maths with another subject in a joint honours degree. Common subjects it’s paired with include economics, physics, and computer science.

Studying a mathematics degree opens the door to many career opportunities, including engineering, accounting, astronomy, and teaching. You’ll be expected to have earned an A-level or equivalent qualification in mathematics before starting your degree. Admissions officers will also look upon further mathematics and science-based subjects favourably.

Mechanical Engineering

There are so many different disciplines within engineering that can be studied at uni, but mechanical engineering is one of the most broad (and challenging) subjects of all. Across the course of your studies, you’ll acquire career-specific skills like advanced computing, a strong understanding of maths and physics, plus the ability to operate the latest technology and programmes used in the industry.

Many graduates today are looking to pursue roles in the renewable energy and artificial intelligence sectors, where there’s always a demand for highly skilled engineers. Some degrees are also accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), which will support your professional endeavours after graduation. Mechanical engineering degrees are extremely competitive and entry requirements can therefore be strict. Most universities will command high grades in both maths and physics A-levels, while further maths, computing, and science-based subjects will also support your application.

Adult Nursing

When you study for an adult nursing degree, you’ll learn how to look after adult patients (people 18 years and older) by coming up with care plans and carrying them out. Courses involve a combination of theoretical and practical study, so you can put what you learn in the classroom into practice.

A combination of biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and psychology A-levels will show you have the skills required for the degree, as well as any relevant work experience.

Biochemistry

Biochemistry is the study of chemical reactions in living beings. A degree will cover molecular biology and chemistry in relation to working as a biochemist, cells, and organisms, with the option to specialise in areas of interest in your second and third years. You might look at the immune system, the brain, or molecular biology in relation to cancer. Whatever modules you choose, this degree requires a lot of commitment, with a mixture of lectures, laboratory sessions and independent study.

A biochemistry qualification can lead to a job as a biomedical scientist, analytical chemist, biotechnologist, pharmacologist, science writer or toxicologist, among others.

You’ll need good A-levels in biology and chemistry to show you have the basic knowledge required for the course. A-levels in mathematics, further mathematics, statistics, and physics may also be helpful.

Children and Young People’s Nursing

When you study a children and young people’s nursing degree, you’ll learn how to look after patients under the age of 18 by coming up with care plans and carrying them out, as well as providing support for their families. Courses involve a combination of theoretical and practical study, so you can put what you learn in the classroom into practice.

Many universities won’t ask for specific A-levels, but a combination of biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics and psychology A-levels will show you have the skills required for the degree, as will any relevant work experience.

Food Science

A food science degree gives you the opportunity to study the science behind food, including people’s behaviour around it and how problems within the food system can be solved. You’ll learn through lectures, seminars, time spent in the lab, group projects, and industry placements. It can lead to a career as a food scientist, but also as a food technologist, health and safety inspector, product development scientist or quality manager.

You’ll need an A-level in biology, chemistry or physics (some universities ask for two sciences). Food technology is an ideal subject if your school or college offers it, and mathematics, statistics, psychology and sociology can also be useful.

Forensic Science

A degree in forensic science will teach you how to use applied science to investigate crime, examine evidence, and present your findings. You’ll learn how to correctly approach investigating a crime scene, forensic techniques, how to evaluate evidence in a lab, and how to record your discoveries, as well as exploring the legal and ethical context. Teaching is done through lectures, seminars, lab work, and crime scene simulations. Jobs you might take on after include forensic scientist, biomedical scientist, crime scene investigator, detective, laboratory technician, and toxicologist.

You’ll need an A-level in biology or chemistry in order to study forensic science.

Health Sciences

A health sciences degree will cover all aspects of the health of the human mind and body, both in an individual context and on a national and global scale. You’ll look at areas like human biology and psychology; the sociological, political and environmental influences on health; disease and illness; nutrition; disability, and ethics. Real-life events will impact discussion topics, so no year of your course will ever be the same. Expect to be taught through lectures, seminars, group projects, and independent study.

After completing a health sciences degree, you could find work as a community development worker, health improvement practitioner, health service manager, or medical sales representative.

Most people won’t have had the chance to study health sciences before applying to university, so there are usually no specific subject requirements. However, the sciences, particularly biology, may be useful. Sociology and psychology will also give you a good baseline.

Mental Health Nursing

Healthcare professionals play a key role in helping people of all ages to look after their mental wellbeing. Earning a degree in mental health nursing will give you the tools to do just that. You’ll learn about different mental health conditions and their impact on people’s lives, while also developing the soft skills necessary to succeed in the industry. When researching potential universities, make sure to check that the course you’re applying for is accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). Studying an accredited course will make you eligible to register with the NMC after successful graduation, allowing you to practise as a mental health nurse.

While there generally aren’t any strict entry requirements in terms of A-level subjects, taking science or health-based subjects will certainly supplement your learning at university. A lot of unis also stipulate prospective students need to have enhanced DBS clearance before starting the course.

Midwifery

Midwifery is all about managing the needs of women and their families before, during, and after the birthing process. Typically, midwifery courses are fairly evenly split between theory and practical learning, allowing you to put what you learn into practice. If you want to become a midwife, you’ll have the opportunity to explore roles within the NHS or in the private sector after graduation. Alternatively, you may explore other professional opportunities, including teaching, social care, and research.

As you’ll be learning all about the human body and its natural processes, having an A-level in biology will give you a headstart on your studies. Universities will generally want prospective midwifery students to have gained at least one qualification in a science-based subject.

Nursing

Nursing is a broad field that encompasses so many different specialisms which you’ll most likely get to explore in the later years of your course. Due to the high level of training required to enter into a professional role, a nursing degree can be intense, with lots of time spent in both lecture halls and in professional settings. Whether you want to go into the NHS or work privately, a nursing degree will give you all the tools to start your career as soon as you graduate.

According to UCAS, 99% of nursing graduates enter into employment or further studies within six months of completing their undergraduate course, so the path for progression is clear with this degree. In terms of entry requirements, biology will be the most useful subject for your application, but any science-based subject will be advantageous.

Occupational Therapy

In the professional sense, occupational therapy is a role within the healthcare industry that focuses on giving people the tools to complete everyday tasks. It can be an incredibly rewarding career, and it remains a popular undergraduate course. Studying occupational therapy at university will give you the chance to gain professional accreditation that can help you transition into the world of work after graduation. You’ll pick up valuable career-focused skills like methods for modifying living spaces, how to operate specialist equipment and important research techniques.

If you’re interested in exploring occupational therapy degrees, it’ll be beneficial to have studied science or social science at school or college. Not every uni will insist on you having gained a qualification in these subjects, in which case they will still be useful for supporting your further studies and the topics you’ll cover at university.

Paramedic Science

A paramedic science course will cover a range of topics to prepare you for a career in healthcare. There are lots of different learning methods that will be used throughout your studies. These typically include reports, essays, independent research, group presentations, and professional placement shifts. Earning a degree in paramedic science naturally lends itself to a career working for the NHS as a paramedic. However, you’ll pick up skills that can be useful to a range of other roles within the healthcare industry or emergency services, including a mental health nurse, police officer, and working in a GP surgery.

When it comes to your A-level studies, biology will be the most important subject. You’ll build upon your knowledge in this area throughout your degree, so it’s useful to have a good understanding from your school studies. Maths and other science-based subjects will also be beneficial to your application.

Physiotherapy

A physiotherapy degree allows you to become a qualified physiotherapist, helping people improve their range of movement as well as boosting their wellbeing and reducing pain. It can be an incredibly rewarding career, as you can see the benefit your work gives to your clients. It also gives you the opportunity to work with a range of people, from young children all the way through to senior citizens. In your degree, you’ll study the core principles of anatomy, learning how to treat injuries and musculoskeletal conditions. You’ll also discover the psychology of exercise, so that you can support your patients with the frustration that injury brings.

To get into a physiotherapy course, you will typically need A-levels ranging from AAB-CCC, one of which should be biology, human biology or physical education. Studying these subjects will set you up with a solid knowledge base for the scientific aspects of your degree. It can also be helpful to have some work experience with a physiotherapist or other health professional, to show your interest in, and understanding of, your chosen area.

Speech and Language Therapy

Those embarking on a degree in speech and language therapy can expect to further their understanding of how we communicate, as well as what can be done to help those with language and communication disorders. They’ll study research papers from experts in the field, and discover what innovative and historic treatments exist to help people in need of language therapy. Work placements and internships are a common part of this degree.

Perfect jobs you can do with this degree include becoming a childcare provider, audiologist, interpreter, voice coach, speech pathologist, special education teacher, or lab assistant.

Most speech and language therapy courses require at least one science A-level. This highlights your ability to process and filter academic research papers for relevant information. Biology is best suited for this degree, but physics and chemistry will also be accepted. Other beneficial courses include psychology, maths, and any languages — including English.

Chinese Studies

A Chinese studies degree incorporates learning the language with gaining knowledge about China, including its position in national and global culture, business, and politics; the balance of traditional and modern, and how societal attitudes have changed over time. You’ll study through a mix of lectures, seminars, tutorials, and workshops. Many universities offer a four-year undergraduate course to allow you to take a placement abroad and apply your knowledge in real-life situations. Career paths graduates may take include roles in international business, government and politics, education, tourism, and technology.

Most people won’t get the opportunity to study Chinese before applying for a degree, so many Chinese Studies courses will start from scratch. However, an A-level in another foreign language will demonstrate your ability to learn. History, politics, and sociology could also be helpful.

Classics

A classics degree covers a period in history known as classical antiquity, which was between the 8th century BC and the 5th century AD. You’ll study a range of literature, art, history, philosophy and language from ancient Greece and ancient Rome, so it’s a great choice for anyone who’s interested in multiple humanities subjects. Roles you could pursue after graduation include academic researcher, museum curator, archivist, museum education officer, and heritage manager.

Some universities require an A-level in Latin or ancient Greek. However, many students don’t get the chance to study these subjects before applying for a degree and many institutions take that into consideration, so always check the entry requirements. Useful A-levels for a classics degree include history, history of art, philosophy, languages, English literature, and sociology.

Comparative Literature and Culture

Taking a comparative literature and culture degree gives you the opportunity to study literature and other art forms from different places, time periods, and genres, and how humans use them to make sense of the world. You’ll attend lectures and seminars, discuss your thoughts with your fellow students, and conduct independent research. The range of careers you could pursue afterwards is broad and includes teacher, publisher, librarian, arts administrator, and human resources officer.

Most people won’t have had the chance to study comparative literature and culture before applying to university, so there aren’t normally any required A-levels. However, English literature, English language, philosophy, media studies, art and history may come in handy.

English Language

An English language degree involves studying the intricacies of English, including words, grammar, sounds, its history and development, regional variations, and how it can be used depending on the context. You’re normally taught through lectures, seminars, one-to-one tutorials, and independent study.

This degree prepares you for various roles, including copywriter, editorial assistant, English language teacher, journalist, tutor, and researcher.

You’ll need an A-level in English language or combined English language and literature. Other humanities subjects, including history and drama, can be helpful.

French

A French degree focuses on developing your knowledge and ability to use the language, whilst also learning the culture and history of France. Topics you might explore include social issues and ideologies, art and cinema, politics, and key historical events. You’ll be taught through lectures, seminars, and workshops, with the opportunity to study in France and immerse yourself in the language. Careers you could pursue include translator, interpreter, international development worker, diplomatic service officer, French teacher, and academic researcher.

Much of your course will be taught and assessed in French, so you’ll need a good French A-level grade. History and sociology can also be useful subjects.

Japanese Studies

This degree is ideal for anyone fascinated by life in Japan. You’ll learn the language and study Japan’s history, society and culture, as well as its position in a global context, to gain a well-rounded understanding of the country. Teaching is normally done through a combination of lectures, seminars, practical classes, tutorials, and independent study. Career paths graduates may take include roles in international business, government and politics, education, tourism, and technology.

Most people won’t get the opportunity to study Japanese before applying for a degree, so many Japanese studies courses will start from scratch. However, an A-level in another foreign language will demonstrate your ability to learn. Essay-based subjects such as history and sociology could also be helpful.

Modern Languages

On a modern languages course, you’ll get the chance to develop your fluency in a foreign language, while also learning about other cultures to develop your world view. A wide range of courses are available and many students decide to combine a modern languages course with another subject as a joint honours degree. It’s most common for students to study another humanities subject like literature or politics, but there are lots of joint honours courses to choose from.

With a modern languages degree, you’ll have a lot of job options available to you. Many graduates choose to enter the education sector, be it in the UK or abroad, and translating is another popular career path. You’ll find many courses are four years long, since it’s common for universities to offer a year abroad where you can hone your linguistic skills in a foreign country. Having at least one qualification in a foreign language will be useful, but often this isn’t essential.

Philosophy

Tailored to anyone with an inquisitive mind, a philosophy degree is for those who want to find out ‘why’ rather than ‘how’. Importantly, you’ll develop your critical thinking capabilities and the skill to put forward a reasoned argument, considering different points of view. The courses offered by different institutions can vary greatly from one another, but some common modules include ancient philosophy, contemporary ethics, and metaphysics. Most courses will be heavily weighted towards essay assessment, so it can be beneficial to have studied some essay-based subjects at A-level.

Generally speaking, there aren’t any strict entry requirements for specific A-level subjects. However, it will both support your application and your further studies by having picked subjects within the humanities framework. This encompasses subjects like philosophy, religious education, and English literature. With lots of historical components to many philosophy degrees, it can also be helpful to have earned an A-level in history.

Biology

Biology is the study of living organisms, including microorganisms, plants, animals, and humans. It’s a broad subject, so course content can vary significantly between universities. You’ll probably take a more general overview in your first year before narrowing in on your interests in your second and third years. Study will be a mixture of lectures and lab-based learning. The degree will prepare you for various roles in the science and health sectors, such as academic researcher, microbiologist, or science laboratory technician.

You’ll need A-levels in biology and chemistry. Other helpful A-levels include physics, mathematics, and statistics.

Chemistry

Chemistry is the study of substances. A chemistry degree will give you a broad overview of the subject, or you may choose a specialist degree such as medicinal chemistry. Either way, you’ll learn through a combination of lectures, laboratory time, and independent study. Careers related to a degree in chemistry include medicinal chemist, pharmacologist, toxicologist, and academic researcher.

You’ll need an A-level in chemistry, and some universities might also require an A-level in mathematics, as it’s a key part of the degree. Other useful A-levels include biology, physics, and further mathematics.

Geography

Geography degrees can be split into two main types: human geography (BA), which looks at topics like tourism and globalization, and physical geography (BSc), which looks at topics like climate change, erosion, and natural disasters. Both types prepare you to tackle various issues facing people and the planet, with the skills you learn applicable to all sorts of industries. You’ll be taught through lectures, seminars, fieldwork, experiments, group projects, and independent research and reporting. Jobs you could get include cartographer, environmental consultant, social researcher, town planner, and geographical information systems officer.

Universities don’t always require an A-level in geography, but it can give you a good baseline to work from. Subjects like sociology and history may be helpful for a BA degree, while a science subject will prepare you for elements of a BSc degree.

Geology

Geology is the scientific study of how the Earth works, looking at its past, present and future — including current issues (such as climate change) and how they may be dealt with. The way you’ll learn is varied and includes lectures, seminars, lab work and field work.

Not everyone gets the chance to study geology before university, so you don’t always need an A-level in the subject. However, you’ll need a combination of mathematics, geography, biology, chemistry and physics A-levels.

Materials Science

According to Britannica, materials science is ‘the study of the properties of solid materials and how those properties are determined by a material’s composition and structure’. Typical modules at degree level include mathematics of materials science, thermodynamics, electronic properties of materials, and biomaterials. Due to the vast amount of crossover between the two disciplines, you’ll find that materials science courses are often paired with engineering. It’s common for graduates with a materials science qualification to pursue a career in the manufacturing industry, while other popular sectors include aerospace, nuclear, and pharmaceuticals.

A materials science degree combines the teaching of physics and chemistry, so many unis will require you to have studied these two subjects at A-level. You’ll also find there are a lot of maths-related theories and topics covered in different modules throughout your course, so studying mathematics before your degree will go a long way in supporting your further studies.

Natural History

Similar in many ways to a natural sciences course, this broad topic takes a deeper look at the formation of the planet and the organisms that live here. There’s a strong emphasis on geographical topics, including exploring different types of habitats and the role humans have to play in managing these unique environments. As well as looking at the past, you’ll get the opportunity to learn beyond the classroom and contribute to real-world projects that are shaping the future of the planet.

Most universities that offer a natural history degree will require prospective students to have gained an A-level (or equivalent qualification) in at least one science-based subject. You will also hone surveying techniques and research methodologies at university, so it’ll be useful to also take a geography A-level before starting your degree.

Natural Sciences

Studying natural sciences gives undergraduates the opportunity to learn more about the world around us, looking at the issues it faces in microscopic detail. Being such a broad topic, there are many different avenues a degree in natural sciences can take you down. By the end of your course, you should better understand the areas and specialisms that interest you most and can explore further through your career. The topics you’ll cover and skills you’ll pick up will prepare you for roles in a range of different industries, from conservation to pharmaceuticals.

With the course content combining principles from biology, physics, and chemistry, having a science background from your school studies will be extremely beneficial. While they’re not essential, other subjects that’ll help prepare you for a natural sciences degree include geography, mathematics, and computing.

Anthropology

UK universities tend to teach two different types of anthropology:

• Social anthropology, which looks at how people interact in different communities and the perspectives they gain as a result
• Biological anthropology, which looks at the evolution of humans and their ancestors

In both types, you look at why humans are the way they are and what this might mean for the future. Anthropology graduates can pursue various careers, including charity officer, community development worker, social research officer, housing officer, and market researcher.

Chances are you won’t have studied anthropology before applying for university. It includes aspects of the humanities and the sciences, so it helps to have studied subjects from both these areas. Useful A-levels include history, languages, philosophy, mathematics, biology, and chemistry.

Criminology

Criminology is the study of crime and criminals — what motivates them, the results of crime, and how it can be prevented. You’ll attend lectures and seminars, carry out research and report back on your findings, and complete assignments like reports and essays. Current events will influence your work, meaning no year of study is entirely alike. This degree will prepare you for several different careers, including community development worker, crime scene investigator, detective, police officer, prison officer, and youth worker.

Most people won’t have had the chance to study criminology before applying for a degree, so universities will take that into account. However, A-levels in sociology, psychology, law, statistics, or one of the three sciences will show you have the skills needed for the course.

Economics

An economics degree covers two main areas: microeconomics, which is how people and businesses control their money and why, and macroeconomics, which is how countries control their money and why. A BSc in economics will involve more mathematics and statistics, while a BA will include these but look more widely at money-related sociological and psychological topics. You’ll learn the basics before branching out into the areas which most suit your interests and skills. Expect to attend lectures and seminars, write reports and essays, and carry out group projects. You may also be eligible for an industry placement year.

Potential careers open to economics graduates include economist, investment analyst, stockbroker, external auditor, financial risk analyst, compliance officer, and data analyst.

For most courses you’ll need a good A-level in mathematics. Statistics, further mathematics, and business will also be useful, while history, geography, and politics will give you a good grounding in some of the topics you’ll explore.

Law

A law degree is the first step in a legal career. You’ll learn the knowledge and skills needed to succeed, including legal principles, the history of the law, and the social, ethical, global, and political contexts around it.

Teaching is done through lectures, seminars, case studies, simulated courtroom settings, workshops, and independent study. The first year will give a broader overview, while the second and third years will allow you to choose the subjects which best suit your plans — you’ll need further qualifications after graduation if you want to become a solicitor or barrister. Other paths you could take include barrister’s clerk, arbitrator, chartered legal executive, company secretary, licensed conveyancer, and paralegal.

Most universities won’t ask for specific A-levels, but a history A-level could be useful.

Liberal Arts

Studying liberal arts at university gives you the opportunity to gain an insight into many different subjects, including humanities, arts, and social sciences.

One major selling point of a liberal arts degree is that you’ll often get the chance to tailor your learning to suit your preferences and interests. From English literature and music to international relations and archaeology, there are so many different paths that you could go down with this popular course.

Across the course of your studies, you’ll primarily develop important critical thinking and research skills that will give you the confidence to work and think independently. This will prepare you for a career in several different industries, including publishing, law, journalism, and PR.

Generally, no specific A-levels are required to study liberal arts at university. However, unis tend to prefer applicants to have studied a combination of geography, English, philosophy, sociology, media studies, history, and religious studies.

Politics

Politics makes the world go round. It’s how problems are addressed, funding is divided, international relations work and it is the base for every society, democratic or otherwise.

It’s not just about who sits in power in Westminster — local political parties and councils all have their own role to play. As such, it can make for a fascinating degree subject. You’ll be studying government, international relations and political theory, with a chance to specialize in your preferred areas in your second and third years. Whilst the most obvious career choice for this degree is a politician or a role in local government, you could also go into aid work, HR, PR, and finance.

Many universities won’t ask for specific qualifications for a politics degree, but it can help if you have an economics, history, geography, philosophy or sociology A-level, since these are closely related to your chosen study path. Other A-levels with critical thinking and communication skills, such as psychology and law, may also be beneficial.

Professional Policing

If you’ve ever wanted to be part of a team that keeps the community safe, then a career in policing could be right for you.

While many candidates choose to enter the force at entry level, you can take a professional policing degree. This means that you won’t have to work full-time whilst you study, like other police officers, which may help you get a better grade.

Some police forces also offer specific entry routes for people with a professional policing degree, so you may find you can enter high up the career ladder. You’ll study the theory behind being a police officer, giving you the legal knowledge that you’ll rely on when on duty.

You’ll likely need three A-levels at grades BBC or above. Although there is no requirement for specific qualifications, subjects like law, psychology, and criminology can all help with a policing degree, as they’re areas you’ll cover in your course. They’ll also come in handy throughout your law enforcement career.

Public Services

A public services degree gives you the chance to understand what it takes to help, lead, support, and govern.

These kinds of degrees set graduates up for careers working to make the lives of others better — for example, as a member of the emergency services, a social worker, or even in government. Your program of study will revolve around understanding socio-economic issues, such as supporting those in poverty, victims of abuse, and young people. This degree might also involve a placement period, where you get hands-on experience in your chosen field.

Careers you can do with this degree include being a police officer, office manager, social worker, correctional officer, firefighter, legislative assistant, or an event planner.

Owing to the varied nature of the careers this qualification leads into, there are rarely specific A-levels that universities offering public service degrees are looking for. Having a strong grounding in maths, English, and the sciences will always be looked at favourably. Psychology and social studies will also benefit would-be applicants, as they show a wider understanding of sensitive subjects which you might need to tackle as part of the course.

Psychology

The versatility of a psychology degree means it’s a popular choice for university students.

You can choose to study psychology on its own, or in combination with another subject, such as criminology, education, environmental science, philosophy or even archaeology. On the course, you’ll study psychological theory to understand how people and animals think and behave. Some universities also offer specialist courses, such as child psychology or forensic psychology for those who know which career path they’d like to take.

As an applied science, it’s no surprise that universities will generally ask you to have studied a science at A-level, such as biology, chemistry, physics, or maths. Of course, an A-level in psychology is also recommended, as it shows commitment to your chosen subject. You could also study sociology, anthropology, politics, history, geography or philosophy, as supporting subjects to your science.

Social Psychology

A social psychology degree is perfect for anyone with an analytical brain and a thirst to discover what makes people tick.

You’ll study how influence, perception, and social interactions shape the world around us and what someone’s individual and group behaviour might say about them.

Careers you can do with this degree include becoming a psychologist, mental health counsellor, career counsellor, social worker, therapist, rehabilitation consultant, or community psychologist.

First and foremost, A-level qualifications in psychology and any social sciences are the perfect way to stand out on your UCAS application. They show you have a strong grounding in the core topics you’ll be studying in your degree and a genuine interest in the subject matter. It’s also wise to show you have good essay-writing skills, so A-levels like English, history, and general studies can be useful. An analytical brain is also a bonus, so maths, physics, and chemistry might be good options to pursue.

Sociology

The course will centre largely around social dynamics, focusing on the issues, consequences, and consciousness of human actions and interactions. Data collection and analysis is a huge part of this degree. Communication skills are also at the forefront — both understanding how others communicate, as well as how to improve your own abilities.

Careers you can do with this degree include becoming a solicitor, social worker, school counsellor, research assistant, policy analyst, teacher, paralegal, or urban planner.

Sociology courses will often ask for A-levels in English literature or language and, perhaps unsurprisingly, sociology. Psychology and any of the other social sciences are also a plus, as well as any courses relating to critical thinking.

Theology and Religion

Those interested in learning more about religious history, philosophy, and rituals might want to pursue a degree in theology. This subject takes a broad, inquisitive approach to either one or a handful of religions, viewing them through an academic lens to discover what shapes their DNA. Religious texts are analysed, with modules focusing on the history of religion, myths, societal cultures, religious philosophy, and even ancient languages.

Careers you can do with this degree include becoming a teacher, vicar, civil servant, journalist, archaeologist, missionary, or church administrator.

Essay-writing subjects are a good basis for theology students. Arguably, English literature, history, philosophy, and classics are the best of all. It may also be beneficial to have an A-level in one of the ancient languages — such as Greek, Sanskrit, Latin, or Hebrew — which a theology course offers, although this is rarely a requirement. Religious studies is the natural forerunner to theology, so an A-level in this subject is a must.

Physical Education

Physical education degrees cover all different topics related to sports and physical activity, including sport psychology, development, and participation. There’ll also be a large practical aspect to your degree, helping to develop your sporting ability and understanding of sporting theory. This degree naturally shoe horns graduates into the sports industry, but there are so many roles that it can prepare you for. Some of the most popular career paths for PE graduates include teaching, sports psychology, sport and leisure management and, of course, an athlete/performer.

Usually, you don’t need to have studied any specific A-level subjects to do physical education at university. Having some sporting experience in your educational background will stand you in good stead as you head off to university, so an A-level in PE will give you the foundation knowledge you’ll be building upon in higher education. With many science-based topics also covered under the physical education umbrella, studying biology at A-level will also support your further studies.

Sports Business and Management

For those interested in pursuing a career in the backroom logistics of the sporting world, a sport business and management degree might be right up your street. This qualification takes students on a whistlestop tour of what it takes to manage sporting organisations, focusing on budgeting, finance, mathematical statistics, economics, accounting, business organisation, marketing, and communication.

Careers you can do with this degree include sports marketing, athletic director, coaching, sports agent, event management, contract negotiations manager, or a personal trainer.

A business studies A-level sets you in good stead for this kind of degree, while maths, finances, and psychology will also show you have the right cognitive assets to embrace the program of study fully. An A-level in physical education will also be handy, as it demonstrates a genuine passion or interest for the sector.

Sports Coaching and Development

Those who want to focus their attention on the field of play might want to pursue a sports coaching and development degree. This qualification will set you up with an understanding of how to manage a team, focusing on aspects like psychology, sociology, anatomy, physiology, and movement analysis. You’ll do this through various theoretical and practical tasks, which help develop your skills as a coach.

With this degree, you could become a personal trainer, outdoor activities education manager, PE teacher, fitness centre manager, life coach, sports therapist, sports development officer, or sports coach.

Unsurprisingly, an A-level in physical education is a priority when applying for a sports coaching degree. Psychology, sociology, information technology, and business studies are also seen as valuable A-levels to have. English language, health studies, biology, and maths will also work in your favour.