Competition - post a photo you've taken of nature >>

a-level advice please =)

I have chosen to do economics, product design, business studies and geography...but i want to change geography to politics and i was wondering if firstly these are good subjects to take as i am aiming to go to oxford/cambridge,lse uni ?? and also if anyone has done these subjects, what are they like? =) would love any advice/ feedback !!

Reply 1

username908197

Well at my school we are told the top universities don't like what they perceive as 'soft' subjects. They prefer you to have at least 2 facilitating subjects which are:
geography
history
maths
english lit
languages (ancient or modern)
sciences
so I think you need to pick at least two of these. But don't get fixated on going to the top universities, it isn't the be all and end all. Do what you enjoy and worry about universities later :smile:

Reply 2

117r

Honestly, no.

What do you want to do at uni?

If it's economics, you'll need to have Maths to have even the slightest chance at Oxbridge, and from what I hear Further Maths is highly recommended if you can do it.

If it's politics, you're subjects are still too weak really. Consider taking more traditional subjects, such as History, English Literature, a language, Maths, a science etc.

A subject like Business Studies, Product Design, and possibly even Politics would only really be suitable as a fourth AS Level (not certain about Politics). They are too specialised and/or vocational and hence are considered to be easier. Don't pick options that will make it hard for you. There's obviously nothing wrong with studying those subjects, but top universities won't like 'em. Good luck to you!

Reply 3

loptopflop

Original post by 117r

well i want to study business/business mangement so i thought that becuase my subjects are quite specialsed it might be better?

Reply 4

117r

Original post by loptopflop

well i want to study business/business mangement so i thought that becuase my subjects are quite specialsed it might be better?

Well in that case maybe Business is acceptable, but still only as a fourth option for top unis.

As for your other options, maths will inevitably be useful.

Oxford for example requires it and it will be helpful for all such courses I'm sure:
http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate_courses/courses/economics_and_management/economics_and_2.html

Have you considered History or English Literature instead of Politics? Again, as I say I'm not sure how good Politics is considered but you may want to look at other options. It would be great if someone could confirm this.

Economics is a good option. Respected.

As for product design, that would be one to avoid if possible. Geography is good, as are many others.

For a degree at a top university (whatever it is) you need a good academic background, not vocational qualifications.

Reply 5

PrinceUpsb

Yeah, avoid Graphics or a Design/Tech.
My friend applied for Aeronautical Engineering @ Cambridge with Maths, Physics and D&T as her A-levels. At her interview they basically said 'why did you choose D&T?'- she got the feeling they looked down upon it (they may not). She was rejected in the end.

Edit: Not saying she was rejected b/c of D&T, just letting you know the outcome of my anecdote. But as I say, she did feel like they suggested they didn't like it and wished she did something else.

Reply 6

kathrynparade

I think it's a great goal to aim for oxbridge but you shouldn't narrow yourself too much. Other commenters are right and they prefer the more 'core' subjects for degrees like buisness, but my advice is and has always been, choose the subjects you enjoy. There are plenty of amazing, highly respected universities other than oxbridge that will accept you with a variety of a levels.
Having said that it's always worth looking around and seeing the a level requirements at some top unis (the Russell Group for example) and making sure you pick at least their required subjects.
Good luck to you :smile:

Reply 7

jada897

maybe you could email some prospective uni's admissions :smile:

? just a thought

Reply 8

lizz-ie

Original post by loptopflop

well i want to study business/business mangement so i thought that becuase my subjects are quite specialsed it might be better?

Business studies is considered a "mickey mouse" subject, and has a lot of overlapping content with economics, so do economics. You'd also be at an advantage with Maths if you want to study it, and if you might want to do politics, I'd suggest History and English Literature, as they're more highly regarded and you don't actually need politics to do it at uni, and they prefer if you don't, likewise with business.

So the four I would suggest is English Literature, History, Maths and Economics (although Economics isn't needed, so you could do another instead, but as it's not regarded a facilitating subject and you already have 3 others, it would be fine if you did that).