[colourtheory]

Hi fellow forum stalkers (or is that just me?),

I wanted to ask whether the following A level choices would be sufficient to get on to a history course at Oxbridge:

History of Art
English Literature
Chemistry
Graphic Design
Photography

I know that my arts subjects won't be well received, but does that particularly matter as I plan to study three academic A levels? And one last question, would history of art be okay to study (general) history or is it too specific, by this I mean would they black list the HOA A level? I have looked at the entry requirements but they aren't too clear on this specific issue. I have a couple weeks to make a few last minute alterations to my A level choices so any advice would be great

Thanks in advance!

[Damask-]

If you want to do history, you should take history. History of art won't be the same.

Photography and graphic design are both seen as 'softer' subjects so that might put you at a disadvantage. Consider swapping them for more traditional subjects like geography, a language, or maths etc.

[Harry S Truman]

I would strongly recommend studying History A-Level.

[milienhaus]

Its not that they blacklist History of Art (to my knowledge), it's just that it's no substitute for actual History. It is in fact a completely different subject. I would imagine they'd have some questions for you at interview if you did not take History A-level, and you might look quite bad in comparison to your fellow applicants.

[Feefifofum]

History is a must if you want to study the subject at university. History of Art is a potentially useful choice, but only if it's done as well as History. The subjects are different, and you won't be able to apply for a History course with only an A Level in HoA.

As for your other choices, English Lit and Chemistry are both good subjects, and give you a nice range of essay-based and science courses. Graphic Design and Photography are not seen as sufficiently academically rigorous for many universities. If you're serious about applying to Oxbridge, then I'd think very carefully before selecting these.

[The Mr Z]

(Original post by colourtheory)
Hi fellow forum stalkers (or is that just me?),

I wanted to ask whether the following A level choices would be sufficient to get on to a history course at Oxbridge:

History of Art
English Literature
Chemistry
Graphic Design
Photography

I know that my arts subjects won't be well received, but does that particularly matter as I plan to study three academic A levels? And one last question, would history of art be okay to study (general) history or is it too specific, by this I mean would they black list the HOA A level? I have looked at the entry requirements but they aren't too clear on this specific issue. I have a couple weeks to make a few last minute alterations to my A level choices so any advice would be great

Thanks in advance!

Contrary to what has been said above, History A-level is not strictly necessary - any essay subjects will do for many colleges. (Some do require history, eg Trinity Cambridge, so do check with your intended college) History will however make your application easier.

English Lit and History of Art are good choices, Chemistry is ok and although a third essay subject would be preferred, it's not really necessary.

Graphic Design and Photography will be largely irrelevant to your application. Taking them wont disadvantage you, but nor will they contribute at all to the decision, so you may want to consider if the extra workload will hinder your relevant subjects, you could drop one.

Your current combination should be sufficient, though could be improved. I would recommend you do history - if you don't want to do history A2 then I'd recommend you reconsider why you want to take a history degree. (If you're not able to take history then keep the main 3 subject as is)

[colourtheory]

So I emailed Trinity College Cambridge (as they seem to have the most stringent entrance requirements) and they said that the following would be acceptable:

History
History of Art
English Literature
Graphic Design
Photography

Basically Chemistry is switched out with History. Only thing is, is this over kill in terms of History subjects? They don't appear to worry about the two arts subjects which I would have thought would raise a few eyebrows.

Taking them wont disadvantage you, but nor will they contribute at all to the decision, so you may want to consider if the extra workload will hinder your relevant subjects, you could drop one.

Agreed, if Graphic Design becomes too much on top of Photography I will drop it. Thanks for all your help So overall, these new options would be better or do they still need tweaking? Thanks again!

[yothi5]

History
Chemistry
English Lit

Perfect combo.

[MissMuffin95]

I think History A-Level is a requirement for both. I know at Cambridge it definitely is

[colourtheory]

So, how about these choices:

History
History of Art
English Literature
Chemistry
Photography

A case of the History over load but it turns out that this:

History A-Level is a requirement for both. I know at Cambridge it definitely is

is completely true Thanks for all your help.

[Feefifofum]

(Original post by colourtheory)
So, how about these choices:

History
History of Art
English Literature
Chemistry
Photography

A case of the History over load but it turns out that this:

is completely true Thanks for all your help.

That sounds like a good mix. Perhaps too big a workload though - 5 ASs is hefty.

[Harry S Truman]

(Original post by colourtheory)
They don't appear to worry about the two arts subjects which I would have thought would raise a few eyebrows.

As long as you do three decent subjects they don't care what else you do. You could do utter doss like Sociology if you wanted.