[Pen Island]

If you're planning on going to uni, do you have an idea of what degree you may want to do?
If so then look around some uni websites at the entry requirements to see if they want certain subjects, that should help.
If not I'd say just do what you think will be most enjoyable
I'd say out of chemistry/economics/biology, chemistry will probably leave open the most choices.

[Princess008]

(Original post by Spicey)
I am in year 12 and have just finished my AS's (one exam left - tomorrow!), and I am taking maths, further maths, economics and physics.
Definitely do maths as so far it has been quite easy.
Economics is really interesting and not particularly difficult, although I would say the macro side is a little more challenging than micro. But as long as you work hard and revise well it won't be a problem.
I can't comment on chemistry but I have heard that some topics are really hard. I chose physics instead (I couldn't decide between the two last year) and am extremely happy with my choice as it is an enjoyable subject and next year we do all the interesting stuff about space :O

Its hard to comment without actually knowing you and your strengths and weaknesses. Have you a tutor or something similar you can talk to? I have had my tutor since year 9 so she knows me really well and was extremely helpful when it came to choosing my options.

Hope this helped!

is economics hard? what would you say economics or chemistry ? good luck for your exam. yes im defo doing maths, i don't like physics to be honest. but its either chemistry or economics. i've got A in chemistry last year and A in maths . thanks you

[Princess008]

(Original post by Helloworld_95)
No, Economics isn't really required for any degree while Chemistry is

if i pick chemistry with biology that would be too science and it would help me if i want to do something in science but i don't. thats why i thought economics as its different?

(Original post by Pen Island)
If you're planning on going to uni, do you have an idea of what degree you may want to do?
If so then look around some uni websites at the entry requirements to see if they want certain subjects, that should help.
If not I'd say just do what you think will be most enjoyable
I'd say out of chemistry/economics/biology, chemistry will probably leave open the most choices.

i don't know what i want to do thats why i want to keep my options open. what would you recommend with maths and history?

[Unkempt_One]

As mattmattmatt suggested, taking all 5 to start off with could be a strategy.
Otherwise, choose based on which degree areas sound most interesting.
Chemistry and Biology together open up Medicine and more chemistry-oriented Biological Sciences. This is a versatile combination for Biological Science subjects.
Chemistry by itself opens up Chemistry and quite a few related disciplines.
Economics opens up Economics at University. (Not necessary but recommended.)
Economics doesn't complement Biology or Chemistry for opening specific degree areas.
Of course, this is taking into account that you are doing Mathematics. You can not do Chemistry or Economics at university without Maths.

[Princess008]

(Original post by Unkempt_One)
As mattmattmatt suggested, taking all 5 to start off with could be a strategy.
Otherwise, choose based on which degree areas sound most interesting.
Chemistry and Biology together open up Medicine and more chemistry-oriented Biological Sciences. This is a versatile combination for Biological Science subjects.
Chemistry by itself opens up Chemistry and quite a few related disciplines.
Economics opens up Economics at University. (Not necessary but recommended.)
Economics doesn't complement Biology or Chemistry for opening specific degree areas.
Of course, this is taking into account that you are doing Mathematics. You can not do Chemistry or Economics at university without Maths.

Thank you. erm i dont want to do anything in science so what would you recommend? is economics good? is it better to pick chemistry even though i wont do anything to do with science at uni or to pick economics?

[Unkempt_One]

(Original post by Princess008)
Thank you. erm i dont want to do anything in science so what would you recommend? is economics good? is it better to pick chemistry even though i wont do anything to do with science at unit or economics?

Well, you can't do Mathematics at university without Further Maths, so I'd presume you'll be looking at social sciences oriented subjects. Economics will be better preparation for that sort of thing. Chemistry is still totally worth it as it shows academic ability.

EDIT: Disregard part of that, you can do Maths at university without Further Maths but it makes things trickier at some higher-tier universities.

[TheWrightStuff]

Hey, I think I might have posted here before but I just wanted to double-check something.

My AS level choices are as follows...

History, English Literature, Film Studies and Religious Studies (not exactly sure what the course is called but it also has Philosophy modules, or so I'm told)

The only thing I'm a little dubious with is Film Studies. Although I'm definitely not taking it because it's a 'soft' subject (I genuinely wish to study the art of film and it's related to the career I want to pursue), I am a little worried this perceived idea of it being a soft option would damage my chances of studying English (or indeed a Film-related degree) at a top university, or perhaps even Oxbridge. Would it be correct to say that having 'one' soft subject balanced out by three other essay-based subjects would still be acceptable for Universities such as Cambridge, UCL and Warwick? And also, I'm guessing it's more acceptable than Media Studies, which is considered to be more practical-based?

[Spicey]

(Original post by Princess008)
is economics hard? what would you say economics or chemistry ? good luck for your exam. yes im defo doing maths, i don't like physics to be honest. but its either chemistry or economics. i've got A in chemistry last year and A in maths . thanks you

Chemistry is probably viewed as harder but it's subjective so you can't really compare them as they're two completely different subjects and it depends on what you are good at. But as you got an A in Physics and Maths it shows you are a capable person so either would be a good choice. It also depends on what sort of degree you want to do at university.

(On a side note I heard that Chemistry is 0.9 of a grade harder than any other A level. Not sure if it's true but that's just what I heard.)

[Amz1217]

I find Chemistry quite enjoyable tbh, I do OCR A Chemistry at my sixth form and got A's for my coursework practicals and Unit 1 exam in January and just the done Unit 2 last week. IMO the subject just takes a lot of practice, maybe like Maths (I don't do Maths, lol) and learning through mistakes you make in mock exams etc

[lotii123]

i did chemistry maths biology and french at A-Level, wouldnt reccomend french (personally) but i really enjoyed the others theyre really interesting and i really enjoyed them

[Unkempt_One]

(Original post by Amz1217)
I find Chemistry quite enjoyable tbh, I do OCR A Chemistry at my sixth form and got A's for my coursework practicals and Unit 1 exam in January and just the done Unit 2 last week. IMO the subject just takes a lot of practice, maybe like Maths (I don't do Maths, lol) and learning through mistakes you make in mock exams etc

I think a considerable body of difficulty in A-level Chemistry comes from being able to produce answers that fit the mark scheme. They can claim that its all about giving sufficient 'detail' or whatever but the matter of fact is that they require specific types of details that are very difficult to bring to the surface unless you are psychic, have a specific type of mind, or alternatively, are well aware of past exam schemes. Its not something like Maths that you can learn almost purely through practice. Its a shame the exams are so constrained, because it is a fascinating subject that bridges Mathematics, experimentation and thinking in 3 dimensions.

I think Chemistry will on average be regarded as a harder subject than Economics, but both subjects are nonetheless considered hard, and so deciding based on that is probably not advisable.

[Clumsy_Chemist]

(Original post by TheWrightStuff)
Hey, I think I might have posted here before but I just wanted to double-check something.

My AS level choices are as follows...

History, English Literature, Film Studies and Religious Studies (not exactly sure what the course is called but it also has Philosophy modules, or so I'm told)

The only thing I'm a little dubious with is Film Studies. Although I'm definitely not taking it because it's a 'soft' subject (I genuinely wish to study the art of film and it's related to the career I want to pursue), I am a little worried this perceived idea of it being a soft option would damage my chances of studying English (or indeed a Film-related degree) at a top university, or perhaps even Oxbridge. Would it be correct to say that having 'one' soft subject balanced out by three other essay-based subjects would still be acceptable for Universities such as Cambridge, UCL and Warwick? And also, I'm guessing it's more acceptable than Media Studies, which is considered to be more practical-based?

It's fine to have a soft subject as long as it's relevant and backed up by tough subjects, like history and literature.

[Amz1217]

(Original post by Unkempt_One)
I think a considerable body of difficulty in A-level Chemistry comes from being able to produce answers that fit the mark scheme. They can claim that its all about giving sufficient 'detail' or whatever but the matter of fact is that they require specific types of details that are very difficult to bring to the surface unless you are psychic, have a specific type of mind, or alternatively, are well aware of past exam schemes. Its not something like Maths that you can learn almost purely through practice. Its a shame the exams are so constrained, because it is a fascinating subject that bridges Mathematics, experimentation and thinking in 3 dimensions.

I think Chemistry will on average be regarded as a harder subject than Economics, but both subjects are nonetheless considered hard, and so deciding based on that is probably not advisable.

Yeah, your correct on that one, I do use, mark schemes as a revision method for Chemistry a lot, it's very limited in the answers you can give

[Dalek1099]

Did anyone on here go to any A-Level taster sessions?-What were they like?-I have selected Geography,Maths,English Language,English Literature,Economics and Religious Studies and I don't know how many you are allowed.

[DannyJC]

Honestly? Don't think about which subjects are better than others. There is no such thing! Everybody is different.
Say for Law. Some people would really enjoy this kind of A Level, but others - like myself - would find it insufferable. Another one of these 'hardcore' subjects is Maths. I actually dropped this to do Psychology in my first term of A Levels and I have never looked back. Now I am taking part in a Psychology BSc degree and I love every minute of it. My friend who does Law (seen as a harder subject than Psychology) loves her course too. Therefore, both of us are excelling in our studies. I hope you pick subjects you truly enjoy and end up in a line of work your happy with.


Do you believe in love at first sight? It's an illusion, I don't care.

[JessicaUk]

(Original post by DannyJC)
Honestly? Don't think about which subjects are better than others. There is no such thing! Everybody is different.
Say for Law. Some people would really enjoy this kind of A Level, but others - like myself - would find it insufferable. Another one of these 'hardcore' subjects is Maths. I actually dropped this to do Psychology in my first term of A Levels and I have never looked back. Now I am taking part in a Psychology BSc degree and I love every minute of it. My friend who does Law (seen as a harder subject than Psychology) loves her course too. Therefore, both of us are excelling in our studies. I hope you pick subjects you truly enjoy and end up in a line of work your happy with.


Do you believe in love at first sight? It's an illusion, I don't care.

Hi, I did the usual at school, Psychology, Maths, Sociology and what not, however when I chose my degree course I went down a totally different path and I am studying Media Production...and really love it and am so pleased I did not take my parents and teachers advice and do one of the more academic subjects for my degree.

I had a feeling I would not of enjoyed uni had I not decided to listen to my own feelings.

Anyway, all is cool! Hows you? :-) xxx

[DannyJC]

(Original post by JessicaUk)
Hi, I did the usual at school, Psychology, Maths, Sociology and what not, however when I chose my degree course I went down a totally different path and I am studying Media Production...and really love it and am so pleased I did not take my parents and teachers advice and do one of the more academic subjects for my degree.

I had a feeling I would not of enjoyed uni had I not decided to listen to my own feelings.

Anyway, all is cool! Hows you? :-) xxx

Oh awesome! Yeah, it's all well. I kind of wish I did something like Media sometimes. Actually, something Drama based as I love acting, (actually, I just love being centre of attention). I love the fact that you've been through pretty much every course that wouldn't apply to your degree. My friend went and dropped a Maths degree and went straight into Psychology, I guess you got to do that before its too late and finances get too low.


Do you believe in love at first sight? It's an illusion, I don't care.

[firebolt]

(Original post by lola1993)
Not for medicine. :/

I know several people who have 3.5 and do medicine, my brother does but he has gen studies aswell but thats an extra one for no work and noone cares about so basically is irrelivent

[Jonnymacca]

I'm planning on studying business, physics, maths and DT for AS. Would this be useful for architecture or Civil Engineering?


This was posted from The Student Room's iPhone/iPad App

[Dalek1099]

(Original post by Jonnymacca)
I'm planning on studying business, physics, maths and DT for AS. Would this be useful for architecture or Civil Engineering?


This was posted from The Student Room's iPhone/iPad App

You should probably study Economics instead of Business because 2 soft subjects at AS isn't very good or you could just exchange DT for a more respected subject.