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Applying for IR/Politics with science subjects

Right,

So if you want to apply for international relations or politics with Biology, Chemistry and Maths at A-level but a lot of relevant extra-curricular activities would you stand a chance?

Reply 1

Origami Bullets

Yes. Very few colleges offer politics A Level, so they don't specifically require it, and they teach you from the beginning (though it's not a repeat of A Levels!)

However, I would suggest that you consider doing an essay based subject for AS in Y13, eg geography or history, both so that you demonstrate some aptitude for these things and develop your own essay writing skills too.

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Reply 2

Shelsey

The short answer is yes. However, you would need to make a good case for your suitability for IR/Politics in your personal statement. You would be taking a risk as, however brilliant your A Level results are, it is possible that you could find yourself rejected. That said, admissions panels are fully aware that people can change their preferences between 16 and 18 and that it is perfectly possible to do well in IR/Politics without having taken an A Level in the subject. Extra-curricular stuff is a good idea (though watch out for the fact that admissions panels who see loads of personal statements can easily distinguish between things you've just put on the statement to look good and your genuine interests and achievements).