Could I get in a Russell group uni if I did these A-Levels?

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Original post by multiplexing-gamer

Sorry for one of these threads again.
Maths
Biology
Politics
ICT
Or are they to weak?
Thanks.

I doubt it. I mean, what actually are you going to do with those a-levels. Absolutely nothing. Russell group universities are looking for mature students that have selected suitable A-levels. ICT isn't even recognised by Russell group universities because anyone can learn those basic skills in later life. I suggest you quit trying now, you are only going to be disappointed. :smile:

Reply 21

taliman

Original post by gilllybeans

I don't think you can really say ICT is not recognized. I got an offer from a Russel Group and i take ICT, so you really shouldn't discourage the OP if he/she is has an interest in it.

Reply 22

gilllybeans

Original post by taliman

I don't think you can really say ICT is not recognized. I got an offer from a Russel Group and i take ICT, so you really shouldn't discourage the OP if he/she is has an interest in it.

Well, from personal experience my own ICT teacher told me that isn't a good option for brighter students. He suggested you would be better of taking computing which requires higher levels of intellect, hun.
I have interests in TV, Football, Films and Music. You don't see me taking them for a-level. If you want to succeed you need to learn to separate work from hobbies. :colondollar:

Reply 23

multiplexing-gamer

Original post by gilllybeans

So I take 1 less academic subject and I can't go "hun"? B****.

Reply 24

ilickbatteries

Original post by multiplexing-gamer

Sorry for one of these threads again.
Maths
Biology
Politics
ICT
Or are they to weak?
Thanks.

Don't think so mate, sorry.

I mean, Maths is clearly a weak subject. Anyone can do it.
Biology? Pfft, loser subject.
Politics is for Cameron wannabes.
ICT is for Warcraft geeks.

You should have taken A-Levels that are truly respected, like Media, Photography, Chemistry and Dance.

Of course you can get in man, you've got decent subjects, especially the maths and biology, but the subject you apply for will be more influential.

Don't just limit yourself to the Russell Group either, ITS NOT THE BE ALL AND END ALL. The Russell Group are research intensive universities whose only purpose is to take the highest amount of research money given to one group of universities, and even then it's distributed unfairly between them.

There are some great universities in the 1994 group. Exeter, Bath, Durham, York, St Andrews etc.

Original post by ily_em

Yes.

Depends on the subject though.

Also I don't know what the obsession with 'Russel group' is.

I think it comes from students who don't know much about universities and think "Oh wow, the russell group? I hear that Cambridge and Oxford are in that. That must mean those universities are the best in the country, gee whizz!"

Reply 25

scireamortente

you should be fine as long as everything else goes well, you've got three acceptable a levels even if ICT is a soft subject. Though if you're struggling to get the top grades you should probably drop ICT.

Another consideration are the subjects good for what you want to study, are you doing well at the subject if you are currently doing it at a level. If you are nothing's stopping you.

(edited 13 years ago)

Reply 26

multiplexing-gamer

Original post by ilickbatteries

I know your being sarcastic about the photography part, but I thought Chemistry was hard?

Reply 27

ilickbatteries

Original post by multiplexing-gamer

I know your being sarcastic about the photography part, but I thought Chemistry was hard?

I threw Chemistry in there as a bit of a cheap joke :wink:

Tbh my whole post was really sarcastic, media and photo are actually harder than they look, especially if you cant take photos for toffee!

I got a U in both 3 years ago (long story actually) as well as a U in geography and a U in politics...

Reply 28

Implo

Original post by planetconwy1

I hate it when people say this! ICT is not a soft subject, its bloody hard to get a good mark!
I managed to get into a Russell Group University for a really competitive course with ICT A-Level!

Having 1 soft subject won't ruin you, but ICT is considered a soft subject by universities even though it takes a lot of work. That's what makes it quite a bad subject.

Reply 29

hoopyfrood199

Pick subjects you like. You get into Russell Group universities by being passionate about your subject more than anything. I got into Leeds Uni with English Lit, Film and Politics, which aren't thought to be great A-Levels.
I don't see the obsession with Russell Group though, they're about research, not degree quality...

Reply 30

andromache458

Original post by hoopyfrood199

I don't see the obsession with Russell Group though, they're about research, not degree quality...

Is there no relation between research and teaching quality? If you're an ambitious undergrad scientist, say, it makes a big difference if you did your degree in a uni with labs and active researchers. Some biologists graduate with no bench experience.

Reply 31

Millyshyn

Why don't you take Computing instead of ICT?

Reply 32

andromache458

Original post by multiplexing-gamer

I'd like to do either a Biology, Computer Science or Politics degree.

Someone else has said it, but it needs emphasising - computer sci needs maths; biology needs chemistry (in a half-decent department, anyway). Politics is OK for an A level, but you don't need it for a politics degree. If you'd rather do a different humanities subject, history or a language is always a good choice.

The Russell group booklet Informed Choices says that the 'hard' subjects plus economics and politics are ok; and that one 'soft' subject is fine. They warn against more than one. remember you're up against thousands of applicants doing the solid subjects. The booklet doesn't actually say ICT is soft, but it's not especially academic, and some individual unis don't welcome it. The booklet is really designed to encourage the 'core' subjects like maths, 3 sciences, languages, Eng, his and geog, econ and politics; and to discourage too many vocational A levels like accountancy, photography, tourism, care in the community.

Reply 33

*Hakz*

Lol I really don't understand what the fuss or obsession is about with this so called 'Russell group' universities.
Don't get me wrong though because these universities are of high standards and the group contains some awesome and prestigious universities such as Oxbridge, LSE, Imperial and UCL e.t.c. But the whole point of this group is because of how research intensive these universities are. Nothing else! There are also some excellent universities in the '1994 group'. I hardly spot the difference between the two groups to be honest.
So when it does come to the point when you do your UCAS, do not restrict yourself to purely 'russell group' universities. Could be a mixture of that and the 1994 group

You can get into any (and I mean any) university with those subjects depending on what degree course you wish to do. If it's a science degree then you could be at risk since some universities expect you to have done Chemistry aswell. But for the other courses, those A'levels are more than enough.

I mean you have a decent set of respected subjects such as Maths, Biology and Politics. Do not in anyway worry about ICT at all. I really don't understand why it is classified as an 'easy' option. There is nothing easy or soft about this subject. It could often get extremely challenging and it is actually difficult to get a good mark and also getting a good grade finally. I'm still baffled on why university admission see it as an easy option but hey I guess there could be something that they had spot within the area.

Another positive thing is you did this AS in year 11. That is something to be proud of since you achieved a B grade in it. I would suggest that you don't continue it to A2. Just concentrate on those 3 subjects and try and hope to achieve AAA or AAB (your overall result after 2 years could then end up as AAAb). I know it is easier said than done but you sound really enthusiastic and ready to do well so I have faith in you. Just keep your head up and do what you do best.

Good luck mate.

Reply 34

andromache458

Strictly, the answer is Yes; biol, politics and one other will satisfy the general entry requirement. But some degrees will be closed if you don't meet the specific course requirements; biology alone will not probably not get you into a degree like pharmacy, biochemistry, molecular biology, where chemistry matters.

Keele Uni has joint degree in Computer Science and Politics, if you want to combine subjects. Other unis might have similar combinations. At Keele the entry requirements are fairly relaxed for joint degrees like this - but for specialisation in computing alone most unis would ask for subjects like maths.

Reply 35

multiplexing-gamer

I might do:
Maths
Biology
Politics
Geography.

Reply 36

gilllybeans

Original post by multiplexing-gamer

So I take 1 less academic subject and I can't go "hun"? B****.

Just voicing my opinion, dear. If you don't want it, don't ask. Isn't that what forums are for? :colondollar:

Top universities are looking for strong a-levels. Just trying to help.

Reply 37

Shelly_x

Original post by gilllybeans

Unless of course you're trying to get on a degree which actually requires those A-levels.. kind of like the OP is doing. You need suitable A-levels for the degree course you've chosen and since the OP hasn't narrowed that down to one yet they're right in keeping their options open.
Also, sometimes its good to have an A-level thats also a hobby, it allows you to have at least one subject you fully enjoy.

Reply 38

Shelly_x

Original post by multiplexing-gamer

I might do:
Maths
Biology
Politics
Geography.

Look at the degree courses your interested in and see what A-levels they require for entry, some Biology courses require another science for example and Computing sometimes requires Further Maths. Then you won't be caught out when you're applying to uni and realise you should have taken a different A-level :smile:

Reply 39

Shmeiks

Original post by multiplexing-gamer

Sorry for one of these threads again.
Maths
Biology
Politics
ICT
Or are they to weak?
But here is my problem. I'm doing ICT AS level and I' in year 11, so when J apply they will say "why did you only get a B?", and if I do it next year I could improve.