If auniversity say prefer they these alevels but you have different ones,is that okay

If a university says they prefer these alevels but you have different a levels,is that okay? Will they mind that?

Someone with the same grades as you but in the subjects they specified would have an advantage. How much an advantage would depend on what you're applying for and how different your subjects are.

Reply 2

hallamstudents

Official Rep

Hey @haera

It completely depends on the university. I'm in a Media degree after studying Computer Science in College. It was deemed a 'relevant' field, but wasn't exactly like I'd done Media or anything directly corresponding to the work.

A lot of universities can offer foundation years to help with this, but typically, a first year in university will revolve around getting everyone to the same level so that the next few years can be used to specialise in topics.

Hope this helps!
Josh :biggrin:

Reply 3

Muttley79

Original post by haera

If a university says they prefer these alevels but you have different a levels,is that okay? Will they mind that?

Which degree? Which A levels are you studying?

Reply 4

username4179018

Original post by Muttley79

Which degree? Which A levels are you studying?

computer scince and a level's i'm studying are english language,sociology and media studies

Reply 5

Muttley79

Original post by haera

computer scince and a level's i'm studying are english language,sociology and media studies

You won't be able to apply to those that want Maths A level.

Reply 6

thaliaevelyn

If they're preferred they aren't necessary, if they're required they are. However, with "preferred" ones if you don't have the exact course but have something similar you might get away with it eg if they want English language but you have English literature or if they want game design and you have IT.

Reply 7

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

As above, make sure you check whether it's "preferred" or in fact required. A-level Maths is a common requirement for CS degrees, as noted above, and you will likely be rejected without it for direct entry programmes. However you may be able to apply to a CS with Foundation Year course, where you'll study the relevant maths in a preliminary "year 0" before progressing into the main degree.

I would note there are some courses which indicate a "preference" which is in fact more or less an implicit requirement - such as Oxford for PPE indicating A-level Maths is preferred, however 95% of successful applicants have it so it should reasonably be considered a requirement unless you are unable to take it for reasons outside of your control. Similarly for Cambridge Medicine, it is "preferred" for applicants to have 3 STEM subjects at A-level, but 98% of applicants have at least 3 such subjects, and are about 3x more likely to get an offer than the 2% who don't.

In general though, a preference isn't required and they won't necessarily reject you purely for not having it. Bear in mind though something is usually preferred for a reason and you may struggle with the course after you get in without having covered the material in that preferred subject (or something similar, sometimes).