A Level Subject Combo?

0

Hi!
I'm in y11 and am currently in the process of choosing my A Levels. At Uni I would love to study English Literature, Comparative Literature or something in Politics and International Relations (law is also a very good option).

I'm stuck between the following combinations of A Level subjects:

English Lit, History and French
English Lit, History, and Bio or Chem
English Lit, History, English Language
English Lit, History and Economics

Does anyone who has taken similar subjects or who went on to do a degree in the fields I mentioned have any suggestions or advice?

I want to get the most out of my A Levels, ensure that I enjoy them and keep my options open, thought atm I feel that the best (and my fav) choice for me will be to study Literature at Uni.

Reply 1

jt3928

7

im in y11 too and im in the exact same position picking between the same combinations and thinking about the same careers. from what i've heard and what's been said to me when i ask is that the science by itself might not be v useful without maths and when i asked about this someone told me that languages, when they're not at degree level, aren't suuper useful for law or international relations, especially if they're in european languages which are easier to learn on the job when compared to mandarin or arabic (?) im not sure tho

Reply 2

username6448210

OP

0

3

Original post by jt3928

im in y11 too and im in the exact same position picking between the same combinations and thinking about the same careers. from what i've heard and what's been said to me when i ask is that the science by itself might not be v useful without maths and when i asked about this someone told me that languages, when they're not at degree level, aren't suuper useful for law or international relations, especially if they're in european languages which are easier to learn on the job when compared to mandarin or arabic (?) im not sure tho

I agree with the part abt the science, I just wondered if it would provide some variation.

I really love French and it would be helpful for literature for me which is why I am considering it strongly ... If you are also thinking of international relations, note that French was recently chosen as the universal language for politics in Europe i. e in the UN and other international organisations so I think that will increase it's demand in the following years even if Mandarin and Arabic are arguably more useful.

Thank youu and good luck

Reply 3

Picnicl

17

The last thing you want when applying for humanities courses at university is being dragged down by a science A Level. Science requires a different hat on and you'd be best doing any of the others.

Reply 4

username6448210

OP

0

3

Original post by Picnicl

The last thing you want when applying for humanities courses at university is being dragged down by a science A Level. Science requires a different hat on and you'd be best doing any of the others.

I thought so too, thank you

Reply 5

Geo Lover 7

17

Original post by jt3928

oh i didn't know that, if you enjoy the language then english history and french would prob be a really good combo

The user has deleted their account.

Reply 6

Picnicl

17

Unless you're thinking of studying Economics at university, I'd swap that for Philosophy or History.

Economics and Politics are apparently less important as A Levels to top universities than Geography!

(edited 4 weeks ago)

Reply 7

Trythebest

8

I don't see the point of u doing A-level in science as it not really going to benefit you in any way, unless u really good at science there is not point doing it especially Chem as it hard, I think French will be good as u want to do international relations but be sure to know that it is hard as one my friend does A-level French , defo do English lit and maybe politic I say instead of History as I do A-level History the politics there are much basic than doing A-level Politic.

Reply 8

harriet.r22

8

Original post by username6448210

Hi!
I'm in y11 and am currently in the process of choosing my A Levels. At Uni I would love to study English Literature, Comparative Literature or something in Politics and International Relations (law is also a very good option).
I'm stuck between the following combinations of A Level subjects:
English Lit, History and French
English Lit, History, and Bio or Chem
English Lit, History, English Language
English Lit, History and Economics
Does anyone who has taken similar subjects or who went on to do a degree in the fields I mentioned have any suggestions or advice?
I want to get the most out of my A Levels, ensure that I enjoy them and keep my options open, thought atm I feel that the best (and my fav) choice for me will be to study Literature at Uni.

Hey if you’re looking at doing something to do with literature and politics, then I would strongly consider doing English Lit, History, Politics. At most colleges/sixth forms you start with 4 a levels then drop one so you could do Philosophy, Religion and Ethics as your 4th, then decide which a level you like the least and drop that? I personally wouldn’t bother with a science as it’s recommended you study maths too or only take it if you want to go into a medicine related career or work as a scientist elsewhere. I did History, Politics and Philosophy, Religion and Ethics and really enjoyed it!

Reply 9

Emma:-)

Entertainment Forum Helper

19

Original post by username6448210

Hi!
I'm in y11 and am currently in the process of choosing my A Levels. At Uni I would love to study English Literature, Comparative Literature or something in Politics and International Relations (law is also a very good option).

I'm stuck between the following combinations of A Level subjects:

English Lit, History and French
English Lit, History, and Bio or Chem
English Lit, History, English Language
English Lit, History and Economics

Does anyone who has taken similar subjects or who went on to do a degree in the fields I mentioned have any suggestions or advice?

I want to get the most out of my A Levels, ensure that I enjoy them and keep my options open, thought atm I feel that the best (and my fav) choice for me will be to study Literature at Uni.

Id double check the requirements for the courses you are interested in on unis websites, just to see if they specify any particular subjects.
If not, then id go for the first option.

Reply 10

Geo Lover 7

17

Original post by harriet.r22

Hey if you’re looking at doing something to do with literature and politics, then I would strongly consider doing English Lit, History, Politics. At most colleges/sixth forms you start with 4 a levels then drop one so you could do Philosophy, Religion and Ethics as your 4th, then decide which a level you like the least and drop that? I personally wouldn’t bother with a science as it’s recommended you study maths too or only take it if you want to go into a medicine related career or work as a scientist elsewhere. I did History, Politics and Philosophy, Religion and Ethics and really enjoyed it!

Or Geography as it's related to International Relations.

Reply 11

Daisy._.7777

15

I currently do History, English and Biology, and though I really enjoy all my subject, i wouldn’t recommend doing science A-levels unless you have an interest in them/are good at them.

Doing a science A-level can show universities that you have a wide range of interests and skills, and can also make you really stand out. Plus, in my case I’m interested in the history of medicine/science, archeology, so biology is really useful for these topics. But, the important thing is that I like them, and I feel that I am good at it.

If you are only considering science for prestige or variation, don’t do it. If it’s out of interest, go ahead. Ignore people if they call you weird, cause at the end of the day YOU have to study for your exams, so study something you like.

So, I don’t actually agree with the people above, since taking a science can be really valueable even if you apply for a humanities degree, just like how an essay based subject is valuable in a stem degree. But, this only works if you have strengths and interests in both, so please consider that before choosing the A-level. :smile:

Reply 12

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

21

Original post by username6448210

Hi!
I'm in y11 and am currently in the process of choosing my A Levels. At Uni I would love to study English Literature, Comparative Literature or something in Politics and International Relations (law is also a very good option).

I'm stuck between the following combinations of A Level subjects:

English Lit, History and French
English Lit, History, and Bio or Chem
English Lit, History, English Language
English Lit, History and Economics

Does anyone who has taken similar subjects or who went on to do a degree in the fields I mentioned have any suggestions or advice?

I want to get the most out of my A Levels, ensure that I enjoy them and keep my options open, thought atm I feel that the best (and my fav) choice for me will be to study Literature at Uni.

Any of those combinations is fine for either subject at virtually any university.

The only one that may limit you slightly is the combination of English lit, English language, and history, specifically for LSE, as they state narrow subject combinations may be less competitive for their courses due to the (purported) interdisciplinary nature of their courses. So outside of LSE politics and/or IR (or law) it's still perfectly good as a combination :smile:

There is a joint English lit/lang A-level (which is a single A-level combining both sides of the subject) which would be fine in combination with any two of other A-levels you're considering for LSE as well, so if your school offers that, that may be an option :smile:

A Level Subject Combo?

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