The Student Room Group

Which uni courses don’t need specific a-levels?

Hi, I’m currently in year 12 studying physics, engineering(btec) and geography. I’ve been set on studying either mechanical or motorsport engineering at uni for years but didn’t take maths because I didn’t have time for my other subjects. I now don’t know if I still want to study engineering at uni and have only got an E in physics in my first mocks. So is there any uni courses that don’t need any specific a levels.
Hi, I’m currently in year 12 studying physics, engineering(btec) and geography. I’ve been set on studying either mechanical or motorsport engineering at uni for years but didn’t take maths because I didn’t have time for my other subjects. I now don’t know if I still want to study engineering at uni and have only got an E in physics in my first mocks. So is there any uni courses that don’t need any specific a levels.

There are a huge number of degree subjects that don't have specific A level subject requirements. If you are unsure as to whether you want to study engineering now, what sort of subject might you like to study instead?
Reply 2
Original post by DataVenia
There are a huge number of degree subjects that don't have specific A level subject requirements. If you are unsure as to whether you want to study engineering now, what sort of subject might you like to study instead?

I was thinking of maybe law instead but don’t really want an office job.
I was thinking of maybe law instead but don’t really want an office job.

Legal careers - 17 top law careers explained | Prospects.ac.uk
Ministry of Justice jobs (UK wide) - Job Search | Ministry of Justice
Hi, I’m currently in year 12 studying physics, engineering(btec) and geography. I’ve been set on studying either mechanical or motorsport engineering at uni for years but didn’t take maths because I didn’t have time for my other subjects. I now don’t know if I still want to study engineering at uni and have only got an E in physics in my first mocks. So is there any uni courses that don’t need any specific a levels.


Most humanities and social sciences degrees have no specific A-level requirements. Also most STEM courses are available with a foundation year for those who didn't take the right subjects, although that may not be the best fit for you based on what you said.

Note that a lot of graduate jobs (including in engineering) are office jobs in some capacity. So you might need to focus more on that and work backwards from what your working preferences are for a career?
(edited 1 month ago)
I was thinking of maybe law instead but don’t really want an office job.

Well, you're in luck as Law is generally very flexible with regards to A level subjects. Here are three random (but geographically diverse) sets of A level subject requirements for Law LLB:

University of Manchester (source)
"Applicants must be studying at least one of the following A Level subjects: Law; Accounting; Economics; Finance; Business Studies; Development Studies; Government and Politics; Economic and Social History; Mathematics; Anthropology; Sociology; Philosophy; Religious Studies; English Language; English Literature; Geography; Psychology; Classical Civilisation; History; Archaeology; Communication Studies; Environmental Studies; World Development; Biology; Chemistry; Physics; Modern Languages."

University of Southampton (source)
"Excluded subjects are; General Studies, Art, Art & Design, Dance, Fine Art, Moving Images, Photography, Physical Education, Music, Music Technology, Sharia Law, Sports Studies, Textiles and Travel & Tourism. If you are studying one of these A level subjects we will not be able to consider your application.

The below subjects are considered as restricted. This means that we can accept one subject from the following list if combined with other academic subjects:

Critical Thinking, Community & Culture, Design & Technology, Drama, Divinity, Film Studies, Health & Social Care, Media Studies, Performing Arts, Theatre Studies, and World Development."

University of York (source):
No specific or excluded subjects.

One minor wrinkle will be the two A levels plus one BTEC Extended Certificate you're doing, simply because many universities don't make it clear whether or not they accept that combination of qualifications, or don't make it clear what grades you'd need to meet their entry requirements.

Of the three random unis above, Manchester make it clear that your BTEC would be acceptable, and Southampton make it clear that it wouldn't be. York don't make it clear either way.

Did you have any particular universities in mind?
Reply 6
Original post by DataVenia
Well, you're in luck as Law is generally very flexible with regards to A level subjects. Here are three random (but geographically diverse) sets of A level subject requirements for Law LLB:
University of Manchester (source)
"Applicants must be studying at least one of the following A Level subjects: Law; Accounting; Economics; Finance; Business Studies; Development Studies; Government and Politics; Economic and Social History; Mathematics; Anthropology; Sociology; Philosophy; Religious Studies; English Language; English Literature; Geography; Psychology; Classical Civilisation; History; Archaeology; Communication Studies; Environmental Studies; World Development; Biology; Chemistry; Physics; Modern Languages."
University of Southampton (source)
"Excluded subjects are; General Studies, Art, Art & Design, Dance, Fine Art, Moving Images, Photography, Physical Education, Music, Music Technology, Sharia Law, Sports Studies, Textiles and Travel & Tourism. If you are studying one of these A level subjects we will not be able to consider your application.
The below subjects are considered as restricted. This means that we can accept one subject from the following list if combined with other academic subjects:
Critical Thinking, Community & Culture, Design & Technology, Drama, Divinity, Film Studies, Health & Social Care, Media Studies, Performing Arts, Theatre Studies, and World Development."
University of York (source):
No specific or excluded subjects.
One minor wrinkle will be the two A levels plus one BTEC Extended Certificate you're doing, simply because many universities don't make it clear whether or not they accept that combination of qualifications, or don't make it clear what grades you'd need to meet their entry requirements.
Of the three random unis above, Manchester make it clear that your BTEC would be acceptable, and Southampton make it clear that it wouldn't be. York don't make it clear either way.
Did you have any particular universities in mind?

No not really

Quick Reply