where could i go (a levels)

10

so i originally planned to do maths, physics and computer science at a level but changed my mind as i no longer wanted to pursue a career in IT, my new plan is to study a level maths, biology and chemistry. (feel like i should note this, i plan on doing further maths as a private candidate along side a levels). i would like to go to university or complete a degree apprenticeship. where can these a levels take me?

Reply 1

ajj2000

20

If you like maths and want to study further maths why not select physics? Might a maths degree be an option?

Reply 2

bibachu

14

Original post

by djsimpson1_

so i originally planned to do maths, physics and computer science at a level but changed my mind as i no longer wanted to pursue a career in IT, my new plan is to study a level maths, biology and chemistry. (feel like i should note this, i plan on doing further maths as a private candidate along side a levels). i would like to go to university or complete a degree apprenticeship. where can these a levels take me?

Broadly speaking, you would have access to most degrees in STEM and subsequently, STEM or STEM related career paths. You would also not be restricted to a STEM pathway, as many social sciences, humanities and arts degrees do not have specific subjects. Architecture for example blends arts with engineering and typically, most universities would not have subject requirements for it. Doing further maths would open you up to more competitive courses at competitive universities, assuming you achieved a high grade (e.g. natural sciences at Cambridge, medicine at Imperial).

Reply 3

djsimpson1_

OP

10

Original post

by bibachu

Broadly speaking, you would have access to most degrees in STEM and subsequently, STEM or STEM related career paths. You would also not be restricted to a STEM pathway, as many social sciences, humanities and arts degrees do not have specific subjects. Architecture for example blends arts with engineering and typically, most universities would not have subject requirements for it. Doing further maths would open you up to more competitive courses at competitive universities, assuming you achieved a high grade (e.g. natural sciences at Cambridge, medicine at Imperial).

thanks for your reply, i’m interested in medicine but i’m aware what it’s like and not sure if i should go down that route, im also interested in radiography and paramedic science

Reply 4

djsimpson1_

OP

10

Original post

by ajj2000

If you like maths and want to study further maths why not select physics? Might a maths degree be an option?

i do have an interest in physics but want a more clinical career and i think biology and chemistry would be useful. i’m not sure if i would like to pursue mathematics any further than a level

Reply 5

bibachu

14

Original post

by djsimpson1_

thanks for your reply, i’m interested in medicine but i’m aware what it’s like and not sure if i should go down that route, im also interested in radiography and paramedic science

Since these A levels would give you access to all these career paths, I would suggest looking up a few universities and seeing how their courses are structured. Look at the modules and teaching style of each and see whether these are things that you’re interested in. Potentially watch a few lectures online or have a look at some recorded university open days to each subject if you can find them. All of these pathways would require a commitment to a healthcare career, or at the very least a commitment to being a healthcare student (i.e. studying and doing placements), which is something to think about. Medicine is far more competitive than the other two and a much longer commitment university-wise (5 years as opposed to 3).

Reply 6

LJMUStudentReps

Official Rep

18

Hi there!

As mentioned above - you could essentially choose any STEM subject/career with those A-levels! If you're interested in medicine, radiography, paramedic science, here are some similar courses/aspects you could also look into:

•

Forensic / Biological Anthropology (studying of skeletons in either a forensic or evolutionary context) - I study this course at LJMU and am trained in radiography from this and could go into a career in radiology, post-grad medicine, forensics, law enforcement, teaching, archaeology, lab work

•

Natural Sciences - this course is offered at many Universities and covers a huge range of topics, requirements usually involve 2 science A-levels so bio and chem would cover that

•

Biomedical Science - for a more lab-based career, biomed is a great choice - one thing I would recommend is choosing a University that offers an accredited Biomedical Science course (like LJMU) so you won't require additional/top-up training before being able to work in a lab as a practising Biomedical Scientist

•

Biochemistry - if you're interested in Bio and Chem, this course offers a healthy mix of the two!

Hopefully these interest you and good luck with your decision!
Jorja (LJMU Student Rep)

Reply 7

djsimpson1_

OP

10

Original post

by LJMUStudentReps

Hi there!
As mentioned above - you could essentially choose any STEM subject/career with those A-levels! If you're interested in medicine, radiography, paramedic science, here are some similar courses/aspects you could also look into:

•

Forensic / Biological Anthropology (studying of skeletons in either a forensic or evolutionary context) - I study this course at LJMU and am trained in radiography from this and could go into a career in radiology, post-grad medicine, forensics, law enforcement, teaching, archaeology, lab work

•

Natural Sciences - this course is offered at many Universities and covers a huge range of topics, requirements usually involve 2 science A-levels so bio and chem would cover that

•

Biomedical Science - for a more lab-based career, biomed is a great choice - one thing I would recommend is choosing a University that offers an accredited Biomedical Science course (like LJMU) so you won't require additional/top-up training before being able to work in a lab as a practising Biomedical Scientist

•

Biochemistry - if you're interested in Bio and Chem, this course offers a healthy mix of the two!

Hopefully these interest you and good luck with your decision!
Jorja (LJMU Student Rep)

thank you! if i don’t pursue a clinical career there’s plenty more options

Reply 8

McGinger

20

Good careers website with 100s of relevant job/career profiles - Job profiles | Prospects.ac.uk
NHS roles- Explore roles | Health Careers
Royal Navy medical careers - Royal Navy | Healthcare and Medical

Reply 9

normaw

Volunteer Section Leader, Clearing and Applications Advisor

20

Original post

by djsimpson1_

thank you! if i don’t pursue a clinical career there’s plenty more options

You wouldn't be able to work as a radiographer (or paramedic or other healthcare role) from completing the academic degrees mentioned in post 7. You need to complete an undergrad or pre-reg masters degree that has been approved by the HCPC.

You can search for approved courses by role using the following tool:

https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/career-planning/course-finder

where could i go (a levels)

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