Please help me pick my A levels
Iβm hoping to study history and politics at university and Iβm currently interested in journalism as a career
The only A levels Iβm certain on are History and English lit
Iβm also definitely going to take an EPQ
At my school I have to start with 4 but Iβll definitely drop one because 4 and an EPQ would be too much
My other options are:
Psychology- Iβm good at science but not confident enough to do a core one at A level as I do combined at GCSE so I thought this could be a good and interesting choice.
Religious studies- would this be too much writing and essays with English, history and EPQ?
Business- I do the GCSE and do well but I find it very dull. Iβve heard itβs meant to be quite an easy A level subject (idk if this is true tho) and I also thought it would be useful for politics/ journalism in the future.
Let me know if you have any input
Thank you βΊοΈ
The only A levels Iβm certain on are History and English lit
Iβm also definitely going to take an EPQ
At my school I have to start with 4 but Iβll definitely drop one because 4 and an EPQ would be too much
My other options are:
Psychology- Iβm good at science but not confident enough to do a core one at A level as I do combined at GCSE so I thought this could be a good and interesting choice.
Religious studies- would this be too much writing and essays with English, history and EPQ?
Business- I do the GCSE and do well but I find it very dull. Iβve heard itβs meant to be quite an easy A level subject (idk if this is true tho) and I also thought it would be useful for politics/ journalism in the future.
Let me know if you have any input
Thank you βΊοΈ
Reply 1
Original post by Lottie-15
Iβm hoping to study history and politics at university and Iβm currently interested in journalism as a career
The only A levels Iβm certain on are History and English lit
Iβm also definitely going to take an EPQ
At my school I have to start with 4 but Iβll definitely drop one because 4 and an EPQ would be too much
My other options are:
Psychology- Iβm good at science but not confident enough to do a core one at A level as I do combined at GCSE so I thought this could be a good and interesting choice.
Religious studies- would this be too much writing and essays with English, history and EPQ?
Business- I do the GCSE and do well but I find it very dull. Iβve heard itβs meant to be quite an easy A level subject (idk if this is true tho) and I also thought it would be useful for politics/ journalism in the future.
Let me know if you have any input
Thank you βΊοΈ
The only A levels Iβm certain on are History and English lit
Iβm also definitely going to take an EPQ
At my school I have to start with 4 but Iβll definitely drop one because 4 and an EPQ would be too much
My other options are:
Psychology- Iβm good at science but not confident enough to do a core one at A level as I do combined at GCSE so I thought this could be a good and interesting choice.
Religious studies- would this be too much writing and essays with English, history and EPQ?
Business- I do the GCSE and do well but I find it very dull. Iβve heard itβs meant to be quite an easy A level subject (idk if this is true tho) and I also thought it would be useful for politics/ journalism in the future.
Let me know if you have any input
Thank you βΊοΈ
Does your school offer politics? If so, I would recommend that as it was the factor that convinced me to study politics at uni.
Reply 2
Original post by Lottie-15
Iβm hoping to study history and politics at university and Iβm currently interested in journalism as a career
The only A levels Iβm certain on are History and English lit
Iβm also definitely going to take an EPQ
At my school I have to start with 4 but Iβll definitely drop one because 4 and an EPQ would be too much
My other options are:
Psychology- Iβm good at science but not confident enough to do a core one at A level as I do combined at GCSE so I thought this could be a good and interesting choice.
Religious studies- would this be too much writing and essays with English, history and EPQ?
Business- I do the GCSE and do well but I find it very dull. Iβve heard itβs meant to be quite an easy A level subject (idk if this is true tho) and I also thought it would be useful for politics/ journalism in the future.
Let me know if you have any input
Thank you βΊοΈ
The only A levels Iβm certain on are History and English lit
Iβm also definitely going to take an EPQ
At my school I have to start with 4 but Iβll definitely drop one because 4 and an EPQ would be too much
My other options are:
Psychology- Iβm good at science but not confident enough to do a core one at A level as I do combined at GCSE so I thought this could be a good and interesting choice.
Religious studies- would this be too much writing and essays with English, history and EPQ?
Business- I do the GCSE and do well but I find it very dull. Iβve heard itβs meant to be quite an easy A level subject (idk if this is true tho) and I also thought it would be useful for politics/ journalism in the future.
Let me know if you have any input
Thank you βΊοΈ
Take Business. Trust me.
Original post by kate260307
Does your school offer politics? If so, I would recommend that as it was the factor that convinced me to study politics at uni.
Itβs got rid of it this year π’I would have loved to do it though
Original post by Wired_1800
Take Business. Trust me.
Why do you recommend it?
sorry to hear politics is gone, that would've been a good choice! if there are any other courses that are similar (e.g. sociology, criminology, law) you could look into those too!
psychology would provide a good break up from constant essay writing and will have a different assessment format to the others! i was looking to do psych at some point and found that looking at past papers made me decide it could've been a good choice (i ended up doing biology instead). it does still have elements of science (obviously) which you may like without it being the typical maths, bio, chem, physics. i believe you cover quite a lot of theories, statistics and biology of the brain so if that interests you, that would be a good choice.
with business, i wouldn't advise taking an a-level just because you've heard it's easy. you're moving down to three subjects so A LOT of your time will be dedicated to business and if you can't find enjoyment in it then you may find it difficult to do well in it. have a look through the spec and what's taught because i've found that a-level is generally more interesting than gcse anyway (i didn't do business so i'm just speaking generally here) so you may find it to be enjoyable at a-level. just check what you're being taught!
religious studies could be a good one alongside english and history too. i know of people taking english and rs and a third humanity like sociology so history will also go well with that! do consider how much you like essay writing though because 3 entire subjects plus and epq can be quite a lot, especially when it comes to deadlines and time for tests, though it is entirely doable! (if your school does the epq in year 12, i felt it was much more manageable than if i was doing it alongside everything in year 13)
english and history probably have you mostly covered for wanting to do politics and history at uni so your third choice could be anything you want really. best of luck picking your options!
psychology would provide a good break up from constant essay writing and will have a different assessment format to the others! i was looking to do psych at some point and found that looking at past papers made me decide it could've been a good choice (i ended up doing biology instead). it does still have elements of science (obviously) which you may like without it being the typical maths, bio, chem, physics. i believe you cover quite a lot of theories, statistics and biology of the brain so if that interests you, that would be a good choice.
with business, i wouldn't advise taking an a-level just because you've heard it's easy. you're moving down to three subjects so A LOT of your time will be dedicated to business and if you can't find enjoyment in it then you may find it difficult to do well in it. have a look through the spec and what's taught because i've found that a-level is generally more interesting than gcse anyway (i didn't do business so i'm just speaking generally here) so you may find it to be enjoyable at a-level. just check what you're being taught!
religious studies could be a good one alongside english and history too. i know of people taking english and rs and a third humanity like sociology so history will also go well with that! do consider how much you like essay writing though because 3 entire subjects plus and epq can be quite a lot, especially when it comes to deadlines and time for tests, though it is entirely doable! (if your school does the epq in year 12, i felt it was much more manageable than if i was doing it alongside everything in year 13)
english and history probably have you mostly covered for wanting to do politics and history at uni so your third choice could be anything you want really. best of luck picking your options!
Reply 6
Original post by Lottie-15
Why do you recommend it?
You enjoy it and it is a practical plus valuable subject.
Reply 7
Original post by Lottie-15
Iβm hoping to study history and politics at university and Iβm currently interested in journalism as a career
The only A levels Iβm certain on are History and English lit
Iβm also definitely going to take an EPQ
At my school I have to start with 4 but Iβll definitely drop one because 4 and an EPQ would be too much
My other options are:
Psychology- Iβm good at science but not confident enough to do a core one at A level as I do combined at GCSE so I thought this could be a good and interesting choice.
Religious studies- would this be too much writing and essays with English, history and EPQ?
Business- I do the GCSE and do well but I find it very dull. Iβve heard itβs meant to be quite an easy A level subject (idk if this is true tho) and I also thought it would be useful for politics/ journalism in the future.
Let me know if you have any input
Thank you βΊοΈ
The only A levels Iβm certain on are History and English lit
Iβm also definitely going to take an EPQ
At my school I have to start with 4 but Iβll definitely drop one because 4 and an EPQ would be too much
My other options are:
Psychology- Iβm good at science but not confident enough to do a core one at A level as I do combined at GCSE so I thought this could be a good and interesting choice.
Religious studies- would this be too much writing and essays with English, history and EPQ?
Business- I do the GCSE and do well but I find it very dull. Iβve heard itβs meant to be quite an easy A level subject (idk if this is true tho) and I also thought it would be useful for politics/ journalism in the future.
Let me know if you have any input
Thank you βΊοΈ
Hi there,
It sounds like you're on the right track and English and History will set you up well to do politics (its annoying that they discontinued politics but this shouldn't disadvantage you). Here at Bath, we do not require any specific A Levels including politics in order to be considered for Politics and International Relations, and I'd imagine quite a few other unis are the same.
Having those 2 essay based subjects will give you some good practice at the analytical/academic writing style you will need for politics. One thing is for sure though I would not recommend choosing something you don't enjoy, as this can end up being demotivating. Its important to pick something you think you will like studying as this will make revision and classes easier meaning you are more likely to do well.
Everything I know about the scientific method I learnt from A level psychology - although there were essays involved the science and maths behind it would provide a welcome break from the literary work of your other subjects and show you up as a well-rounded students with a wide skillset. I also personally found it a really interesting, unique subject which taught me a lot about why people behave the way they do.
The bottom line - great that you're doing English and History - I'd recommend choosing one/two others that you enjoy as this will help you do well and make your sixth form experience easier!
I hope this helps, best of luck with everything!
Holly
University of Bath
Original post by neptune_
sorry to hear politics is gone, that would've been a good choice! if there are any other courses that are similar (e.g. sociology, criminology, law) you could look into those too!
psychology would provide a good break up from constant essay writing and will have a different assessment format to the others! i was looking to do psych at some point and found that looking at past papers made me decide it could've been a good choice (i ended up doing biology instead). it does still have elements of science (obviously) which you may like without it being the typical maths, bio, chem, physics. i believe you cover quite a lot of theories, statistics and biology of the brain so if that interests you, that would be a good choice.
with business, i wouldn't advise taking an a-level just because you've heard it's easy. you're moving down to three subjects so A LOT of your time will be dedicated to business and if you can't find enjoyment in it then you may find it difficult to do well in it. have a look through the spec and what's taught because i've found that a-level is generally more interesting than gcse anyway (i didn't do business so i'm just speaking generally here) so you may find it to be enjoyable at a-level. just check what you're being taught!
religious studies could be a good one alongside english and history too. i know of people taking english and rs and a third humanity like sociology so history will also go well with that! do consider how much you like essay writing though because 3 entire subjects plus and epq can be quite a lot, especially when it comes to deadlines and time for tests, though it is entirely doable! (if your school does the epq in year 12, i felt it was much more manageable than if i was doing it alongside everything in year 13)
english and history probably have you mostly covered for wanting to do politics and history at uni so your third choice could be anything you want really. best of luck picking your options!
psychology would provide a good break up from constant essay writing and will have a different assessment format to the others! i was looking to do psych at some point and found that looking at past papers made me decide it could've been a good choice (i ended up doing biology instead). it does still have elements of science (obviously) which you may like without it being the typical maths, bio, chem, physics. i believe you cover quite a lot of theories, statistics and biology of the brain so if that interests you, that would be a good choice.
with business, i wouldn't advise taking an a-level just because you've heard it's easy. you're moving down to three subjects so A LOT of your time will be dedicated to business and if you can't find enjoyment in it then you may find it difficult to do well in it. have a look through the spec and what's taught because i've found that a-level is generally more interesting than gcse anyway (i didn't do business so i'm just speaking generally here) so you may find it to be enjoyable at a-level. just check what you're being taught!
religious studies could be a good one alongside english and history too. i know of people taking english and rs and a third humanity like sociology so history will also go well with that! do consider how much you like essay writing though because 3 entire subjects plus and epq can be quite a lot, especially when it comes to deadlines and time for tests, though it is entirely doable! (if your school does the epq in year 12, i felt it was much more manageable than if i was doing it alongside everything in year 13)
english and history probably have you mostly covered for wanting to do politics and history at uni so your third choice could be anything you want really. best of luck picking your options!
Wow thank you for such a detailed response! This is really useful. I definitely understand not taking a subject that I find boring, so I definitely have a lot to think about!
Thank you
Original post by University of Bath
Hi there,
It sounds like you're on the right track and English and History will set you up well to do politics (its annoying that they discontinued politics but this shouldn't disadvantage you). Here at Bath, we do not require any specific A Levels including politics in order to be considered for Politics and International Relations, and I'd imagine quite a few other unis are the same.
Having those 2 essay based subjects will give you some good practice at the analytical/academic writing style you will need for politics. One thing is for sure though I would not recommend choosing something you don't enjoy, as this can end up being demotivating. Its important to pick something you think you will like studying as this will make revision and classes easier meaning you are more likely to do well.
Everything I know about the scientific method I learnt from A level psychology - although there were essays involved the science and maths behind it would provide a welcome break from the literary work of your other subjects and show you up as a well-rounded students with a wide skillset. I also personally found it a really interesting, unique subject which taught me a lot about why people behave the way they do.
The bottom line - great that you're doing English and History - I'd recommend choosing one/two others that you enjoy as this will help you do well and make your sixth form experience easier!
I hope this helps, best of luck with everything!
Holly
University of Bath
It sounds like you're on the right track and English and History will set you up well to do politics (its annoying that they discontinued politics but this shouldn't disadvantage you). Here at Bath, we do not require any specific A Levels including politics in order to be considered for Politics and International Relations, and I'd imagine quite a few other unis are the same.
Having those 2 essay based subjects will give you some good practice at the analytical/academic writing style you will need for politics. One thing is for sure though I would not recommend choosing something you don't enjoy, as this can end up being demotivating. Its important to pick something you think you will like studying as this will make revision and classes easier meaning you are more likely to do well.
Everything I know about the scientific method I learnt from A level psychology - although there were essays involved the science and maths behind it would provide a welcome break from the literary work of your other subjects and show you up as a well-rounded students with a wide skillset. I also personally found it a really interesting, unique subject which taught me a lot about why people behave the way they do.
The bottom line - great that you're doing English and History - I'd recommend choosing one/two others that you enjoy as this will help you do well and make your sixth form experience easier!
I hope this helps, best of luck with everything!
Holly
University of Bath
Thanks so much, this is really useful so Iβll definitely think about how much Iβll actually enjoy business
Reply 10
Original post by Lottie-15
Iβm hoping to study history and politics at university and Iβm currently interested in journalism as a career
The only A levels Iβm certain on are History and English lit
Iβm also definitely going to take an EPQ
At my school I have to start with 4 but Iβll definitely drop one because 4 and an EPQ would be too much
My other options are:
Psychology- Iβm good at science but not confident enough to do a core one at A level as I do combined at GCSE so I thought this could be a good and interesting choice.
Religious studies- would this be too much writing and essays with English, history and EPQ?
Business- I do the GCSE and do well but I find it very dull. Iβve heard itβs meant to be quite an easy A level subject (idk if this is true tho) and I also thought it would be useful for politics/ journalism in the future.
Let me know if you have any input
Thank you βΊοΈ
The only A levels Iβm certain on are History and English lit
Iβm also definitely going to take an EPQ
At my school I have to start with 4 but Iβll definitely drop one because 4 and an EPQ would be too much
My other options are:
Psychology- Iβm good at science but not confident enough to do a core one at A level as I do combined at GCSE so I thought this could be a good and interesting choice.
Religious studies- would this be too much writing and essays with English, history and EPQ?
Business- I do the GCSE and do well but I find it very dull. Iβve heard itβs meant to be quite an easy A level subject (idk if this is true tho) and I also thought it would be useful for politics/ journalism in the future.
Let me know if you have any input
Thank you βΊοΈ
OR
English Literature, History and German
OR
English Literature, History and French
Original post by thegeek888
English Literature, History and Economics
OR
English Literature, History and German
OR
English Literature, History and French
OR
English Literature, History and German
OR
English Literature, History and French
How come? I donβt do any languages so thatβs not possible for me. Do I need a language for history and politics? I also donβt have the option for economics
Reply 12
Original post by Lottie-15
How come? I donβt do any languages so thatβs not possible for me. Do I need a language for history and politics? I also donβt have the option for economics
I would suggest English Literature, History and Religious Studies. Also, Religious Studies is not as hard as English Literature and especially not History. π
My cousin's friend got A* in GCSE History but just a D in A-Level History. Because he did not like the topics he studied in A-Level History?! βΉοΈ
(edited 2 months ago)
Reply 13
Original post by thegeek888
Languages can be learned for Year Abroad at most universities. So, don't worry, as it is still possible to go to France, Spain, Italy and Germany. lol π
I would suggest English Literature, History and Religious Studies. Also, Religious Studies is not as hard as English Literature and especially not History. π
My cousin's friend got A* in GCSE History but just a D in A-Level History. Because he did not like the topics he studied in A-Level History?! βΉοΈ
I would suggest English Literature, History and Religious Studies. Also, Religious Studies is not as hard as English Literature and especially not History. π
My cousin's friend got A* in GCSE History but just a D in A-Level History. Because he did not like the topics he studied in A-Level History?! βΉοΈ
OP, ignore this. The poster failed his A levels about twenty years ago and hasn't applied to any university. His "advice" tends to reflect his academic fantasies.
Hello there!
If you're hoping to study History and Politics at university and are interested in a career in journalism, your A-Level choices should focus on developing critical thinking, research, and writing skills. Since youβre already set on History and English Literature, both of which are excellent for your goals.
Since you plan to drop one subject after a year, you could start with Psychology and Religious Studies and decide which one suits you best before dropping to three. This way, you get a mix of analytical and essay-based subjects while keeping your options open for History, Politics, and Journalism at university.
Whatever you choose, make sure itβs a subject you enjoy and feel confident studying for two years!
I hope this helps!
Good luck!
Kind regards,
Reka - Coventry University Student Ambassador
If you're hoping to study History and Politics at university and are interested in a career in journalism, your A-Level choices should focus on developing critical thinking, research, and writing skills. Since youβre already set on History and English Literature, both of which are excellent for your goals.
1.
Psychology β This is a great option if you enjoy science. It involves research, analysis, and essay writing, which could complement your other subjects. However, it does include some statistics and scientific content, so keep that in mind.
2.
Religious Studies β If you enjoy debating, philosophy, and ethical discussions, RS is highly relevant to politics, history, and journalism. It does involve a lot of essay writing.
3.
Business β It could be useful for politics and journalism especially in economic or financial reporting.
Whatever you choose, make sure itβs a subject you enjoy and feel confident studying for two years!
I hope this helps!
Good luck!
Kind regards,
Reka - Coventry University Student Ambassador
Original post by Coventry University Student Ambassadors
Hello there!
If you're hoping to study History and Politics at university and are interested in a career in journalism, your A-Level choices should focus on developing critical thinking, research, and writing skills. Since youβre already set on History and English Literature, both of which are excellent for your goals.
Since you plan to drop one subject after a year, you could start with Psychology and Religious Studies and decide which one suits you best before dropping to three. This way, you get a mix of analytical and essay-based subjects while keeping your options open for History, Politics, and Journalism at university.
Whatever you choose, make sure itβs a subject you enjoy and feel confident studying for two years!
I hope this helps!
Good luck!
Kind regards,
Reka - Coventry University Student Ambassador
If you're hoping to study History and Politics at university and are interested in a career in journalism, your A-Level choices should focus on developing critical thinking, research, and writing skills. Since youβre already set on History and English Literature, both of which are excellent for your goals.
1.
Psychology β This is a great option if you enjoy science. It involves research, analysis, and essay writing, which could complement your other subjects. However, it does include some statistics and scientific content, so keep that in mind.
2.
Religious Studies β If you enjoy debating, philosophy, and ethical discussions, RS is highly relevant to politics, history, and journalism. It does involve a lot of essay writing.
3.
Business β It could be useful for politics and journalism especially in economic or financial reporting.
Whatever you choose, make sure itβs a subject you enjoy and feel confident studying for two years!
I hope this helps!
Good luck!
Kind regards,
Reka - Coventry University Student Ambassador
Thanks very much
Reply 16
Original post by Lottie-15
Iβm hoping to study history and politics at university and Iβm currently interested in journalism as a career
The only A levels Iβm certain on are History and English lit
Iβm also definitely going to take an EPQ
At my school I have to start with 4 but Iβll definitely drop one because 4 and an EPQ would be too much
My other options are:
Psychology- Iβm good at science but not confident enough to do a core one at A level as I do combined at GCSE so I thought this could be a good and interesting choice.
Religious studies- would this be too much writing and essays with English, history and EPQ?
Business- I do the GCSE and do well but I find it very dull. Iβve heard itβs meant to be quite an easy A level subject (idk if this is true tho) and I also thought it would be useful for politics/ journalism in the future.
Let me know if you have any input
Thank you βΊοΈ
The only A levels Iβm certain on are History and English lit
Iβm also definitely going to take an EPQ
At my school I have to start with 4 but Iβll definitely drop one because 4 and an EPQ would be too much
My other options are:
Psychology- Iβm good at science but not confident enough to do a core one at A level as I do combined at GCSE so I thought this could be a good and interesting choice.
Religious studies- would this be too much writing and essays with English, history and EPQ?
Business- I do the GCSE and do well but I find it very dull. Iβve heard itβs meant to be quite an easy A level subject (idk if this is true tho) and I also thought it would be useful for politics/ journalism in the future.
Let me know if you have any input
Thank you βΊοΈ
Since you're interested in journalism and politics, I'd recommend psychology and religious studies. They are both relevant and useful, whereas business isn't as much.
I don't think it would be too much writing, and that taking mostly writing subjects would show your interest in writing.
I hope this helps.
Original post by Lottie-15
Iβm hoping to study history and politics at university and Iβm currently interested in journalism as a career
The only A levels Iβm certain on are History and English lit
Iβm also definitely going to take an EPQ
At my school I have to start with 4 but Iβll definitely drop one because 4 and an EPQ would be too much
My other options are:
Psychology- Iβm good at science but not confident enough to do a core one at A level as I do combined at GCSE so I thought this could be a good and interesting choice.
Religious studies- would this be too much writing and essays with English, history and EPQ?
Business- I do the GCSE and do well but I find it very dull. Iβve heard itβs meant to be quite an easy A level subject (idk if this is true tho) and I also thought it would be useful for politics/ journalism in the future.
Let me know if you have any input
Thank you βΊοΈ
The only A levels Iβm certain on are History and English lit
Iβm also definitely going to take an EPQ
At my school I have to start with 4 but Iβll definitely drop one because 4 and an EPQ would be too much
My other options are:
Psychology- Iβm good at science but not confident enough to do a core one at A level as I do combined at GCSE so I thought this could be a good and interesting choice.
Religious studies- would this be too much writing and essays with English, history and EPQ?
Business- I do the GCSE and do well but I find it very dull. Iβve heard itβs meant to be quite an easy A level subject (idk if this is true tho) and I also thought it would be useful for politics/ journalism in the future.
Let me know if you have any input
Thank you βΊοΈ
How about politics a-level
Reply 18
Original post by Emma:-)
How about politics a-level
Quick Reply
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