A Level Choice Dilemma (French vs Politics)
Hi all,
I’m a Year 11 (HS Sophomore) student and I’m facing some difficulties in choosing my fourth A-Level. Currently I am planning to pick Maths, History and Economics but am unsure whether to choose between French or Politics for my final A-Level. For context, I am looking to become a diplomat and am interested in a degree in History and Politics at university. I am open minded to both UK and US universities so I’m looking for a selection of subjects that are relevant but versatile enough to demonstrate course rigour. I would appreciate advice from anyone and I apologise for the lengthy post. ❤️
I’m a Year 11 (HS Sophomore) student and I’m facing some difficulties in choosing my fourth A-Level. Currently I am planning to pick Maths, History and Economics but am unsure whether to choose between French or Politics for my final A-Level. For context, I am looking to become a diplomat and am interested in a degree in History and Politics at university. I am open minded to both UK and US universities so I’m looking for a selection of subjects that are relevant but versatile enough to demonstrate course rigour. I would appreciate advice from anyone and I apologise for the lengthy post. ❤️
Reply 1
Why is it that you would like to take 4 subjects?
Unless you are forced to take 4, study 3 and pick up an epq on a topic of interest.
Unless you are forced to take 4, study 3 and pick up an epq on a topic of interest.
Reply 2
2
Original post
by DerDracologeWhy is it that you would like to take 4 subjects?
Unless you are forced to take 4, study 3 and pick up an epq on a topic of interest.
Unless you are forced to take 4, study 3 and pick up an epq on a topic of interest.
My school says you must take 4 subjects for AS - you may drop one for A-Levels but most don't
Reply 3
Original post
by Azure MainMy school says you must take 4 subjects for AS - you may drop one for A-Levels but most don't
Thats fair. Have you read the specs for both to see which interests you more?
Reply 4
2
Original post
by DerDracologeThats fair. Have you read the specs for both to see which interests you more?
Both interest me equally (and I am doing well in French GCSE and History GCSE - which is the closest comparison to A-Level Politics I have right now). I feel like any information I miss out on from Politics A-Level, I can supplement with the wider reading I do anyways, hence why I think French may be the better option here.
Reply 5
Original post
by Azure MainBoth interest me equally (and I am doing well in French GCSE and History GCSE - which is the closest comparison to A-Level Politics I have right now). I feel like any information I miss out on from Politics A-Level, I can supplement with the wider reading I do anyways, hence why I think French may be the better option here.
Sounds like youve thought up a good solution there!
I did both gcse politics and history but take neither of them for a level. I loved history as a subject but found politics extremely dull for the most part. I was equally good at both but the exams are quite different (at gcse anyway). Just thought id mention that 🙂
Reply 6
Hi there, I currently study International Relations (which falls under Politics) and Arabic at university, and can hopefully offer some useful insight!
I had never studied Politics before starting my degree, but this didn’t cause any issues for me. Many UK universities are aware that some students will begin without a subject-specific background, so the first year is designed to get everyone up to speed with introductory modules that cover the basics. My university also offers additional support through academic writing workshops, but since you're taking History (which is similarly essay-based), I think you'll adapt quickly.
I did take French at A-Level, though, and absolutely loved it. You get to study a wider range of topics, such as literature, film, current affairs, and contemporary issues, and can reach an intermediate language level, which is great for diplomacy. You'll also get to do an independent research project on an area that interests you—I did mine on French secularism (which actually tied into politics!), but others explored topics like fashion or healthcare.
If I had to choose, I'd lean towards French—it gives you a tangible skill that you can use long-term, whether while traveling or for work. But honestly, you can't go wrong with either!
I hope this helps, and good luck with your decision!
I had never studied Politics before starting my degree, but this didn’t cause any issues for me. Many UK universities are aware that some students will begin without a subject-specific background, so the first year is designed to get everyone up to speed with introductory modules that cover the basics. My university also offers additional support through academic writing workshops, but since you're taking History (which is similarly essay-based), I think you'll adapt quickly.
I did take French at A-Level, though, and absolutely loved it. You get to study a wider range of topics, such as literature, film, current affairs, and contemporary issues, and can reach an intermediate language level, which is great for diplomacy. You'll also get to do an independent research project on an area that interests you—I did mine on French secularism (which actually tied into politics!), but others explored topics like fashion or healthcare.
If I had to choose, I'd lean towards French—it gives you a tangible skill that you can use long-term, whether while traveling or for work. But honestly, you can't go wrong with either!
I hope this helps, and good luck with your decision!
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