What A Levels guarantee me the best future?

9

Up until recently I was quite set on choosing the following A Levels: Ancient History, English Literature and Philosophy. That was focusing on the path I'd want to take in uni rather than considering future job prospects. However, my physics teacher heard about me wanting to pursue humanities and made it his goal to talk me into studying STEM, specifically Physics, instead. There's no chance of that happening as I'm just not a STEM person, but I did end up considering Social Sciences. Now, I'm genuinely confused. Would choosing at least one Social Science give me higher chances of employment in the future? It's a big dilemma for me as on one hand, I know I wouldn't be able to work a job I don't enjoy, but on the other I don't want my interests to waste away.

Reply 1

DerDracologe

Study Forum Helper

20

I doubt it, especially as most social sciences at degree wont require prior study. Youll also likely get lower grades if you take subjects youre not as passionate about 🙂

Reply 2

Phelena

13

Original post

by Venixrin

Up until recently I was quite set on choosing the following A Levels: Ancient History, English Literature and Philosophy. That was focusing on the path I'd want to take in uni rather than considering future job prospects. However, my physics teacher heard about me wanting to pursue humanities and made it his goal to talk me into studying STEM, specifically Physics, instead. There's no chance of that happening as I'm just not a STEM person, but I did end up considering Social Sciences. Now, I'm genuinely confused. Would choosing at least one Social Science give me higher chances of employment in the future? It's a big dilemma for me as on one hand, I know I wouldn't be able to work a job I don't enjoy, but on the other I don't want my interests to waste away.

Think about the degrees you might want to pursue. You should end up with something that you both enjoy and which has decent job prospects. There may or may not be required A-Level subjects for these degrees, but as a rule of thumb, social sciences and humanities courses like seeing A-Levels like English Literature and History, which you'll likely enjoy anyway. When it comes to getting a job, they'll only really look at your degree and not A-Levels anyway.

Reply 3

username7727897

9

Original post

by Venixrin

Up until recently I was quite set on choosing the following A Levels: Ancient History, English Literature and Philosophy. That was focusing on the path I'd want to take in uni rather than considering future job prospects. However, my physics teacher heard about me wanting to pursue humanities and made it his goal to talk me into studying STEM, specifically Physics, instead. There's no chance of that happening as I'm just not a STEM person, but I did end up considering Social Sciences. Now, I'm genuinely confused. Would choosing at least one Social Science give me higher chances of employment in the future? It's a big dilemma for me as on one hand, I know I wouldn't be able to work a job I don't enjoy, but on the other I don't want my interests to waste away.

I once had my French teacher try to convince me that my chosen A-levels were a bad choice. Just don’t listen to teachers because all they care about is signing up as many people as possible to their course.

I am a Sociology student and I love it but it definitely won’t provide the same benefits that STEM subjects provide. I wouldn’t sacrifice one of your original choices to do a social science. Subjects like Sociology are becoming so popular that you end up with the same qualifications as everyone else. It is the second most popular A-level at my college with Psych being the most popular. I take Literature and I enjoy it (which is weird for a year 13 to say about an A-level). Your other choices sound interesting too. My advice is to stick with what you originally wanted to do

Reply 4

Emma:-)

Entertainment Forum Helper, Careers Forum Helper

19

Original post

by Venixrin

Up until recently I was quite set on choosing the following A Levels: Ancient History, English Literature and Philosophy. That was focusing on the path I'd want to take in uni rather than considering future job prospects. However, my physics teacher heard about me wanting to pursue humanities and made it his goal to talk me into studying STEM, specifically Physics, instead. There's no chance of that happening as I'm just not a STEM person, but I did end up considering Social Sciences. Now, I'm genuinely confused. Would choosing at least one Social Science give me higher chances of employment in the future? It's a big dilemma for me as on one hand, I know I wouldn't be able to work a job I don't enjoy, but on the other I don't want my interests to waste away.

Obviously if you arent into STEM subjects then dont take anything STEM related. I think you already know that though.
With regards to subject choices, choose subjects that you will enjoy and do well in. And any that you particularly need to pursue whatever you are doing after a-levels you need to do.

Reply 5

trystar123

3

Original post

by Venixrin

Up until recently I was quite set on choosing the following A Levels: Ancient History, English Literature and Philosophy. That was focusing on the path I'd want to take in uni rather than considering future job prospects. However, my physics teacher heard about me wanting to pursue humanities and made it his goal to talk me into studying STEM, specifically Physics, instead. There's no chance of that happening as I'm just not a STEM person, but I did end up considering Social Sciences. Now, I'm genuinely confused. Would choosing at least one Social Science give me higher chances of employment in the future? It's a big dilemma for me as on one hand, I know I wouldn't be able to work a job I don't enjoy, but on the other I don't want my interests to waste away.

Here is my honest take: study subjects like Mathematics, Physics, Biology, Chemistry. It's not because I'm telling you to become a STEM person, but it opens a lot more routes. If you want, you can incorporate one humanities course with STEM. Why do I recommend this? STEM unlocks far more courses than the humanities. You cannot study Biochemistry with History/Politics, but you can choose to study History and Politics with STEM A levels and one humanities subject. However, do pick what you want. If you hate STEM, you will go into A levels or university hating STEM, and this will lead to bad performances. No point in talking about employability if you're going to either get a third at university or fail your A levels.

What A Levels guarantee me the best future?

Quick Reply

Related discussions

Articles for you

How The Student Room is moderated