Choosing A levels... (spanish, psychology, history, sociology, biology)

8

I am in year 11 and am very unsure what a levels I want to do.
I have 3 vague career routes:
1. languages career (e.g. English teacher in Spain, working in the tourism industry as I really like Spanish)
2. barrister (I have done law competitions during my time at secondary, and this has been the career I have been set on for a while)
3. psychology related careers (the psychology and linguistics course at oxford interests me, I have only recently considered this)

I am pretty much 100% going to do Spanish as even if I don't do it as a degree, I would want to do a joints degree or even study in Spain and would not like to close this route.

Combo 1: Spanish, history, sociology
Many law courses recommend essay-based subjects so this would help a lot, and I am extremely interested in sociology. However, this would cut off any potential career in a science or psychology.

Combo 2: Spanish, biology, psychology
I like biology and many psychology courses require 2 or more sciences, so I don't want to cut this off either. However, how much would this disadvantage me for law??

Other information: I don't want to take chemistry, physics or maths. I am predicted 8's and 9's in almost all subjects so there is nothing I can't take as for a level. I change my mind about what I want to have a career in a lot so would like to keep my options open.

Any advice about any of these a levels (including Spanish) would really help. Thank you!

Reply 1

DerDracologe

Study Forum Helper

20

Original post

by Studentmb

I am in year 11 and am very unsure what a levels I want to do.
I have 3 vague career routes:
1. languages career (e.g. English teacher in Spain, working in the tourism industry as I really like Spanish)
2. barrister (I have done law competitions during my time at secondary, and this has been the career I have been set on for a while)
3. psychology related careers (the psychology and linguistics course at oxford interests me, I have only recently considered this)
I am pretty much 100% going to do Spanish as even if I don't do it as a degree, I would want to do a joints degree or even study in Spain and would not like to close this route.
Combo 1: Spanish, history, sociology
Many law courses recommend essay-based subjects so this would help a lot, and I am extremely interested in sociology. However, this would cut off any potential career in a science or psychology.
Combo 2: Spanish, biology, psychology
I like biology and many psychology courses require 2 or more sciences, so I don't want to cut this off either. However, how much would this disadvantage me for law??
Other information: I don't want to take chemistry, physics or maths. I am predicted 8's and 9's in almost all subjects so there is nothing I can't take as for a level. I change my mind about what I want to have a career in a lot so would like to keep my options open.
Any advice about any of these a levels (including Spanish) would really help. Thank you!

I do a level bio so happy to answer any questions about that 🙂
Law doesnt have required subjects so whilst essay subjects are RECOMMENDED rather than preferred all that means is they provide a solid background for skills youll need for a law degree, you can gain those skills from doing an epq or essay competition instead.

Reply 2

mehet07

11

Combo 2 - I did bio and psych and english literature and it had no effect on my law applications

Reply 3

Spaceandthewoods

10

Original post

by Studentmb

I am in year 11 and am very unsure what a levels I want to do.
I have 3 vague career routes:
1. languages career (e.g. English teacher in Spain, working in the tourism industry as I really like Spanish)
2. barrister (I have done law competitions during my time at secondary, and this has been the career I have been set on for a while)
3. psychology related careers (the psychology and linguistics course at oxford interests me, I have only recently considered this)
I am pretty much 100% going to do Spanish as even if I don't do it as a degree, I would want to do a joints degree or even study in Spain and would not like to close this route.
Combo 1: Spanish, history, sociology
Many law courses recommend essay-based subjects so this would help a lot, and I am extremely interested in sociology. However, this would cut off any potential career in a science or psychology.
Combo 2: Spanish, biology, psychology
I like biology and many psychology courses require 2 or more sciences, so I don't want to cut this off either. However, how much would this disadvantage me for law??
Other information: I don't want to take chemistry, physics or maths. I am predicted 8's and 9's in almost all subjects so there is nothing I can't take as for a level. I change my mind about what I want to have a career in a lot so would like to keep my options open.
Any advice about any of these a levels (including Spanish) would really help. Thank you!

I'm also in y11, but I've been told by both teachers and people on here there isn't a subject which puts you at a disadvantage for law as such. For law it's best to choose what you think you'd do best in (advice from other members), but I think combo two would leave all those options open to you the best

Reply 4

awstensversion

1

If I’m honest the only thing I’d suggest is don’t do biology!! I’d say it’s the least relevant to the courses you wish to study which isn’t an issue but I think it’s a LOT of work if you don’t ultimately need it for your uni course.

I do psychology and sociology as well and I absolutely love them both! The workload is pretty balanced and the content is super interesting so doesn’t feel like too much. They link really well and it’s pretty easy to do well in them so they’d probably help a lot with accessing the careers you’ve mentioned!

Reply 5

Emma:-)

Entertainment Forum Helper, Careers Forum Helper

19

Original post

by Studentmb

I am in year 11 and am very unsure what a levels I want to do.
I have 3 vague career routes:
1. languages career (e.g. English teacher in Spain, working in the tourism industry as I really like Spanish)
2. barrister (I have done law competitions during my time at secondary, and this has been the career I have been set on for a while)
3. psychology related careers (the psychology and linguistics course at oxford interests me, I have only recently considered this)
I am pretty much 100% going to do Spanish as even if I don't do it as a degree, I would want to do a joints degree or even study in Spain and would not like to close this route.
Combo 1: Spanish, history, sociology
Many law courses recommend essay-based subjects so this would help a lot, and I am extremely interested in sociology. However, this would cut off any potential career in a science or psychology.
Combo 2: Spanish, biology, psychology
I like biology and many psychology courses require 2 or more sciences, so I don't want to cut this off either. However, how much would this disadvantage me for law??
Other information: I don't want to take chemistry, physics or maths. I am predicted 8's and 9's in almost all subjects so there is nothing I can't take as for a level. I change my mind about what I want to have a career in a lot so would like to keep my options open.
Any advice about any of these a levels (including Spanish) would really help. Thank you!

The second combo seems pretty good. It seems to keep all options open.
Could you start with 4? Then either see how you go/what you prefer and drop your least favourite/the one you are doing least well in after the first few weeks. Or do a 4th to AS level and drop it after year 12 (if your school will allow it).

Reply 6

Studentmb

OP

8

Original post

by awstensversion

If I’m honest the only thing I’d suggest is don’t do biology!! I’d say it’s the least relevant to the courses you wish to study which isn’t an issue but I think it’s a LOT of work if you don’t ultimately need it for your uni course.
I do psychology and sociology as well and I absolutely love them both! The workload is pretty balanced and the content is super interesting so doesn’t feel like too much. They link really well and it’s pretty easy to do well in them so they’d probably help a lot with accessing the careers you’ve mentioned!

Thank you for the advice!
I have since looked at another career of being a speech and language therapist (I do change my mind about careers a lot), this requires biology for uni so would you still say don't take biology?
I'm good at biology but I do not think I would like it as much as sociology. I am just worried that sociology is not required for anything so I could be restricting my options.

Reply 7

Whatswhat

6

if you want to keep your career options open then your second option of biology/psychology/spanish seems a good choice (and Biology was the easiest of my three science A levles so it's all relative and personal!). Be mindful that some colleges/6th forms end up not being able to offer specific subject combos so worth discussing with your school/college.

(edited 2 weeks ago)

Reply 8

giraffes781

9

Original post

by Studentmb

Thank you for the advice!
I have since looked at another career of being a speech and language therapist (I do change my mind about careers a lot), this requires biology for uni so would you still say don't take biology?
I'm good at biology but I do not think I would like it as much as sociology. I am just worried that sociology is not required for anything so I could be restricting my options.

Sociology is a great all round subject though, and if anything, it should keep doors open. Try not to worry about job prospects too much as you are only young, but I understand wanting to give yourself the best options.

I'd say try and look at degree requirements as well as variations across unis. (Some unis may require subjects while others may not for the same course).

Masters in speech and language therapy exist as well as other things, so that could be an option if you did an undergrad then wanted to specialise. It's expensive so I know it's not ideal. Biology isn't always required for speech and lang therapy, it is something I am considering and I do Linguistics at uni. I can't see the downsides of doing a language, I think that is a great option for sure, especially if you enjoy it. It is a great skill and should give you an edge in certain careers, too. I'd go Spanish, Sociology, and Biology personally, but I know that merges a couple of your combos together.

Reply 9

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

21

Original post

by Studentmb

I am in year 11 and am very unsure what a levels I want to do.
I have 3 vague career routes:
1. languages career (e.g. English teacher in Spain, working in the tourism industry as I really like Spanish)
2. barrister (I have done law competitions during my time at secondary, and this has been the career I have been set on for a while)
3. psychology related careers (the psychology and linguistics course at oxford interests me, I have only recently considered this)

I am pretty much 100% going to do Spanish as even if I don't do it as a degree, I would want to do a joints degree or even study in Spain and would not like to close this route.

Combo 1: Spanish, history, sociology
Many law courses recommend essay-based subjects so this would help a lot, and I am extremely interested in sociology. However, this would cut off any potential career in a science or psychology.

Combo 2: Spanish, biology, psychology
I like biology and many psychology courses require 2 or more sciences, so I don't want to cut this off either. However, how much would this disadvantage me for law??

Other information: I don't want to take chemistry, physics or maths. I am predicted 8's and 9's in almost all subjects so there is nothing I can't take as for a level. I change my mind about what I want to have a career in a lot so would like to keep my options open.

Any advice about any of these a levels (including Spanish) would really help. Thank you!

Law has no subject requirements so any A-level combination is suitable for going on to do a law degree. Equally, it's worth bearing in mind you don't have to do law for your first degree to ultimately become a barrister or solicitor, and about half of all barristers and solicitors in the UK did a non-law degree first. You'd need to do the SQE to become a solicitor (you'd need to do this even if you did a law degree also, but may want/need to do a prep course or conversion course first to ensure a good chance of passing), or do a graduate diploma in law (GDL) conversion for the barrister route. But there's no preference for someone who did law as their first degree vs another degree plus GDL.

So either combination is fine for law, and equally you could well do a Spanish degree (or joint honours in Spanish) or a psychology and/or linguistics course, then still go into a legal career.

The second combination gives you all options though, but do consider carefully if you really want to do a very scientific psychology course or not. You could well do e.g. Spanish and linguistics at uni, without having done any sciences, and still go into either a language based career centred on Spanish or a legal career. Note also it is in principle possible to do a BPS accredited conversion masters then pursue a DClinPsy or equivalent professional psychology qualification. It is worth bearing in mind though that an undergraduate degree in psychology alone is not sufficient to pursue a "psychology career" per se normally, and part of the career path normally will involve getting more work experience, maybe a masters (sometimes even also a PhD) and then doing the professional masters/doctorate before qualifying as e.g. a clinical/educational/forensic/etc psychologist.

Reply 10

Swansea Students

Official Rep

13

Original post

by Studentmb

I am in year 11 and am very unsure what a levels I want to do.
I have 3 vague career routes:
1. languages career (e.g. English teacher in Spain, working in the tourism industry as I really like Spanish)
2. barrister (I have done law competitions during my time at secondary, and this has been the career I have been set on for a while)
3. psychology related careers (the psychology and linguistics course at oxford interests me, I have only recently considered this)
I am pretty much 100% going to do Spanish as even if I don't do it as a degree, I would want to do a joints degree or even study in Spain and would not like to close this route.
Combo 1: Spanish, history, sociology
Many law courses recommend essay-based subjects so this would help a lot, and I am extremely interested in sociology. However, this would cut off any potential career in a science or psychology.
Combo 2: Spanish, biology, psychology
I like biology and many psychology courses require 2 or more sciences, so I don't want to cut this off either. However, how much would this disadvantage me for law??
Other information: I don't want to take chemistry, physics or maths. I am predicted 8's and 9's in almost all subjects so there is nothing I can't take as for a level. I change my mind about what I want to have a career in a lot so would like to keep my options open.
Any advice about any of these a levels (including Spanish) would really help. Thank you!

Hi there! I am Lucy a first year law student at Swansea.

We don't have any specific requirements of what to take at A-Level, I would say that it is worth noting what A-Levels would help you to study law if that's the route you might want to go in.

At A-Level I took Biology, Psychology and Politics. I find that for Law, the skills I learnt in both psychology and politics are more useful to me. However, while it's beneficial to take a-levels somewhat relevant to the area you go into, I would argue it's more important to do a-levels you are passionate about and enjoy especially because achieving a higher grade will likely open more doors.

As a side note, have you considered/ got the opportunity to do an EPQ? I found that that helped my university offers to be reduced quite significantly as it demonstrates desirable skills for academic writing.

Also, there are so many different routes into law so you could always do a different undergraduate to law and then do a law conversion course post-grad.

Overall, choose the subjects you enjoy the most! For me personally, psychology was a lot of fun and sort of acted as a respite from my other subjects which I found a bit more challenging whilst still looking relevant for a law application.

No matter what you pick you, I wish you all the best for the future. Best of luck for your GCSEs! If you have any other questions feel free to let me know!

Reply 11

Thala10

9

Original post

by Studentmb

I am in year 11 and am very unsure what a levels I want to do.
I have 3 vague career routes:
1. languages career (e.g. English teacher in Spain, working in the tourism industry as I really like Spanish)
2. barrister (I have done law competitions during my time at secondary, and this has been the career I have been set on for a while)
3. psychology related careers (the psychology and linguistics course at oxford interests me, I have only recently considered this)
I am pretty much 100% going to do Spanish as even if I don't do it as a degree, I would want to do a joints degree or even study in Spain and would not like to close this route.
Combo 1: Spanish, history, sociology
Many law courses recommend essay-based subjects so this would help a lot, and I am extremely interested in sociology. However, this would cut off any potential career in a science or psychology.
Combo 2: Spanish, biology, psychology
I like biology and many psychology courses require 2 or more sciences, so I don't want to cut this off either. However, how much would this disadvantage me for law??
Other information: I don't want to take chemistry, physics or maths. I am predicted 8's and 9's in almost all subjects so there is nothing I can't take as for a level. I change my mind about what I want to have a career in a lot so would like to keep my options open.
Any advice about any of these a levels (including Spanish) would really help. Thank you!

Why not try to take 4? Spanish, biology, psychology and history seems like a good combination that would meet all your requirements and interests...

Reply 12

Studentmb

OP

8

Original post

by Thala10

Why not try to take 4? Spanish, biology, psychology and history seems like a good combination that would meet all your requirements and interests...

Thank you for this post! I am not interested in taking 4 as I don't want the extra, potentially unnecessary workload as I am not a native Spanish speaker so a lot of my time will be spent on Spanish. Also, I would like to take an EPQ (4 a levels+EPQ seems like a nightmare). However, I do think as someone else previously posted taking 4 and then dropping one would be good (maybe Spanish, biology, psychology & sociology) so will definitely keep this in mind!

Reply 13

Thala10

9

Original post

by Studentmb

Thank you for this post! I am not interested in taking 4 as I don't want the extra, potentially unnecessary workload as I am not a native Spanish speaker so a lot of my time will be spent on Spanish. Also, I would like to take an EPQ (4 a levels+EPQ seems like a nightmare). However, I do think as someone else previously posted taking 4 and then dropping one would be good (maybe Spanish, biology, psychology & sociology) so will definitely keep this in mind!

yh dropping one seems great as well and an epq seems very relevant to what you want to do in future

Choosing A levels... (spanish, psychology, history, sociology, biology)

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