We asked universities for information about their 'preferred' and 'non-preferred' A-level subjects for applicants. Their replies should be useful to pupils trying to decide what to study next
Here are the universities that responded – and their replies.
Anglia Ruskin University
University of Bath
University of Bedfordshire
Birkbeck College
University of Bolton
University of Cambridge
Canterbury Christ Church University
Cardiff University
City University London
University of Cumbria
University of Exeter
Goldsmiths College London
Kingston University
University of Lincoln
University of Liverpool
Liverpool John Moores University
University of Sheffield
Sheffield Hallam University
Staffordshire University
University College London
University of Sussex
University of Warwick
University of Westminster
University of West England
University of Wolverhampton
Anglia Ruskin University
What A-level subjects are looked upon less favourably, eg would taking general studies and/or other particular subjects damage a student's opportunity of winning a place?
All A-level subjects are of value, but for some courses specific subjects are preferred or required (because they are relevant to the subject of the degree applied for).
Are any subjects totally disregarded on any or all courses?
General studies is not accepted for optometry or BSc midwifery.
Which degree courses do face A-level restrictions, and which don't?
As above; the others don't exclude subjects, although they may have preferred or required subjects.
Where is this information available on your website?
Under the entry requirements tab on each of the course information pages, eg www.anglia.ac.uk/ruskin/en/home/prospectus/ugft/k100.html
Are particular qualifications less highly regarded than others, eg A-level, BTec, etc?
We accept a wide range of qualifications including A-level, BTec, Access to HE Diploma, International Baccalaureate.
University of Bath
Lee Hennessy, deputy head of recruitment and admissions at the University of Bath, says: "Our undergraduate prospectus and website give applicants very clear and transparent information about essential and preferred A-level subjects, to help them in the application process."
Examples of this are:
Economics: www.bath.ac.uk/study/ug/courses/HUG-D1/
Business administration: www.bath.ac.uk/study/ug/courses/MUG-C1/
University of Bedfordshire
What A-level subjects are looked upon less favourably – eg would taking general studies and/or other particular subjects damage a student's opportunity of winning a place?
We welcome and recognise the commitment and achievement applicants show through A-levels and accept all A-level subjects as well as a wide variety of qualifications.
Are any totally disregarded on any or all courses?
No
Which degree courses do face A-level restrictions, and which don't?
There are some courses that ask for one A-level in a specific subject, normally based on a professional or regulatory body requirement, such as BSc biomedical science, where we ask for one A-level to be in a science subject. Some of our courses, mainly those leading to a qualification in nursing, teaching or social work ask for specific GCSE grades in English and maths.
Where is this information available on your website?
All our courses have a profile on our website and the information is available there or via our entry requirements page.
Are particular qualifications less highly regarded than others, eg A-level, BTec, etc?
We consider a wide variety of qualifications and consider them on an individual basis. Access is at the heart of our university ethos and we value the diversity that a range of qualifications brings.
Birkbeck College
Part-time study
The college teaches mainly non-traditional students part-time in the evening, so most students are either in work, seeking work or have family commitments, which means that studying part-time is the perfect option for them. The average age of Birkbeck's students is 36, but the age range is 18-90. All of Birkbeck's part-time students apply direct to the college and not through Ucas.
Birkbeck is an open-access university and has a flexible entry policy for students entering part-time, undergraduate-level degree studies. If students are over 21, the college doesn't ask for any formal qualifications, but will make its own assessment of prospective students' skills and knowledge, on the basis of short tests and possibly an interview. For those under 21, students need two subjects at A-level or one subject at A-level plus AS-levels; or a BTec higher award or equivalent.
Full-time study
For the first time in 2010-11, Birkbeck offered psychology, philosophy and law full-time through Ucas, and for 2011-12 we will add geology and history to this list. For this group of full-time students there are some specific requirements, such as A-level history to study history, a science A-level to study psychology and general studies is not accepted as one of the three A-levels required to study psychology. (Geology and psychology both require GCSE maths grade C). We do acknowledge and recognise relevant non-A-level qualifications as well.
All the entry requirements are shown beside the course content information on our website, www.bbk.ac.uk, and also on our Ucas profiles.
University of Bolton
We look at academic subjects first, but we do consider general studies in that context.
We also look at GCSEs – maths and English are imperatives for all courses.
A number of courses ask for specific A-levels at A2 (ie the complete A-level or equivalent, not AS) but no A-level subject would be totally disregarded.
Which degree courses do face A-level restrictions, and which don't?
Accountancy: any subjects
Animation & illustration: any subjects + interview/portfolio
Architectural technology: any subjects
Art and design: any subjects + interview/portfolio
Automobile engineering: mathematics + one other technology, engineering or science subject
Biology: biology or a related subject
Building surveying and property management: any subjects
Business management: any subjects
Business software development: any subjects
Business, music & creative industries: any subjects
Civil engineering: mathematics
Community studies: any subjects + interview
Computer games software development: any subjects
Computing: any subjects
Computing technology: any subjects
Construction: any subjects
Construction management: any subjects
Counselling and psychology: any subjects
Creative writing: any subjects
Criminological and forensic psychology: any subjects
Education studies: any subjects
Electronic & computer engineering: mathematics + one other technology, engineering or science subject
English: any subjects
Fashion product design: any subjects
Film and media studies: any subjects
Film production for the advertising and music industries: one science or technology-based subject + one music or design-related subject
Fine arts: any subjects + interview/portfolio
Games art: a creative subject that includes some art and design
Games design: any subjects
Graphic design: any subjects + interview/portfolio
Human sciences: a science or a related subject
Interior design: any subjects + interview/portfolio
International hospitality management: any subjects
International tourism management: any subjects
Internet communications and networks: any subjects
Law LLB: any subjects
Mathematics: mathematics
Mechanical engineering: mathematics + one other technology, engineering or science subject
Media, writing and production: any subjects + interview/portfolio
Modern and contemporary history: any subjects
Multimedia and website development: any subjects
Music and creative industries business: any subjects
Photography: any subjects + interview/portfolio
Product design: any subjects
Property development and design for interiors: any subjects
Psychology: any subjects
Quantity surveying and commercial management: any subjects
Sound engineering and design: two from a mathematical subject, a physical science subject, a technology-based subject or music
Special effects development: any subjects + interview/portfolio
Sport and exercise science: a science or physical education
Sport and leisure management: any subjects
Sport development: any subjects
Sports rehabilitation: a science or physical education + interview
Sports science and coaching: a science or physical education
Textile/surface design: any subjects + interview/portfolio
Youth and community work: any subjects + interview
Where is this information available on your website?
On the course search.
Are particular qualifications less highly regarded than others, eg A-level, BTec, etc?
No, we will consider all qualifications, but where courses ask for specific A-levels or subject-relevant A-levels then those qualifications must be achieved.
University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge recognises the importance of choosing the right A-levels and offers a range of support to students making these decisions.
Information about A-level choices is available on our website and in our undergraduate prospectus.
Details of the subjects that are required or recommended for specific courses are provided in our prospectus and on our website www.cam.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/apply/requirements.html
We have also produced a Subject Matters leaflet, available online, which provides advice to school students and their parents/carers on choosing A-levels or equivalents: www.cam.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/apply/docs/subjectmatters.pdf
This gives advice about what to choose to keep your options open or which subjects naturally combine well together. There is also advice on subjects that provide useful preparation for some of our courses. Several of these subjects may come as a surprise, as citizenship, design and technology and sociology are hardly "traditional" A-level subjects!
The university also organises a series of Subject Matters events, with information on the most recent event available here: www.admin.cam.ac.uk/news/dp/2011010604
The university says: "The University of Cambridge wants to attract and admit the best and brightest students regardless of their background. The Subject Matters events help school students to make the best choices for their future success, whether at this university or elsewhere."
University of Cambridge students need the academic ability, motivation and the requisite technical skills and knowledge to cope with the demands of their courses.
To a great extent, their academic ability and motivation come from within. Their technical skills and knowledge come from the subjects they study at school/college.
The study of each A-level imparts specific subject knowledge and develops certain skills.
Certain A-levels will be essential preparation for some degree courses as they provide the specific knowledge and skills needed for undergraduate study.
If an A-level subject neither imparts relevant subject knowledge nor develops useful skills for a particular degree, it is not going to be helpful in preparing the student for the demands of that course.
However, this does not mean that some A-level subjects are not worth studying in their own right.
When considering applicants, we want to ensure that their combination of A-level (or equivalent) subjects provide the skills and knowledge needed to hit the ground running if they become Cambridge undergraduates.
Realistically, for our broad-based science courses this generally means that students need to be taking three relevant subjects. For our arts and social sciences courses there is often more flexibility in requirements.
Does Cambridge reject applicants for studying certain A-levels?
Absolutely not. No applicant would be rejected because they were taking one particular A-level; however, their A-level combination might rule them out for some, or even all, of our courses.
There are many A-level subjects that are not mentioned in our undergraduate prospectus or Subject Matters leaflet. This does not mean that they are not individually worth taking. However, they may be specialised in focus and not a good choice for students looking to keep their options open, or their teaching and assessment methods may not provide a good preparation for University of Cambridge degrees.
Our advice to students thinking of applying to Cambridge is to ensure that they are doing no more than one of these other subjects among their three or four A-levels.
Any student who has the ability should consider making Cambridge one of their five applications, if we offer a course that attracts them.
Canterbury Christ Church University
We do not differentiate between A-level subjectsm and accept general studies. However, for some programmes a specific A-level or equivalent is required, eg a music A-level for the music degree, art for our fine art degree programme and most of our science programmes require at least one science A-level.
We do have some specific entry requirements for programmes, but we don't have restrictions. An application for some of our science-based degrees, or for example music, art, forensics, English, will require the applicant to either have already gained, or be working towards, an A-level (or equivalent) in a science, music, English etc.
Information for application requirements is available on the specific pages related to the course. There is also general information and contact details for our student recruitment team on our Study Here/Entry Requirements pages.
Cardiff University
"It is important that students making their subject choices at both GCSE and A-level have access to high-quality information, advice and guidance to ensure that they make subject choices that give them the best possible chance of getting into university to study their preferred subject.
"Cardiff University is committed to transparency in its admissions so that students are able to make informed decisions. Any required subjects, or combinations of subjects, are listed in the entry requirements incorporated into the prospectus and online course material. In addition, each academic school publishes detailed admissions and selection criteria in order to provide potential applicants with further detailed information, which ensures that they can make informed decisions.
"These criteria are accessible to students from each online undergraduate course profile.
"The University also has a long and well established Schools liaison programme. Schools liaison officers visit schools and colleges in the university's key catchment areas to offer expert advice to prospective students (and their advisers) to ensure they have the right information they need to make informed decisions about, for instance, which subjects are needed should they wish to study at Cardiff University. We also organise open days, which allow students to discuss issues about subjects and admission policies for individual subjects.
"With the exception of a small number of programmes, Cardiff University does not require students to study more than three A-level subjects. In general, most universities will require three good A-level grades for admission, and breadth can be demonstrated through additional subjects at AS-level."
What A-level subjects are looked upon less favourably – eg would taking general studies and/or other particular subjects damage a student's opportunity of winning a place?
General studies and critical thinking are generally not accepted in terms of satisfying the university's offers, though they are recognised as valid qualifications in their own right.
Which degree courses do face A-level restrictions, and which don't?
Some degree programmes require specific subjects. If they do, these are clearly stated in the entry requirements.
Where is this information available on your website?
http://coursefinder.cardiff.ac.uk/undergraduate/index.html
http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/for/prospective/ug/applyingtocardiff/admissionscriteria/index.html
Are particular qualifications less highly regarded than others, eg A-level, BTec, etc?
See admissions criteria.
City University London
What A-level subjects are looked upon less favourably – eg would taking general studies and/or other particular subjects damage a student's opportunity of winning a place?
Our primary considerations when making selection are "does the applicant have the preparation and/or potential to succeed on their chosen course" and "would it be appropriate, given the competition, to make an offer based on the applicant profile" (ie "are we selecting the best candidates?"). The university will receive applications from and give due consideration to an extremely wide variety of qualifications from all over the world.
General studies is the only A-level generally excluded. Having it would not damage their chances of winning a place, as long as there was sufficient preparation elsewhere on the form. General studies is normally a fourth A-level.
Admissions tutors will have a tendency to prioritise those that are directly relevant to the chosen subject, but not automatically to the exclusion of others. With a limited number of places one simply wants to choose the strongest applicants.
Are any totally disregarded on any or all courses?
General studies and critical thinking, if they are one of three A-levels, rather than a fourth, additional A-level.
Which degree courses do face A-level restrictions, and which don't?
There are some degrees that will require mathematics or the science subjects. Actuarial science and mathematics will require A-level maths. Most of our engineering courses will require maths and have physics as a preferred subject. Optometry will require at least two of maths, physics, chemistry or biology. Music will require music but also ABRSM or equivalent.
Subjects such as psychology, law and business studies will take applicants with a combination of numeracy and literacy from a very wide variety of A-levels and/or other backgrounds.
Having said this, when the results are published, other criteria may be invoked if an applicant has marginally failed to meet the conditions of the offer, and that may include a qualification that did not form part of the original offer.
Where is this information available on your website?
On the course information pages and within the online prospectus.
Are particular qualifications less highly regarded than others, eg A-level, BTec, etc?
When considering "preparation", there will be subjects that are handled in more depth at A-level than in other qualifications. Conversely, BTecs are generally more vocational and in specific subjects, so may be equally good preparation for professional courses, though not so for purer academic ones. For example, there is not usually sufficient maths in any of the BTecs for one to gain sufficient preparation for a maths degree, but most of the BTec IT courses would be fine for a computing course. Opportunities for progression are more to do with the options provided by the qualification.
University of Cumbria
What A-level subjects are looked upon less favourably – eg would taking general studies and/or other particular subjects damage a student's opportunity of winning a place?
Admissions to the University of Cumbria are made using the Ucas tariff table. This means that all A-level subjects are allocated points.
Some courses ask for a specific qualification. For example, to be accepted onto the midwifery course, students must have 300 Ucas points, including a minimum B in biology or human biology.
Are any totally disregarded on any or all courses?
As above, we use the Ucas tariff table; therefore, no subject is disregarded.
Which degree courses do face A-level restrictions, and which don't?
A number of our courses ask for a specific A-level or a related subject to be counted in the Ucas points, eg midwifery asks for a minimum B in biology or human biology.
Where is this information available on your website?
The information is available on the undergraduate pages of our website: www.cumbria.ac.uk
Are particular qualifications less highly regarded than others, eg A-level, BTec, etc?
Each of the qualifications is assigned a specific points value in the Ucas tariff table, therefore, the value of each varies, dependant on the grade achieved.
University of Exeter
The University of Exeter is explicit in its published entry requirements with regard to any particular subjects that are required to study one of our undergraduate degree programmes. This information is available to students in a number of formats including the university's printed prospectus, the online prospectus at www.exeter.ac.uk and the Ucas Entry Profiles website. The university (like many others) does not accept A-level general studies for any of its undergraduate courses, but aside from subjects that are specifically required for certain programmes, the university does not discriminate according to the subjects presented by a candidate at A-level. The university has a published policy on qualification equivalences and does not treat any level 3 (A-level or equivalent) qualification more or less favourably. The university's admission policy can be found at www.exeter.ac.uk/undergraduate/applications/policy/
Here is an example of how our entry requirements are displayed on the website:
www.exeter.ac.uk/undergraduate/degrees/english/baenglish/entryrequirements
Goldsmiths
A spokesperson for Goldsmiths, University of London, says: "We have general entrance requirements and certain programmes require specific qualifications. Students can find out the information they need on each programme's requirements at the course programme pages on our website. For general entrance requirements visit: www.gold.ac.uk/ug/apply/entrance-requirements/
Kingston University
"Entry requirements for all courses at Kingston are on our website, on the individual course pages. As we run hundreds of courses and course combinations, which all have different entry requirements, it would take a very long time to pull together the information you're looking for."
University of Lincoln
The requirements for admission to each University of Lincoln degree programme are clearly set out on the university's website and on the Ucas website. Where a specific A-level subject achievement is required as a pre-requisite for admission, this is clearly indicated. Similarly, where particular A-level subjects are deemed inappropriate for a specific programme, this is clearly stated. Additional requirements, such as GCSE performance, are also clearly stated. A good example is BSc psychology, for which the specified requirements are:
• 300 tariff points from a minimum of three A-levels, to include a science subject (psychology, biology, chemistry, physics, maths, geography or economics acceptable), or the equivalent. Excludes general studies.
• A minimum of five GCSEs at grade C or above, to include English language and maths/statistics at grade B, or the equivalent.
Online this information can be found at: www.lincoln.ac.uk/psychology/_courses/undergraduate/psychology/full_details.asp
University of Liverpool
The University of Liverpool is committed to ensuring that applicants are treated wholly on the basis of their achievements and potential to complete successfully their chosen programme of study. We strive to maintain an element of flexibility in the A-level combinations we accept, and we do not have a list of subjects that we consider less ideal than others. Where there are particular subject requirements or exclusions, we ensure that these are detailed in our prospectus, in the departmental admissions policies on our website and in the Entry Profiles on the Ucas website, so that applicants and their advisers may make an informed choice about their A-level subject combination.
Our requirements for each course can be found at: www.liv.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/
Liverpool John Moores University
Some courses do not accept general studies, some accept them as 50% of their Ucas tariff points, eg an A is worth 120 points, but they will only take 60 points towards the entry requirements and others are happy to accept them. Some courses insist on subject-specific A-levels, so students could get a range of qualifications but they still will need to get 200 points from science subjects, for example.
As an institution, we have no rules on what A-levels we will or will not accept, this is made at a course level. All subject requirements can be found on our course factfiles. We use the Ucas tariff to ensure all qualifications are looked at equally, if a course is on the Ucas tariff we will ensure students meet the required points rather than looking at what qualification they are studying. These requirements do not change in the Ucas cycle, so applicants should know when applying what A-levels will be accepted or not.
We have a university-wide admissions policy that supports all the above.
University of Oxford
The only A-level Oxford does not consider in students' applications is the general studies A-level (Oxford asks students for AAA at A-level, excluding general studies). All departments issue guidelines on which A-levels they will expect students to have taken (where appropriate); this will be in the "entry requirements" section of the prospectus and online at: www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate_courses/courses/
There is no unofficial blacklist of subjects at Oxford, nor would anyone in the admissions office say that we place restrictions or unfavourable weight on certain A-levels – provided students meet the A-level requirements as outlined in the guidelines for the individual course to which they are applying.
It is also worth noting that around 30% of applicants to Oxford apply with qualifications other than A-levels, and Oxford welcomes applicants taking other qualifications – guidelines on other qualifications are also in the "entry requirements" section of the prospectus, and further information can be found at: www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate_courses/courses/courses_and_entrance_requirements/index.html
A number of courses primarily in science and maths subjects at Oxford will start making A* grades at A-level part of the conditional offer for candidates applying for entry in 2012 (see list below).
Oxford's policy on the A* grade was to wait two years as teachers indicated that they were uncertain about predicting who would get the new grade.
It is now clear that many students in the sciences who take A-levels get the A* grade, and that it would be reasonable to ask for an A* in many science and maths courses. In addition, by 2012 Oxford believes teachers will have two years of running the syllabus and will be familiar with content and student performance, and therefore be able to predict those getting the A* with more confidence.
Full list of courses asking for at least one A*:
Biological sciences (A*AA, with A* in a science or maths)
Chemistry (A*AA, with A* in a science or maths)
Computer science (A*AA, with A* in mathematics, further mathematics, physics or computing)
Computer science and philosophy (A*AA, with A* in mathematics, further mathematics, physics or computing)
Earth sciences (A*AA)
Engineering science (A*AA, with A* in mathematics, physics or further mathematics)
Engineering, economics and management (A*AA, with A* in mathematics, physics or further mathematics)
Materials science (A*AA)
Materials, economics and management (A*AA)
Mathematics (A*A*A, with the A*s in mathematics and further mathematics if taken)
Mathematics and computer science (A*AA, with the A* in mathematics)
Mathematics and philosophy (A*A*A, with the A*s in mathematics and further mathematics if taken)
Mathematics and statistics (A*A*A, with the A*s in mathematics and further mathematics if taken)
Physics (A*AA, with A* in either physics or mathematics)
Physics and philosophy (A*AA, with A* in either physics or mathematics)
University of Reading
What A-level subjects are looked upon less favourably – eg would taking general studies and/or other particular subjects damage a student's opportunity of winning a place?
The University of Reading will accept A-levels in all subjects except general studies. Applicants may be expected to have studied one or two A-levels in specific subjects or subject areas for some courses, and some programmes may look more favourably upon applicants who are taking a larger proportion of academic than practical subjects. However, for the majority of programmes we are happy to consider applicants with good predicted grades from A-levels in any subjects plus a strong personal statement and supporting reference.
Are any totally disregarded on any or all courses?
The only A-level subject that is not acceptable for any of our undergraduate programmes is general studies.
Which degree courses do face A-level restrictions, and which don't?
Good applicants who are taking the required number of A-levels will not be restricted from entry to any of our programmes purely owing to the fact that they are taking a particular A-level subject. However, a number of programmes do require a specific subject or subjects to have been studied to A-level or equivalent standard. This is because a certain amount of pre-requisite knowledge is required in order to continue study at undergraduate level. For example, some of the science programmes require applicants to have studied one or two science subjects or mathematics at A-level; the history and English courses also require applicants to have studied the relevant subject at A-level.
Where is this information available on your website?
Each course has a page on our website that gives a brief outline of the programme and provides applicants with guidance on the minimum grades required for entry to the programme including information on specific subject requirements: www.reading.ac.uk/Study/ug-courseatoz.aspx
Are particular qualifications less highly regarded than others, eg A-level, BTec, etc?
No – the University of Reading will consider all applicants who are taking A-levels or suitable equivalent qualifications on an equal basis.
University of Sheffield
Our published guidance on A-level subject choices indicates the combinations of subjects that offer the best academic preparation for study at the University of Sheffield. This can be found at: www.sheffield.ac.uk/undergraduate/policies/alevel.html
Are any subjects totally disregarded on any or all courses?
General studies is the only subject that is not accepted for some courses. This is noted in our published entry requirements, where appropriate.
Which degree courses do face A-level restrictions, and which don't?
The above guidance applies to all of our undergraduate courses. It is also worth noting that a large number of our courses have subject requirements that are in place to ensure that students gain the required preparation for their chosen course. These are specified in our published entry requirements.
See also: www.sheffield.ac.uk/undergraduate/apply/requirements.html, www.sheffield.ac.uk/ukquals
Are particular qualifications less highly regarded than others eg A-level, BTec etc?
At Sheffield, we recognise that a variety of different qualifications can provide effective academic preparation for higher education. This is reflected in the wide range of acceptable qualifications outlined in the entry requirements published on our website, in our prospectus and via Ucas.
However, we also recognise that different qualifications offer different types of preparation for undergraduate study, and we carefully take this into account when we set our entry requirements. For example, some subject-specific qualifications will offer suitable preparation for degree courses in that subject area, but not for those in different subject areas. This means that not every qualification will be accepted for every course.
Sheffield Hallam University
What A-level subjects are looked upon less favourably – eg would taking general studies and/or other particular subjects damage a student's opportunity of winning a place?
Sheffield Hallam University makes all offers on the basis of the Ucas tariff, but some courses have subject-specific requirements; eg a maths degree would require a student to have taken A-level maths. A small number of courses exclude the points awarded to general studies, however, though this is very much a minority. All of our entry requirements are clearly outlined on all course information.
Are any totally disregarded on any or all courses?
No
Which degree courses do face A-level restrictions, and which don't?
This information is available on the entry requirements section of our website. As Sheffield Hallam offers over 250 undergraduate courses, this is too long to list as requested.
Where is this information available on your website?
On the entry requirements section of the course, and also via the entry profile for each course available on the Ucas website.
Are particular qualifications less highly regarded than others, eg A-level, BTec, etc?
No. Sheffield Hallam actively encourages applications from students not studying A-levels. Individual course requirements will, however, influence the acceptability of individual qualifications.
Staffordshire University
What A-level subjects are looked upon less favourably – eg would taking general studies and/or other particular subjects damage a student's opportunity of winning a place?
There are no A-levels that are are looked upon less favourably at Staffordshire University. General studies is accepted for all of our courses.
Are any totally disregarded on any or all courses?
No, no A-levels are totally disregarded for any of our courses.
Which degree courses do face A-level restrictions, and which don't?
Staffordshire University does require specific A-levels or equivalent for some of its degrees:
Engineering awards: mathematics or physics or engineering
Biology awards: biology
Forensic science award: biology or chemistry
Forensic science and psychology award: science or mathematics
Forensic science and criminology award: science or mathematics
English awards: English (if taken)
History awards: history (if taken)
In addition, some courses do advise that applicants may benefit from having studied a particular A-level. For example, applicants for our BSc sport and exercise degrees will benefit from having studied a science at A-level or equivalent.
Where is this information available on your website?
We have made this information clear and transparent to all potential applicants. They only need to go on to the Staffordshire University homepage and insert the course they are interested in the "Course Search" box and it will bring up the course, with entry criteria. This information is in our current 2011 undergraduate prospectus and any subject-specific criteria is clearly shown in the matrix.
Are particular qualifications less highly regarded than others, eg A-level, BTec, etc?
No. We receive large numbers of applications from BTec and Acess students, particularly to some awards. The students do come with different study styles and experiences and this enhances the student experience.
University College London
UCL sets out its preferred A-levels online at www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/undergraduate-study/application-and-entry/alevel-qualifications, which also makes clear that general studies and critical thinking do not meet UCL's requirements.
Candidates need to take at least two A-levels from the preferred list. Unless specified in the programme requirements, with the exceptions of critical thinking and general studies, the third A-level and fourth AS-level can be in any subject and need not be on the list. If you are unable to offer a minimum of two A-level subjects from the list, this does not prevent you from applying to UCL. It will be at the discretion of the admissions selector to determine whether your application is sufficiently strong to warrant further consideration.
The majority of UCL programmes do have specific A-level requirements attached. For instance, German A-level to study German, chemistry and biology for medicine, chemistry and at least one from maths/biology/physics to study pharmacology.
The prospectus and website set out the other qualifications (eg International Baccalaureate, international qualifications, etc) that are acceptable. www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/undergraduate-study/application-and-entry/undergraduate-study/application-and-entry/ug-requirements
University of Sussex
We have hundreds of programmes and most do have some subject requirement – but these are all listed in the prospectus, on the website and on the Ucas website.
The University of Sussex recognises all A-level subjects and welcomes applications from students taking the full spread of A-levels, including general studies.
When setting offers, we would rather "protect" key subjects than exclude particular A-levels.
For example, if an applicant applied to study international relations at Sussex and was taking A-levels in history, art, mathematics and general studies, we would normally ask them to achieve AAB, including history.
For most degree programmes, we do not require any particular subjects to have been studied at A-level. There will, however, inevitably be certain A-levels that are a better fit with the chosen degree and most applicants will naturally be drawn to these.
For example, applicants to a social science degree such as anthropology will normally have taken social science and humanities A-levels. We do not, however, require any particular subjects, nor look less favourably on applicants with a more varied background.
There are degree programmes where we have specific A-level requirements (for example, applicants for biochemistry need to be taking both biology and chemistry at A-level; for physics you must have both maths and physics; for engineering you need A-level maths) and these are listed in our 2012 prospectus and on the Ucas course search. Where we list specific requirements, applicants must meet those requirements.
With regard to different qualifications, Sussex accepts applicants who offer a vast array of qualifications from across the world. Details of the most common qualifications (including the IB, EB, BTec, Advanced Diplomas, Welsh Baccalaureate and Scottish Highers) are listed in our prospectus.
University of Warwick
"For most courses, selectors will exclude general studies from any A-level offer (but some may accept it for the fourth subject at AS-level where this is required) and critical thinking is often only accepted to AS-level. Breadth of subjects is valued by our selectors and therefore subjects with significantly overlapping curricula should be avoided where possible, for example economics and business studies. In general terms, subjects with a higher proportion of assessed written work are likely to provide a better preparation than more practical subjects for studying a degree at Warwick."
www2.warwick.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/apply/entry
University of Westminster
What A-level subjects are looked upon less favourably – eg would taking general studies and/or other particular subjects damage a student's opportunity of winning a place?
At the University of Westminster there are no subjects that are looked upon less favourably as we take all A-level subjects into account. The university does have some courses that ask applicants to have studied certain subjects at A-level. For example, to gain a place on a science degree we ask candidates to have studied two sciences at A-level and for a place on an art degree students should have studied an art A-level.
However, if these requirements are met we do not have a preference for the other A-levels studied alongside them and we will consider all subjects studied. Similarly, the University of Westminster receives applications from all over the world and international students with non-UK qualifications will be considered.
Are any totally disregarded on any or all courses?
No, the University of Westminster does not disregard any A-levels and all qualifications are taken into account. However, some courses will need applicants to have achieved a certain level in the qualifications, these requirements are clearly listed on Ucas and the University of Westminster website.
Which degree courses do face A-level restrictions, and which don't?
All of the courses offered by the University of Westminster consider A-levels, the only exception we have is the fashion degree, which requires students to have studied art and design at foundation level or for them to have a BTec in art and design.
Where is this information available on your website?
Every course offered by the University of Westminster has a page on the university website where it clearly lists the entry requirements required. A great deal of Westminster prospective students take information from the Ucas website and our entry requirements are listed here, too.
Are particular qualifications less highly regarded than others, eg A-level, BTec, etc?
The School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Languages ask students with BTec qualifications to also have an A-level qualification on top as it strengthens their application; the other schools at Westminster do not require this. The schools at the University of Westminster will look at applications from all backgrounds and any students who are unsure should visit the website, where course requirements are clearly listed.
University of West England
Professor Steve West, vice-chancellor at the University of the West of England, UWE Bristol, says: "UWE was one of the first universities to recognise wider qualifications, to bridge the gap between those students from non-traditional backgrounds and admission to higher education. These students were largely left out in the cold in the past. It would be disappointing if we returned to these times because of pressure on places".
What A-level subjects are looked upon less favourably – eg would taking general studies and/or other particular subjects damage a student's opportunity of winning a place?
UWE considers all A-level subjects provided that applicants are able to meet specific subject requirements, eg for engineering students would require level 3 qualifications in maths and physics.
Are any totally disregarded on any or all courses?
No
Which degree courses do face A-level restrictions, and which don't?
No A-level restrictions, but some subject areas require students to have study in cognate areas to ensure that they are properly prepared for studies in their chosen subject at degree level.
Where is this information available on your website?
All entry requirements are detailed on our website.
Are particular qualifications less highly regarded than others, eg A-level, BTec, etc?
UWE admissions policy is to consider all qualifications considered to be equivalent to A-level as level 3 qualifications demonstrated through their inclusion in the National Qualifications Framework.
University of Wolverhampton
What A-level subjects are looked upon less favourably – eg would taking general studies and/or other particular subjects damage a student's opportunity of winning a place?
Not generally at Wolverhampton, if taken with other A-level subjects.
Are any totally disregarded on any or all courses?
Only on specific courses, to meet professional requirements.
Where is this information available on your website?
This information is shown in our course finder service at www.wlv.ac.uk
Are particular qualifications less highly regarded than others, eg A-level, BTec, etc?
No, we use the Ucas tariff points system to ensure equivalency of awards.