Requirements for university

The table below is a guide on the subjects which are required for particular courses by the majority of top universities. There is variation in exactly what different courses at different universities require, and it is advisable to check entry requirements for university courses on UCAS course search www.ucas.ac.uk/students/coursesearch.

Occasionally you will find an exception to the information on the table, but you must be aware that not studying a subject which is required at most universities for the course for which you wish to apply will restrict your application.
You should remember that you are in a competitive situation in application to top universities and popular courses, and that where a subject is not compulsory but desirable, a candidate who is studying it is better qualified than a candidate who is not.
Similarly, if a number of subjects are desirable, the more of them you study, the better qualified you are.
You should also be aware that if a course contains a lot of mathematics for example, your motivation for that course may be in question if you are not currently studying Maths, even if the entry requirements permit this.

University subject	Compulsory A level subjects	Desirable	Comments
Architecture	Art	Maths, Technology	Art is not compulsory for all courses. An art portofolio may also be required
Biological Sciences	Biology	Chemistry	Chemistry essential for some courses
Chemistry	Chemistry and Maths	Physics, Biology
Economics	Maths and Economics
Engineering	Maths and Physics	Further Maths, Technology	Further Maths A Level essential for Cambridge
Law	None		Additional tests: LNAT for some universities
Maths	Maths	Further Maths	NB: Further Maths A Level essential for top courses
Medicine	Chemistry and Biology		Additional tests: UKCAT required for most medical schools. BMAT required for some universities. Strong portfolio of work experience essential
Physics	Physics and Maths	Further Maths	NB: Further Maths A Level essential for top courses
Psychology		Psychology, at least one science	Wide variation in courses – science based may require science. Psychology gives evidence of engagement with the subject
Veterinary medicince	Biology and Chemistry and either Maths or Physics		Additional tests: BMAT required for some universities. Strong portfolio of work experience essential
Other school subjects	Relevant subject normally required

The Perse School Cambridge

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