Required Subjects for University Explained
- Revision Notes
- Jul 30
- 20 min read
Updated: Aug 11
Getting the right grades is only one part of meeting university entry requirements.
Many degrees also require applicants to have studied particular subjects.
A course might ask for:
A-level Mathematics
Chemistry and one other science
An essay-based subject
At least one science or social science
A modern language
A relevant BTEC or T Level
A particular International Baccalaureate Higher Level subject
This means that achieving AAA does not necessarily qualify you for every course with an AAA entry requirement.
For example, a student with AAA in History, English Literature and Politics would not normally meet the requirements for a physics degree that requires Mathematics and Physics.
University course pages use terms such as required, preferred, recommended, useful and accepted. These terms do not all mean the same thing.
This guide explains how subject requirements work, which degrees commonly require particular subjects and what you can do if you have the right grades but the wrong subject combination.
For a complete introduction to academic grades and additional admissions conditions, read Understanding University Entry Requirements.
What Are Required Subjects?
A required subject is a qualification or area of study that you must normally have completed to be eligible for a course.
For example:
AAB, including grade A in Mathematics.
This means you need:
The overall grade combination of AAB
A-level Mathematics
Grade A in Mathematics
Achieving AAB without Mathematics would not meet the requirement.
UCAS explains that universities can specify particular qualifications, subjects and grades within their entry criteria. Applicants may also need GCSEs, admissions tests, interviews or other additional requirements.
Required subjects are most common for degrees that build directly on advanced knowledge learned before university.
These include:
Mathematics
Physics
Chemistry
Engineering
Medicine
Dentistry
Veterinary medicine
Some economics courses
Modern languages
Some science degrees
Always treat wording such as required, must include, essential or compulsory as a firm condition unless the university confirms otherwise.
Required, Preferred and Recommended Subjects
Universities use several different descriptions when discussing subject choices.
Understanding the difference is essential.
Required Subjects
A required subject is normally compulsory.
Examples include:
Mathematics required.
Chemistry and one other science required.
Grade A in Biology required.
You are unlikely to be considered without the named subject unless the university accepts an equivalent qualification or offers an alternative route.
Preferred Subjects
A preferred subject is not always an absolute requirement, but the university would particularly like applicants to have studied it.
For example:
Mathematics required. A science or social science subject preferred.
UCL’s Management Science degree currently requires A-level Mathematics at A* and describes science or social science subjects as preferred.
A preferred subject may:
Provide better preparation for the degree
Strengthen your application
Help the university distinguish between similar applicants
Make your subject combination more competitive
Reduce the amount of unfamiliar material you face in your first year
Not having a preferred subject does not always make you ineligible. However, it can affect how competitive your application is.
Recommended Subjects
A recommended subject is usually helpful preparation but is less likely to be treated as compulsory.
The university may believe that applicants benefit from studying it, while still accepting students without it.
For example:
Further Mathematics is strongly recommended.
This wording should still be taken seriously, particularly for highly competitive courses.
Cambridge explains that Further Mathematics is required or strongly recommended for several mathematically demanding courses, including Computer Science, Economics, Engineering and Physical Natural Sciences.
Useful Subjects
A course page may list subjects that are useful preparation.
These subjects can help you develop relevant knowledge or skills, but they are not normally formal entry conditions.
For law, useful subjects might include:
English Literature
History
Politics
Philosophy
Languages
Mathematics
You do not generally need to study every subject listed as useful.
Accepted Subjects
An accepted subject is one that the university is willing to count towards its offer.
A university might state:
One of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Psychology or Geography accepted.
This list defines which subjects can meet a particular condition.
A subject can be accepted without being preferred.
Excluded Subjects
An excluded subject cannot normally count towards the offer.
Course pages may exclude:
General Studies
Critical Thinking
Thinking Skills
Global Perspectives
Qualifications with substantially overlapping content
Particular vocational qualifications
Native-language qualifications in certain circumstances
Oxford’s current admissions summary, for example, states that Critical Thinking and Thinking Skills are excluded from the A-level offer for Medicine.
Read every exclusion carefully. Achieving the correct grades in an excluded combination may not meet the offer.
Subject Requirements vs Grade Requirements
A university offer can contain several separate academic conditions.
Consider the following example:
AAA, including A in Mathematics and A in Physics.
The applicant needs:
Three accepted A levels
An overall result of A*AA
A* in Mathematics
A in Physics
These requirements must normally be met together.
The following result would meet the condition:
Mathematics: A*
Physics: A
Chemistry: A
The following result would not:
Mathematics: A
Physics: A*
Chemistry: A
The overall grades are still AAA, but the required A was not achieved in Mathematics.
This distinction matters on Results Day. Universities receive your individual subject grades, not simply a total grade combination.
Why Do Universities Require Particular Subjects?
Universities normally require subjects because the course assumes that students already have particular knowledge or skills.
A degree may begin with material that builds directly on:
Algebra and calculus
Laboratory science
Scientific practical work
Academic essay writing
Language proficiency
Music theory
Art and design practice
Technical or occupational knowledge
Cambridge’s Natural Sciences course, for example, requires Mathematics and two additional science or mathematics subjects.
Oxford Medicine requires Chemistry and at least one of Biology, Physics or Mathematics.
These conditions reflect the academic starting point of the degree rather than simply the competitiveness of admission.
Required A-Level Subjects by Degree
The table below gives a general overview.
Requirements vary between universities, so it should be used as a research guide rather than a universal admissions rule.
Degree subject | Subjects commonly required | Subjects often useful or preferred |
Accounting and finance | Mathematics for some quantitative courses | Economics, Business, Further Mathematics |
Architecture | Often no fixed subject, but portfolio commonly required | Art, Design, Mathematics, Physics |
Biology | Biology, often another science | Chemistry, Mathematics, Geography |
Biomedical science | Biology and/or Chemistry | Mathematics, Physics, Psychology |
Business management | Usually no specific subject | Business, Economics, Mathematics |
Chemical engineering | Mathematics and Chemistry | Physics, Further Mathematics |
Chemistry | Chemistry, often another science or Mathematics | Mathematics, Physics, Biology |
Computer science | Mathematics for many competitive courses | Further Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics |
Dentistry | Chemistry and Biology are commonly required | Mathematics, Physics |
Economics | Mathematics for many courses | Further Mathematics, Economics, History |
Engineering | Mathematics, often Physics | Further Mathematics, Chemistry, Design and Technology |
English | English Literature or another English qualification may be required | History, Languages, Politics |
Geography | Geography may be required or preferred | Biology, Economics, Mathematics |
History | History may be required or preferred | English Literature, Politics, Languages |
Law | Usually no specific subject | English, History, Politics, Philosophy |
Mathematics | Mathematics | Further Mathematics |
Medicine | Chemistry plus Biology or another science | Mathematics, Physics |
Modern languages | The language may be required for advanced-entry routes | English, History, another language |
Music | Music or an accepted music-theory qualification | Another arts or essay-based subject |
Nursing | Biology or another relevant science for some courses | Psychology, Sociology, Health and Social Care |
Pharmacy | Chemistry, often another science | Biology, Mathematics, Physics |
Physics | Mathematics and Physics | Further Mathematics |
Politics | Usually no required subject | Politics, History, Economics, English |
Psychology | A science or Mathematics may be required | Psychology, Biology, Mathematics |
Sociology | Usually no required subject | Sociology, Psychology, English |
Veterinary medicine | Chemistry plus Biology and/or another science | Mathematics, Physics |
The actual course page must always be treated as the final source.
Science Subject Requirements
Biology
Biology degrees commonly require A-level Biology.
Some universities also ask for another science, which could include:
Chemistry
Physics
Mathematics
Further Mathematics
Psychology
Geography
Environmental Science
The precise list differs between courses.
Oxford Biology currently requires Biology and either Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics at the appropriate level.
A general Biology course may accept a broader range of supporting subjects than Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or Pharmacology.
Chemistry
Chemistry degrees normally require A-level Chemistry.
Universities may also ask for:
Mathematics
Physics
Biology
Another accepted science
Courses with substantial physical chemistry or computational content may prefer Mathematics.
Medicinal Chemistry may place greater emphasis on Biology, while Chemical Physics may prefer Physics and Mathematics.
Do not assume that Applied Science, Environmental Science or a general science qualification automatically replaces A-level Chemistry.
Physics
Physics degrees normally require:
A-level Physics
A-level Mathematics
Further Mathematics may be preferred or strongly recommended for highly mathematical courses.
The degree is likely to assume prior knowledge of mechanics, algebra, calculus and physical principles, so strong grades in unrelated subjects cannot normally replace Mathematics or Physics.
Biomedical Science
Biomedical Science courses commonly ask for Biology, Chemistry or both.
Requirements can differ according to whether the course focuses on:
Human biology
Laboratory medicine
Biochemistry
Genetics
Microbiology
Pharmacology
UCL’s Biochemistry BSc currently requires Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics, showing that some courses set a much narrower subject combination than applicants might expect.
Check whether the course is professionally accredited if you have a particular healthcare career in mind.
Environmental Science
Environmental Science courses often accept a range of subjects, including:
Biology
Chemistry
Geography
Geology
Environmental Science
Mathematics
Physics
The accepted combination may depend on whether the course has a stronger physical science, ecological or social science focus.
Mathematics and Computing Subject Requirements
Mathematics
A-level Mathematics is compulsory for standard mathematics degrees.
Further Mathematics may be:
Required
Strongly recommended
Expected when offered by your school
Included within a higher offer
Used to assess whether your preparation is sufficiently advanced
Cambridge notes that some courses require particular subjects, including Further Mathematics for Mathematics.
At highly selective universities, applicants who had the opportunity to study Further Mathematics but did not take it may be less competitive.
If your school does not offer Further Mathematics, check the university’s policy. Universities may consider your educational context or recommend additional preparation.
Computer Science
A-level Computer Science is not required by every university.
Mathematics is often more important, particularly for courses with substantial content in:
Algorithms
Logic
Artificial intelligence
Machine learning
Data science
Discrete mathematics
Theoretical computer science
Cambridge Computer Science colleges usually require a high grade in Mathematics or Further Mathematics and may set additional subject conditions.
Manchester’s Computer Science course also requires Mathematics within several vocational qualification combinations.
Applied computing courses may accept a wider range of subjects than highly theoretical computer science degrees.
Economics
Economics requirements vary greatly.
Some universities accept applicants without A-level Mathematics. More mathematical courses require it, often at grade A or A*.
Further Mathematics can be desirable or expected for particularly quantitative programmes.
LSE’s Economics degree requires Mathematics, describes Further Mathematics as desirable and requires applicants to take the TMUA for 2027 entry.
Do not assume that A-level Economics is required. Mathematics is often more important for university economics.
Accounting and Finance
Many Accounting and Finance courses do not require A-level Accounting.
However, mathematically demanding finance, actuarial science or econometrics programmes may require:
Mathematics
Further Mathematics
A strong GCSE Mathematics result
Check the difference between:
Accounting and Finance
Finance
Financial Mathematics
Actuarial Science
Economics and Finance
Banking and Finance
Similar course titles can have very different mathematical requirements.
Engineering Subject Requirements
General Engineering
A-level Mathematics is required by most traditional engineering courses.
Physics is also commonly required or strongly preferred.
Useful additional subjects can include:
Further Mathematics
Chemistry
Design and Technology
Engineering
Computer Science
The exact requirements depend on the engineering discipline.
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
These courses commonly require:
Mathematics
Physics
Further Mathematics can be useful because of the degree’s mathematical content.
Manchester’s Mechanical Engineering requirements demonstrate how Mathematics and Physics can remain compulsory even for applicants combining A levels with technical qualifications.
Chemical Engineering
Chemical Engineering commonly requires:
Mathematics
Chemistry
Physics and Further Mathematics may be useful.
Chemical Engineering is not simply a Chemistry degree. It includes fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, process design, mathematical modelling and engineering systems.
Civil Engineering
Civil Engineering commonly requires Mathematics.
Physics, Further Mathematics, Design and Technology or another science may also be required or preferred.
Some courses accept relevant technical qualifications but still insist on A-level Mathematics.
Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Mathematics is normally required.
Physics, Electronics, Further Mathematics or Computer Science may also be requested.
Check whether the course accepts:
Electronics instead of Physics
Design and Technology
An engineering BTEC or T Level
Core Mathematics
Additional mathematical units
Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Medicine
Medicine
Medicine courses commonly require Chemistry.
Depending on the medical school, applicants may also need:
Biology
Mathematics
Physics
Another accepted science
Oxford currently requires Chemistry and at least one of Biology, Physics or Mathematics, with specified grades in the required subjects.
Other medical schools require both Biology and Chemistry.
Applicants must also check:
GCSE requirements
UCAT requirements
Interview rules
Resit policies
Work-experience guidance
Contextual admissions
Fitness-to-practise requirements
Meeting the subject requirements does not guarantee an interview or offer.
Dentistry
Dentistry courses commonly require:
Chemistry
Biology
Some dental schools may accept Chemistry plus another science, but Biology and Chemistry remain the safest combination for keeping options open.
Dentistry applicants should check requirements before choosing A levels because a missing science can make them ineligible for several dental schools.
Veterinary Medicine
Veterinary Medicine commonly requires Chemistry plus one or two of:
Biology
Mathematics
Physics
Universities may also assess:
GCSE sciences
Work experience
Animal-care experience
Interviews
Contextual circumstances
Professional suitability
Requirements differ substantially, so each veterinary school must be checked separately.
Pharmacy
MPharm courses commonly require Chemistry and at least one additional science or mathematical subject.
Accepted additional subjects may include:
Biology
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology
Do not confuse Pharmacy with Pharmacology or Pharmaceutical Science. These courses can have different requirements and lead to different career routes.
Humanities and Social Science Requirements
Law
A-level Law is not normally required for an undergraduate law degree.
Universities often accept a wide range of academic subjects.
Useful preparation includes:
English Literature
History
Politics
Philosophy
Religious Studies
Economics
Languages
Mathematics
Sciences
Essay-based subjects can demonstrate that you are comfortable reading, analysing and constructing arguments.
Some law courses also require the LNAT, which is separate from the subject requirements.
History
Some History degrees require A-level History. Others accept another essay-based subject.
Useful alternatives might include:
English Literature
Politics
Classical Civilisation
Religious Studies
Philosophy
Languages
A course focused on Ancient History may accept Classical Civilisation or Ancient History where a modern History degree requires History.
English
English Literature degrees commonly require:
English Literature
English Language and Literature
Another accepted English qualification
Some courses accept English Language alone, while others do not.
Creative Writing or Linguistics courses may have broader requirements.
Check the exact degree title rather than assuming that every English-related course has the same conditions.
Politics and International Relations
Politics courses do not usually require A-level Politics.
Universities commonly accept a broad range of subjects, including:
History
English
Economics
Sociology
Philosophy
Geography
Languages
Mathematics
A joint degree such as Politics and Economics may require Mathematics even when a standard Politics degree does not.
Sociology and Criminology
Sociology and Criminology courses usually accept a wide selection of subjects.
Useful preparation can include:
Sociology
Psychology
English
Politics
History
Law
Economics
Statistics
Courses with forensic science content may have science requirements that a standard Criminology degree does not.
Psychology
You do not always need A-level Psychology to study Psychology.
Universities may instead require or prefer at least one science or mathematical subject, such as:
Psychology
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Mathematics
Statistics
The definition of a science subject varies between universities.
A course may count Psychology as a science, while another might insist on Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics.
Psychology includes statistics and research methods, so GCSE Mathematics requirements can also be higher than applicants expect.
Languages and Creative Subjects
Modern Languages
Whether a language is required depends on the route.
A university may offer:
Post-A-level study
Intermediate study
Beginners’ study
An ab initio route
For post-A-level French, Spanish or German, the relevant A level is normally required.
Some degree programmes allow students to begin one language from scratch while continuing another language they have already studied.
Manchester’s Modern Languages degree allows students studying two languages to take one as a beginner, but one language must be studied at intermediate or advanced level.
Check whether the course title or pathway is intended for beginners.
Architecture
Architecture courses do not always require A-level Art, Mathematics or Physics.
However, universities may expect evidence of:
Creative ability
Visual communication
Drawing or design
Spatial thinking
Research and idea development
A portfolio is frequently required.
UCL Architecture first assesses whether applicants meet the academic requirements, then requests a digital portfolio and may invite successful applicants to interview.
A portfolio requirement is separate from a subject requirement. Having A-level Art does not automatically guarantee that your portfolio will be successful.
Fine Art and Design
Creative courses may require or prefer:
Art
Fine Art
Graphic Communication
Photography
Textiles
Design and Technology
A portfolio is normally central to the selection process.
UCL’s Fine Art BA requires applicants to submit a portfolio as part of the application process.
Some applicants complete an Art and Design Foundation Diploma before beginning a degree.
Music
Music degrees may require:
A-level Music
A specified music-theory qualification
A performance standard
An audition
A portfolio of compositions
Oxford’s current admissions summary states that applicants need A-level Music or Music Theory Grade 7 or above, alongside additional selection work.
Requirements can differ between academic Music, Music Production, Performance and Musical Theatre degrees.
What Is an Essay-Based Subject?
Some university courses ask for an essay-based subject.
This normally means a subject that involves substantial extended writing, analysis and argument.
Common examples include:
English Literature
History
Politics
Philosophy
Religious Studies
Classical Civilisation
Sociology
Geography
Economics
Modern languages
However, universities do not use one universal list.
A subject accepted as essay-based by one department may not be accepted by another.
When a course requires an essay-based subject, check whether the university provides an official list.
What Counts as a Science Subject?
The phrase science subject can also mean different things.
It may include only:
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Another university may also include:
Mathematics
Further Mathematics
Psychology
Geography
Environmental Science
Geology
Computer Science
A university might distinguish between:
Laboratory sciences
Natural sciences
Quantitative subjects
Science-related subjects
Never assume that Psychology, Geography or Computer Science will be accepted as a science unless the course confirms it.
What Counts as a Social Science?
A social science list may include:
Economics
Psychology
Sociology
Politics
Geography
Anthropology
Business
Law
UCL’s interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences course publishes different subject expectations for its Cultures, Health and Environment, Sciences and Engineering, and Societies pathways.
This shows why broad labels must be checked against the individual university’s definition.
Subject Requirements for Other Qualifications
Required subjects are not limited to A levels.
Universities can apply similar conditions to BTECs, T Levels, the International Baccalaureate and international qualifications.
BTEC Subject Requirements
A university may require:
A BTEC in a relevant subject
Specific units
Distinction grades in named units
An additional A level
A-level Mathematics or Chemistry alongside the BTEC
For example, an Engineering BTEC may not replace A-level Mathematics for a mathematically demanding engineering course.
Read BTEC Entry Requirements for further guidance.
T Level Subject Requirements
A university may accept only particular T Level routes or occupational specialisms.
A Digital T Level might be accepted for an applied computing course but not for a theoretical computer science degree requiring A-level Mathematics.
Read T Level Entry Requirements before relying on the overall
UCAS points.
International Baccalaureate Subjects
A-level subject requirements normally translate into specific IB Higher Level conditions.
For example:
A-level Chemistry required
could become:
Chemistry at Higher Level with grade 6.
Cambridge states that IB Higher Level subjects can meet A-level subject requirements, while Standard Level subjects meet AS-level requirements.
Universities may distinguish between:
Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches
Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation
Higher Level
Standard Level
International Qualifications
An overseas qualification may be accepted only if it includes the required subject at a sufficiently advanced level.
Universities may assess:
The syllabus
Teaching hours
Examination structure
Practical work
Subject grade
Qualification level
Read International Qualification Equivalencies and contact admissions if your country-specific subject is not listed.
Does Further Mathematics Count as a Separate A Level?
Yes, Further Mathematics is a separate A level.
It may be:
Required
Strongly recommended
Preferred
Expected when available
Accepted as one of three A levels
However, some universities consider the overall breadth of your subject combination.
For certain non-mathematical courses, Mathematics, Further Mathematics and one additional subject may be viewed as a narrower combination than three more distinct subjects.
LSE publishes detailed guidance explaining where Further Mathematics is required or expected and where a broader combination may be more competitive.
Check the policy for your chosen degree rather than applying one rule to every course.
Are Similar A Levels Counted Separately?
Usually, but not always.
Universities may restrict combinations with substantially overlapping content.
Possible examples include:
Business and Economics
Biology and Human Biology
Mathematics and Use of Mathematics
English Language and English Language and Literature
Physical Education and Sports Science
Media Studies and Film Studies
Whether the combination is accepted depends on the university.
A course may:
Accept both subjects
Count only one towards the offer
Accept both only as part of four qualifications
Consider the combination less competitive
Exclude one qualification entirely
Look for wording about overlapping, similar or excluded subjects.
What Happens If Your School Does Not Offer a Required Subject?
Contact the university before assuming you cannot apply.
The university may:
Accept an alternative subject
Consider your educational context
Recommend another qualification
Suggest online or external study
Accept an admissions test instead
Recommend a foundation year
Confirm that the subject remains compulsory
This is particularly relevant to Further Mathematics, which is not available at every school or college.
Explain clearly that the subject was not offered rather than simply saying that you did not take it.
Your school reference may also provide relevant context.
However, a university is not required to waive an essential subject condition because your school did not offer it.
Can You Study a Required Subject Independently?
Potentially.
Options might include:
Taking the A level privately
Studying through a distance-learning provider
Sitting the examination as a private candidate
Completing an accepted Access to Higher Education course
Taking a recognised foundation programme
Applying for a university course with an integrated foundation year
Science A levels can be more complicated because universities may require the practical endorsement.
Check:
Whether practical assessment is available
Whether the awarding organisation is accepted
Whether predicted grades can be provided
Whether the qualification can be completed before enrolment
Whether the university accepts independent study
What If You Chose the Wrong A Levels?
You still have several possible routes.
Find Courses With Different Requirements
Courses with the same title can have different subject requirements.
One psychology degree may require a science, while another accepts any three academic subjects.
Compare several universities before deciding that your options are closed.
Consider a Related Degree
A related subject may have broader entry requirements.
For example:
Biological Sciences instead of Biochemistry
Business Management instead of Economics
Information Technology instead of theoretical Computer Science
Human Geography instead of Physical Geography
Pharmacology instead of Pharmacy
Check the course content and career implications carefully.
Apply for a Foundation Year
A foundation year can provide the subject knowledge needed before beginning the main degree.
It can be useful when:
You did not study the required science
You are missing advanced Mathematics
Your qualification route was different
You are changing academic direction
Read Foundation Years Explained before applying.
Take an Additional Qualification
You could complete the missing subject before applying or while taking a gap year.
Check whether the university accepts:
A resat A level
An independently completed A level
An Access to Higher Education Diploma
A foundation qualification
Open University modules
Another recognised alternative
Get written confirmation from admissions before committing time and money.
Consider a Degree Apprenticeship or Alternative Route
Some careers have several entry routes.
For example, students interested in technology, business, engineering or healthcare may be able to consider:
Degree apprenticeships
Higher apprenticeships
Foundation degrees
Higher National qualifications
Professional qualifications
Employment with part-time study
The best route depends on the career and professional requirements.
Can High Grades Compensate for a Missing Subject?
Usually not when the subject is compulsory.
A student with AAA* but no Chemistry would not normally meet an offer requiring Chemistry.
High grades in other subjects may strengthen an application where the subject is preferred or recommended, but they do not automatically replace an essential academic condition.
Contact admissions if:
You have an equivalent qualification
You studied the content within another course
You hold a higher-level qualification
Your subject has a different title
Your education system uses a different structure
Do not assume that the university will identify the equivalence without an explanation.
Can Contextual Offers Remove Subject Requirements?
Not usually.
A contextual offer may reduce the overall grades, but compulsory subjects commonly remain unchanged.
For example:
Standard offer: AAA, including Chemistry and Biology
Contextual offer: ABB, including Chemistry and Biology
UCAS explains that contextual offers may be one or two grades lower than standard requirements, but each university sets its own contextual policy.
A university may reduce:
The overall grade combination
The required grade in a subject
The admissions-test threshold
It may still require the same subjects.
Read Contextual Offers Explained and check the exact
contextual offer for your course.
Can You Change A-Level Subjects?
Possibly, especially early in Year 12.
Before changing a subject:
Make a list of the degrees you may want to study.
Check requirements at several universities.
Identify any compulsory subjects.
Speak to your school or college.
Consider how much content you would need to catch up.
Check whether the new combination is accepted.
Avoid choosing subjects based only on one university. Your plans may change, and the requirements could be different elsewhere.
UCAS recommends checking university entry requirements before finalising post-16 subject choices because particular courses may require specific qualifications or subjects.
How to Check Required Subjects Properly
For every course, check:
The headline grades
The required subjects
The grade needed in each required subject
Preferred or recommended subjects
Accepted subject lists
Excluded subjects
Rules about overlapping qualifications
GCSE conditions
Qualification-specific requirements
Admissions tests, interviews or portfolios
Requirements for your intended year of entry
Use both:
The UCAS course listing
The university’s official course page
The university’s official page should be treated as the primary source when information differs.
Questions to Ask Admissions
Contact the admissions team when the wording is unclear.
Useful questions include:
Does A-level Psychology count as a science for this course?
Would you accept Computer Science instead of Physics?
My school does not offer Further Mathematics. Would Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry be considered?
Does my Applied Science BTEC contain the units needed to meet the Chemistry requirement?
Is Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation accepted at IB Higher Level?
Would an independently completed A-level Chemistry qualification be accepted?
Include:
The course title
The course code
Your intended entry year
Your complete qualification titles
Your subjects
Your predicted or achieved grades
Common Subject Requirement Mistakes
Looking Only at the Headline Grades
AAA without the required subject may not meet an AAA offer.
Assuming “Preferred” Means “Required”
A preferred subject is not necessarily compulsory, although it may strengthen your application.
Ignoring “Strongly Recommended”
Strongly recommended subjects can be important for preparation and competitiveness.
Assuming Psychology Always Counts as a Science
Universities define science subjects differently.
Assuming Computer Science Replaces Mathematics
Many computer science degrees require Mathematics rather than Computer Science.
Assuming Economics Is Required for Economics
Many economics courses prioritise Mathematics.
Assuming Law Is Required for Law
A-level Law is not normally compulsory for an LLB.
Ignoring Required Subject Grades
You may need a particular grade in the named subject as well as the overall offer.
Assuming UCAS Points Replace Subject Requirements
A high points total does not compensate for a missing compulsory subject.
Checking Only the University’s General Policy
Subject requirements are normally course-specific.
Using Requirements From the Wrong Year
Course conditions can change between application cycles.
Required Subjects Checklist
Before adding a course to your UCAS application, check:
I meet the overall grade requirement.
I am studying every compulsory subject.
I know the required grade in each compulsory subject.
I understand which subjects are preferred.
I understand which subjects are recommended.
I have checked the accepted-subject list.
I have checked the excluded-subject list.
I know whether my subjects are considered overlapping.
I know what the university counts as a science.
I know what the university counts as an essay-based subject.
I have checked whether Further Mathematics is required or expected.
I have checked whether my vocational qualification is relevant.
I have checked for required BTEC units or T Level specialisms.
I meet the GCSE subject requirements.
I have checked admissions tests, interviews and portfolios.
I am looking at requirements for the correct entry year.
I have contacted admissions about anything unclear.
Frequently Asked Questions About Required Subjects
Do Universities Care Which A Levels You Take?
Yes.
Some courses require particular A levels, while others accept a broad range of subjects.
Universities may also consider whether your combination provides suitable preparation for the degree.
Can You Get Into University With the Right Grades but the Wrong Subjects?
Possibly for courses without compulsory subject requirements.
You are unlikely to meet the conditions of a course that clearly requires a subject you have not studied.
What Is the Difference Between Required and Preferred Subjects?
A required subject is normally compulsory.
A preferred subject is desirable and may strengthen your application, but it is not always essential.
What Does “Recommended” Mean?
A recommended subject is useful preparation.
It may help you succeed on the course or make your application more competitive, even when it is not a formal entry condition.
Do You Need A-Level Law to Study Law?
Usually not.
Law courses normally accept a broad range of academic subjects. Essay-based subjects can provide useful preparation.
Do You Need A-Level Psychology to Study Psychology?
Not always.
Some universities require a science or mathematical subject instead. Psychology may or may not be included within the university’s accepted science list.
Do You Need A-Level Economics to Study Economics?
Usually not.
Many economics courses require Mathematics, particularly at competitive universities.
Do You Need A-Level Computer Science for Computer Science?
Not always.
Mathematics is commonly more important for theoretical computer science degrees.
Do You Need Biology and Chemistry for Medicine?
Many medical schools require Chemistry, and some require both Chemistry and Biology.
Others accept Chemistry with Mathematics or Physics. Check every medical school separately.
Can Further Mathematics Be One of Your Three A Levels?
Yes.
Further Mathematics is a separate A level. Its value within your subject combination depends on the course.
Does Core Mathematics Meet an A-Level Mathematics Requirement?
Usually not.
Core Mathematics is not the same qualification as A-level Mathematics. It may help meet some quantitative or GCSE-related conditions, but it does not normally replace A-level Mathematics where that subject is compulsory.
Does an EPQ Count as a Required Subject?
Normally not.
An EPQ may support your application, contribute UCAS points or form part of an alternative offer, but it does not usually replace a compulsory A level.
Can a BTEC Replace a Required A Level?
Sometimes.
The university may accept a relevant BTEC, require particular units or ask for the BTEC alongside the required A level.
Can You Apply Without Further Mathematics If Your School Does Not Offer It?
Possibly.
Some universities consider whether Further Mathematics was available at your school. Contact admissions and make sure the situation is explained in your reference.
Can a Contextual Offer Remove a Required Subject?
A contextual offer usually lowers grades rather than removing essential subjects.
Check the exact contextual conditions for the course.
Can a University Waive a Subject Requirement?
A university may accept an equivalent qualification, but it is not required to waive an essential condition.
Get confirmation from admissions before applying.
Final Thoughts on Required University Subjects
Subject requirements matter just as much as grades.
Before applying, make sure you understand:
Which subjects are compulsory
Which subjects are preferred or recommended
The grade required in each named subject
Which alternatives are accepted
Whether any subjects are excluded
How the rules apply to your qualification type
Do not assume that high grades or additional UCAS points will compensate for a missing compulsory subject.
The safest approach is to check the official course page, compare several universities and ask admissions whenever the wording is unclear.
A short question before you apply can prevent you from using a UCAS choice on a course for which your subject combination is not eligible.
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