Typical A-Level Requirements by Subject

What A-level grades do you need to study medicine, law, psychology, engineering or business at university?

Unfortunately, there is no single answer.

Universities set their own entry requirements, so two courses with the same title may ask for very different grades. One psychology course might require AAA, while another asks for BBB or uses UCAS Tariff points instead.

The subjects you study can be just as important as the grades you achieve. An engineering course might require Mathematics and Physics, while a medicine course could ask for

Chemistry and Biology.

This guide compares typical A-level requirements across popular university subjects and explains which A levels universities commonly require or recommend.

Before using the tables, read our Understanding University Entry Requirements guide for a complete explanation of grades, subjects, GCSE requirements, admissions tests and contextual offers.

Typical A-Level Requirements by Subject: Quick Reference Table

The figures below are based on the average requirements currently shown in UCAS subject guides. They are intended to help you begin your research, not to replace the entry requirements on an individual university course page.

Competitive universities may ask for significantly higher grades. Foundation years and courses with contextual admissions may have lower requirements.

University subject	UCAS average A-level requirement	Subjects commonly required or useful
Accounting and finance	CCC	Mathematics, economics, business
Architecture	AAA	Art, design, mathematics, physics
Art	CCC	Art, fine art, design, photography
Biology	BBB	Biology and another science
Biomedical science	A*AB	Biology and Chemistry
Business and management	BBB to CCC	Business, economics, mathematics
Chemical engineering	AAA	Mathematics and Chemistry, sometimes Physics
Chemistry	AAB	Chemistry, usually with Mathematics or another science
Computer science	BBC	Mathematics may be required for theoretical courses
Criminology	CCC	Sociology, psychology, law, statistics
Dentistry	AAA	Chemistry and Biology are commonly required
Economics	A*AA	Mathematics is often required by more mathematical courses
Education	BBC	Requirements vary according to the course and age group
Engineering and technology	A*AB	Mathematics, often with Physics
English	ABB	English Literature or English Language may be required
Geography	BBB	Geography may be required or preferred
History	ABB	History may be required or strongly preferred
Languages	ABB	The language being studied may be required
Law	ABB	No particular A level is normally required
Mathematics and statistics	AAB	Mathematics is required, Further Mathematics may be preferred
Media studies	BCC to BBB	Media studies, English, film studies
Medicine	AAA	Chemistry plus Biology or another science
Nursing	BBB	Biology or another relevant science is often requested
Pharmacy	AAB	Chemistry, usually with Biology or another science
Physics and astronomy	AAB to ABB	Mathematics and Physics
Politics	ABB	Politics, history, economics, English
Psychology	BBB	Psychology, Biology, Mathematics or another science
Sociology	BBB to CCC	Sociology, psychology, English, economics
Sport and exercise science	AAB	Biology, Physical Education or another science
Veterinary science	AAA to ABB	Chemistry and one or more additional sciences

UCAS makes clear that these are general indicators and that requirements differ between universities and individual courses.

How to Use Typical A-Level Requirements

Treat the figures in this guide as a starting point.

They can help you:

• Understand approximately how competitive a subject may be

• Identify which A levels you might need

• Compare your predicted grades with likely course requirements

• Build a balanced list of university choices

• Spot courses that may require additional preparation

They cannot tell you whether a particular university will make you an offer.

For every course you are considering, check:

1. The overall A-level grades

2. Any required subjects

3. The grade needed in each required subject

4. GCSE English and Mathematics requirements

5. Any GCSE science requirements

6. Excluded or overlapping A levels

7. Admissions tests, interviews or portfolios

8. Contextual offer criteria

9. Requirements for your intended year of entry

Entry requirements can change, so make sure you are looking at the correct course and start year.

What Do A-Level Grade Requirements Mean?

A requirement such as AAB normally means that the university expects you to achieve:

• One A grade

• A second A grade

• One B grade

However, universities may add conditions to the overall grade requirement.

For example:

AAB, including grade A in Mathematics.

In this case, achieving AAB would not be enough unless one of the A grades was in Mathematics.

You may also see a range such as:

ABB to BBB

The offer you receive within that range could depend on your subjects, predicted grades, personal circumstances or whether you qualify for a contextual offer.

Some universities use UCAS Tariff points instead of individual grades. Read UCAS Tariff Points Explained if your course asks for a points total.

Typical A-Level Requirements for Science and Technology Degrees

Biology A-Level Requirements

UCAS lists BBB as an average A-level requirement for biology degrees. Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and other science subjects are commonly useful preparation.

Many universities require:

• A-level Biology

• A second science

• A pass in the practical element of any science A level

• GCSE Mathematics and English

The second science could include Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Psychology, Geography or Environmental Science, depending on the course.

Requirements may also vary between specialisms such as:

• Biological sciences

• Marine biology

• Zoology

• Ecology

• Genetics

• Biochemistry

• Microbiology

Always check the exact degree title. A biochemistry course, for example, may place greater emphasis on Chemistry than a general biology degree.

Biomedical Science A-Level Requirements

UCAS currently gives A*AB as its average guide for biomedical sciences.

Common requirements include:

• Biology

• Chemistry

• One additional A level

• GCSE Mathematics and English

• A pass in science practical assessments

Not every biomedical science course has the same professional status. If you intend to work as a biomedical scientist, check whether the course is accredited and whether it includes the training required for your intended career.

Chemistry A-Level Requirements

The UCAS average guide for chemistry is AAB. Chemistry is normally required, while Mathematics, Biology and Physics are commonly useful supporting subjects.

An offer might be written as:

AAB, including Chemistry and one other science or Mathematics.

Some universities require a specific grade in Chemistry, even when the overall offer is lower.

Courses with a greater emphasis on physical or theoretical chemistry may prefer Mathematics. Medicinal chemistry courses may place more emphasis on Biology.

Physics and Astronomy A-Level Requirements

UCAS gives an average range of AAB to ABB for physics and astronomy.

Most standard physics degrees require:

• A-level Physics

• A-level Mathematics

• A specified grade in one or both subjects

Further Mathematics may be helpful for highly mathematical or theoretical courses, although it is not available at every school or college.

At more competitive universities, requirements can be considerably higher. For example, individual physics courses may ask for AAA with grade A in both Mathematics and Physics.

Mathematics and Statistics A-Level Requirements

The UCAS average guide for mathematics and statistics is AAB.

A-level Mathematics is normally compulsory.

Some universities may also:

• Require Further Mathematics

• Strongly prefer Further Mathematics

• Expect you to take Further Mathematics if your school offers it

• Ask for a particular grade in Mathematics

• Require an admissions test

• Include a STEP result within the offer

The most selective mathematics courses may ask for A*AA or higher, including an A* in Mathematics or Further Mathematics. Some courses accept an alternative offer involving STEP.

Computer Science A-Level Requirements

UCAS gives BBC as its general average for computer science, but requirements vary especially widely in this subject.

Some practical computing and information technology courses do not require any particular A levels. More theoretical computer science degrees may require A-level Mathematics.

A-level Computer Science is useful, but it is not required by every university.

At highly competitive universities, computer science requirements can reach A*A*A, often with a high grade in Mathematics and sometimes Further Mathematics. Other universities offer courses requiring grades around BBC without insisting on A-level Computer Science.

This is one subject where checking individual courses is absolutely essential.

Engineering A-Level Requirements

UCAS gives A*AB as the average guide for engineering and technology degrees.

Most traditional engineering courses require Mathematics. Physics is also commonly required for areas such as:

• Mechanical engineering

• Aerospace engineering

• Civil engineering

• Electrical engineering

• Automotive engineering

Some courses accept another technical or science subject instead of Physics, such as:

• Chemistry

• Further Mathematics

• Design and Technology

• Engineering

Requirements can vary by engineering discipline. One mechanical engineering course might require AAB with Mathematics and Physics, while another could offer BBC with Mathematics and an accepted technical or science subject.

Chemical Engineering A-Level Requirements

UCAS lists AAA as its average guide for chemical engineering.

Mathematics and Chemistry are commonly required. Some universities also request or prefer Physics, Further Mathematics or Biology.

Chemical engineering is not simply a chemistry degree. It includes substantial mathematical modelling, physics and engineering design, so a strong Mathematics background is particularly important.

Typical A-Level Requirements for Healthcare Degrees

Healthcare courses often have more detailed requirements than other subjects. You may need particular A levels, GCSE grades, an admissions test, an interview and evidence that you are suitable for professional training.

Medicine A-Level Requirements

UCAS gives AAA as its average guide for medicine.

In practice, many medical schools ask for AAA or A*AA.

Chemistry is commonly required. Depending on the medical school, you may also need one of:

• Biology

• Human Biology

• Mathematics

• Further Mathematics

• Physics

Some medical schools require both Biology and Chemistry. Others require Chemistry plus one additional science.

For example, King’s College London lists A*AA for Medicine and requires Biology and Chemistry.

The University of Edinburgh lists AAA and requires Chemistry plus Biology, Mathematics or Physics.

Medical schools may also assess:

• GCSE results

• UCAT performance

• Interview performance

• Work experience or caring experience

• Contextual information

• Fitness to practise

• Health and safeguarding checks

Meeting the grades does not guarantee an interview or offer.

Dentistry A-Level Requirements

The UCAS average guide for dentistry is AAA. UCAS also notes that applicants may need to take an admissions test.

Chemistry and Biology are commonly required, although the exact combination varies between dental schools.

Dentistry applicants may also need:

• Strong GCSE grades

• UCAT results

• An interview

• Evidence of understanding the profession

• Relevant work observation or experience

• Occupational health and safeguarding checks

Dentistry is extremely competitive, so the minimum grades should not be treated as a guarantee of an offer.

Veterinary Science A-Level Requirements

UCAS gives an average range of AAA to ABB for veterinary science.

For veterinary medicine courses leading to professional registration, offers are commonly at the upper end of this range.

Chemistry is frequently required, together with one or two additional subjects such as:

• Biology

• Physics

• Mathematics

Universities may also expect applicants to demonstrate an informed understanding of veterinary work and animal care. Check each veterinary school’s guidance carefully, including any rules about work experience and deadlines.

Pharmacy A-Level Requirements

UCAS gives AAB as its average guide for pharmacy, pharmacology and toxicology courses.

For an MPharm degree, Chemistry is commonly required. Universities may also ask for one of:

• Biology

• Mathematics

• Physics

• Psychology

• Another accepted science

MPharm applicants may need an interview and must meet professional suitability requirements.

Be careful not to confuse:

• Pharmacy

• Pharmacology

• Pharmaceutical science

• Toxicology

These courses can lead to different careers and may have different entry requirements.

Nursing A-Level Requirements

UCAS gives BBB as the average A-level guide for nursing. It also states that applicants generally need GCSE English, Mathematics and a science, with many universities requiring A-level Biology.

Accepted subjects may include:

• Biology

• Human Biology

• Psychology

• Sociology

• Health and Social Care

• Another science or social science

Requirements vary between adult nursing, child nursing, mental health nursing and learning disability nursing.

Nursing courses also include professional requirements such as:

• Interviews

• Health checks

• DBS or PVG checks

• Evidence of suitability for the profession

Sport and Exercise Science A-Level Requirements

The UCAS average guide for sport and exercise science is AAB.

Universities may require or prefer:

• Biology

• Physical Education

• Psychology

• Chemistry

• Physics

• Mathematics

Courses with a strong biomechanics or physiology focus may place greater emphasis on science subjects than coaching or sports management degrees.

Typical A-Level Requirements for Social Science and Business Degrees

Psychology A-Level Requirements

UCAS gives BBB as its average guide for psychology.

You do not always need to have studied A-level Psychology. However, many universities require or prefer at least one relevant science or quantitative subject, such as:

• Psychology

• Biology

• Chemistry

• Physics

• Mathematics

• Statistics

For example, the University of Manchester lists AAA and requires at least one accepted science or psychology subject. Edinburgh requires an accepted science, Mathematics, Psychology or similar subject at grade B.

Psychology degrees include research methods and statistics, so GCSE Mathematics requirements can be higher than applicants expect.

Check whether the degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society if you may want to pursue professional psychology training later.

Economics A-Level Requirements

UCAS gives A*AA as its average guide for economics.

Mathematics is particularly important for many economics degrees.

Some universities require:

• A-level Mathematics

• A particular grade in Mathematics

• Further Mathematics for highly quantitative courses

• A higher GCSE Mathematics grade when A-level Mathematics is not required

You do not normally need A-level Economics, although it can be useful.

The difference between economics courses can be substantial. Some are highly mathematical, while others place more emphasis on policy, development or social issues. Edinburgh, for example, requires Mathematics at A level or AS level for its economics programme.

Business and Management A-Level Requirements

UCAS lists an average range of BBB to CCC for business and management.

Most business degrees do not require A-level Business Studies.

Useful subjects can include:

• Business

• Economics

• Mathematics

• Psychology

• Geography

• Sociology

• English

• Accounting

Some business analytics, finance or economics-based programmes have stronger Mathematics requirements.

Accounting and Finance A-Level Requirements

UCAS gives CCC as its overall average guide for accounting and finance.

However, requirements vary widely. Courses at competitive universities may ask for much higher grades.

A-level Accounting is not usually essential. Mathematics may be required or preferred for more quantitative finance courses, while other universities accept applicants with any suitable combination of academic subjects.

Check the GCSE Mathematics requirement carefully, even when A-level Mathematics is not required.

Law A-Level Requirements

UCAS gives ABB as its average guide for law.

You do not normally need A-level Law to study a law degree.

Universities often value subjects that develop reading, writing, analysis and argument, such as:

• English Literature

• History

• Politics

• Philosophy

• Economics

• Sociology

• Languages

• Mathematics

• Sciences

Competitive law courses can require much higher grades. For example, King’s College London lists A*AA for its LLB Law course.

Some universities also require the LNAT. Read our LNAT Guide before applying to participating universities.

Politics A-Level Requirements

The UCAS average guide for politics is ABB.

A-level Politics is useful but not normally compulsory.

Other useful subjects include:

• History

• Economics

• English

• Sociology

• Philosophy

• Geography

• Languages

Joint honours courses, such as Politics and Economics, may introduce additional subject requirements.

Sociology A-Level Requirements

UCAS gives an average range of BBB to CCC for sociology.

A-level Sociology is useful but is not required by every university.

Relevant subjects include:

• Sociology

• Psychology

• English

• Economics

• Media Studies

• History

• Politics

• Geography

Sociology courses include both qualitative and quantitative research, so you should expect to work with evidence and data as well as written arguments.

Criminology A-Level Requirements

UCAS gives CCC as its average guide for criminology.

Relevant A levels include:

• Sociology

• Psychology

• Law

• Statistics

• Biology

• English

• Politics

Requirements may differ between criminology, criminology and psychology, forensic science and professional policing courses. Do not assume that courses with similar names contain the same material.

Typical A-Level Requirements for Humanities and Languages

English A-Level Requirements

UCAS gives ABB as its average guide for English language degrees.

Depending on the course, universities may require:

• English Literature

• English Language

• English Language and Literature

• Another essay-based subject

An English Literature degree is more likely to require A-level English Literature than a linguistics or creative writing course.

Read the course title carefully. English Literature, English Language, linguistics and creative writing are related, but their entry requirements can differ.

History A-Level Requirements

UCAS lists ABB as its average guide for history.

Some universities require A-level History, while others accept applicants with another essay-based subject.

Useful preparation includes:

• History

• English Literature

• Politics

• Classical Civilisation

• Religious Studies

• Philosophy

• Languages

Ancient history and archaeology courses may accept a broader range of subjects than traditional history degrees.

Geography A-Level Requirements

The UCAS average guide for geography is BBB.

Some universities require or prefer A-level Geography.

Additional useful subjects depend on whether the course focuses more heavily on physical or human geography.

For physical geography, useful subjects include:

• Biology

• Chemistry

• Physics

• Mathematics

• Environmental Science

• Geology

For human geography, useful subjects include:

• Economics

• Sociology

• Politics

• History

Languages A-Level Requirements

UCAS gives ABB as its average guide for languages.

For commonly taught languages such as French, Spanish or German, universities may require you to have studied the language at A level.

Some courses allow you to begin a new language from scratch. These are often described as:

• Beginners’ routes

• Ab initio courses

• Post-A-level and beginners’ pathways

A joint languages degree might require an A level in one language while allowing you to begin the second language at university.

Typical A-Level Requirements for Creative Degrees

Architecture A-Level Requirements

UCAS gives AAA as its average guide for architecture.

Universities may value subjects such as:

• Art

• Design

• Mathematics

• Physics

• Design and Technology

• Geography

Many architecture courses also require a portfolio or ask applicants to submit examples of creative work.

The portfolio can be extremely important. It may include drawing, design, photography, model-making, digital work or other evidence of how you explore and communicate ideas.

Check whether the course is professionally recognised if you intend to qualify as an architect.

Art A-Level Requirements

UCAS gives CCC as its average guide for art.

Relevant subjects include:

• Art

• Fine Art

• Graphic Communication

• Photography

• Textiles

• Design

• Design and Technology

Your portfolio may be more important than whether you have studied one exact combination of A levels.

Some applicants complete an art foundation diploma before beginning a degree. This is different from a foundation year that forms part of an undergraduate course.

Media Studies A-Level Requirements

UCAS gives an average range of BCC to BBB for media studies.

Universities may accept a wide range of subjects, including:

• Media Studies

• English

• Film Studies

• Photography

• Sociology

• Psychology

• Art and Design

• Computer Science

Practical production courses may request a portfolio or showreel, while more academic media degrees may place greater emphasis on essay-writing subjects.

Do You Need an A Level in the Subject You Want to Study?

Not always.

Some university subjects build on knowledge that you must already have. These commonly include:

• Mathematics

• Physics

• Chemistry

• Medicine

• Dentistry

• Engineering

• Modern languages

Other degrees are regularly studied without having taken the same subject at A level. These can include:

• Law

• Business

• Sociology

• Criminology

• Politics

• Education

• Archaeology

• Philosophy

However, not needing the exact subject does not mean that universities accept every A-level combination.

They may still require an essay-based subject, a science, Mathematics or another form of relevant preparation.

Read Required Subjects Explained before selecting your university choices.

How Competitive Universities Affect A-Level Requirements

The same subject can have dramatically different entry requirements depending on the university.

For example, the UCAS average guide for computer science is BBC, but some highly selective computer science courses require A*A*A and A-level Mathematics.

Similarly:

• The general UCAS guide for law is ABB, but some courses ask for A*AA.

• The general guide for psychology is BBB, but some courses ask for AAA.

• The general guide for engineering is A*AB, but individual offers can range from BBC to A* grades.

• Medicine courses commonly require AAA or A*AA, alongside admissions tests and interviews.

This is why you should not choose a subject based on one headline grade range.

Search for actual courses and compare at least five universities before deciding what is realistic.

Can You Apply Below the Typical A-Level Requirements?

Yes, but you should be realistic.

A university may still consider you when your predicted grades are slightly below its published requirements, particularly if:

• You qualify for a contextual offer

• Your required subjects are strong

• Your application demonstrates clear academic potential

• You have relevant achieved qualifications

• The course has flexibility in its offer-making

• You are applying for a foundation year

However, applying significantly below the stated requirements is riskier, particularly for highly competitive courses.

A balanced set of UCAS choices might include:

• One ambitious choice

• Two or three choices close to your predicted grades

• One or two choices with lower or more flexible requirements

Read Can You Get In With Lower Grades? for more detailed advice.

How Contextual Offers Affect A-Level Requirements

A contextual offer is a reduced or adjusted offer made to an applicant whose achievements are considered within the context of their personal or educational circumstances.

For example, a standard offer of AAA might become:

• AAB

• ABB

• An alternative offer linked to an outreach programme

Eligibility might be based on factors such as:

• Care experience

• Free school meal eligibility

• Household income

• Your postcode

• The school or college you attend

• Participation in an access programme

• Refugee or estranged student status

• Caring responsibilities

Each university has its own policy. Qualifying at one university does not mean that you will qualify at another.

See Contextual Offers Explained before deciding that a course is outside your grade range.

Should You Consider a Foundation Year?

A foundation year can provide an alternative route into a degree when:

• Your grades are below the standard entry requirements

• You have not studied the required A levels

• You are returning to education

• You have taken a different qualification route

• You want additional preparation before beginning the main degree

Foundation-year requirements are normally lower than those for direct entry to Year 1, but they vary between universities.

Check whether the foundation year guarantees progression onto your chosen degree and what grades you must achieve during the foundation year.

Our Foundation Years Explained guide covers the advantages, costs and progression rules.

A-Level Requirements Research Checklist

Before applying for a university course, check:

•  The overall A-level grade requirement

•  Every compulsory A-level subject

•  The required grade in each compulsory subject

•  Whether Further Mathematics is expected

•  Whether science practical endorsements must be passed

•  GCSE English and Mathematics requirements

•  Any additional GCSE science requirements

•  Whether your A-level combination is accepted

•  Whether any subjects are excluded

•  Whether overlapping subjects are counted separately

•  Admissions test requirements

•  Interview, audition or portfolio requirements

•  Contextual offer eligibility

•  Foundation-year options

•  Requirements for the correct entry year

Frequently Asked Questions About A-Level Requirements

Are the Typical A-Level Requirements the Same at Every University?

No. Every university sets its own entry requirements, and these may also differ between courses at the same university.

Always check the individual course page.

Do Universities Accept Three A Levels in Any Subjects?

Not always.

Some degrees accept a broad range of subjects, while others require a particular combination. Universities may also exclude subjects such as General Studies or Critical Thinking, or refuse to count qualifications with substantially overlapping content.

Do You Need Three A Levels for University?

Many standard offers are based on three A levels, but universities can accept other combinations of Level 3 qualifications.

Some may accept:

• Two A levels with another qualification

• A mixture of A levels and BTECs

• An Extended Diploma

• A T Level

• An Access to Higher Education Diploma

• International qualifications

Check the course’s qualification-specific requirements.

Does an EPQ Reduce University Entry Requirements?

Some universities make alternative offers to applicants completing an Extended Project Qualification.

For example, a standard offer of AAA could become AAB plus a specified EPQ grade.

This is not automatic. The EPQ must be included in the university’s published offer policy or your individual offer.

Are Predicted Grades the Same as Entry Requirements?

No.

Predicted grades are the results your school or college believes you are likely to achieve. Entry requirements are the grades and conditions a university normally expects.

Universities may use predicted grades to decide whether to make an offer, but they also consider other parts of your application.

Can Universities Accept You If You Miss Your A-Level Grades?

Possibly.

A university may accept you after a near miss if it still has space and considers your application suitable. It could also offer you:

• A different course

• A foundation year

• An alternative start date

• A place through Clearing

You should never assume that missed grades will be accepted.

Which Degrees Have the Highest Typical A-Level Requirements?

Medicine, dentistry, economics, engineering, architecture and biomedical science commonly have some of the highest average grade requirements.

However, the university and course are more important than the subject title alone. Highly competitive courses in law, computer science, mathematics, psychology and other subjects can also require A* grades.

Final Thoughts on Typical A-Level Requirements by Subject

Typical A-level requirements can help you understand the general academic level expected for a university subject, but they are only the beginning of your research.

Look beyond the headline grades.

Check which subjects are compulsory, whether particular grades are required, what GCSEs you need and whether the course includes an admissions test, interview or portfolio.

Most importantly, compare several universities. Requirements for the same subject can range from CCC to A*A*A, and there may be contextual offers or foundation routes that make a course more accessible.

A balanced, carefully researched set of choices gives you the best chance of receiving offers while still allowing you to aim high.