University course requirements

If you are interested in a particular university course, you should research the university admission pages and their entry requirements for that course. This will vary from university to university and from year to year. If you have any particular questions, do contact us for advice. The information below gives, in a very condensed form, current guidance for some A Level course requirements and preferences for many of the single subjects commonly studied at university. Do not assume that this will apply in every case.

Accountancy, Finance Mathematics is usually required

Architecture

Most leading schools of Architecture require a strong portfolio of drawings, therefore Art is highly beneficial. Mathematics A Level and/or Physics are sometimes required

Art and Design

Art, DT or Photography usually required. Often a foundation course also required

Biochemistry, Chemistry Chemistry required. Biology or Mathematics often preferred

Business Studies, Management

Classics, Oriental Studies

Mathematics sometimes required

A modern foreign language is usually required for Oriental, African and Near Eastern Studies. For language-based Classics courses, Latin or Greek is desirable

Chemical Engineering Chemistry and Mathematics required

Computer Science

Mathematics A Level required for top universities, Further Mathematics is desired. For some courses Physics is required

Drama and Theatre Drama, Theatre Studies or English sometimes required

Economics

Mathematics essential for most courses. Further Mathematics is desirable at the very top courses. A Level Economics is described as ‘desirable’ by some universities (and an essay-based subject)

Engineering (Aeronautical, Civil, Electrical, Electronic, Marine, Mechanical, Production)

Mathematics and Physics are required. Further Mathematics is strongly recommended for the top Engineering courses. Very high grades are needed for top courses

English

English Literature usually required

Geography

Geography almost always required

Geology / Earth Sciences One or two subjects required from Sciences, Geography and Mathematics

History

Human Sciences

History usually required

Mathematics and Biology are useful for Human Sciences but not essential

Humanities

Biology, Economics, Geography and History are useful for Social and Human Science courses, as well as for Archaeology and Anthropology. English Language proficiency is also important

Generally, no preferred subjects, but students often offer at least one essay-based subject

Mathematics

Mathematics A Level is required and Further Mathematics is essential for top universities

Medicine, Dentistry

Requirements vary between medical schools. A Level Chemistry is required, and usually two of Mathematics, Physics and Biology. The fourth subject does not have to be science-based

Modern Languages (French, German, Spanish courses)

The relevant A Level languages are required for all single honours. Other Modern Languages can be taken up but most language courses would expect at least one and preferably two languages

Music

Music usually required. A portfolio and audition is required

Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE)

Psychology

Most universities suggest that Mathematics is an advantage for PPE. A Levels which reflect analytical and writing ability are desirable for these subjects at university – at least two academic subjects. History is often useful for a Politics degree and Mathematics and Religious Studies for a Philosophy degree

At least one Mathematics/Science subject is desirable for Science faculties; no specific requirements by Arts faculties (of which there are fewer)

Physics

Physics and Mathematics are usually required. Further Mathematics useful

Sports Studies / Science / Physical Education

Biology often required

Veterinary Science Chemistry and Biology required and often another Science or Mathematics preferred

Applying to American Universities

An increasing number of Trinity students apply to American universities. Many courses do not require specific A Levels (though STEM courses may). Most applicants sit an entrance test (either SAT or ACT). SAT has both basic papers and subject-related papers (a student may have to sit two or three of these) while ACT includes science questions and an essay. We select one that suits the student best. Applicants to US universities need a very strong portfolio of extra and co-curricular activities

Applying to Art and Design Schools and Drama Schools

Applying for an Apprenticeship

The Director of Art and Director of Drama will be able to advise

The range of apprenticeships, both Higher and Degree level, are expanding. They are attractive to Trinity students who know which industry they want to join and are enthusiastic and well prepared to join the working world direct from school. Some apprenticeships require particular subjects at A-level, but others are not prescriptive, looking instead at the ability of candidates to shine at assessment centre and at interview