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Save the Student - Student Money, Discounts and Jobs

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The student money website for everything student finance. Get the latest student discounts, student jobs, make money ideas and more.

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Prospects for graduate jobs, postgraduate study, advice about work experience, internship opportunities and graduate careers

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Alternatives To University gives you access to expert guidance and new options.

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Information for overseas allied health professionals

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Careers advice - job profiles, information and resources | National Careers Service

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The National Careers Service can help you with your career, learning and training choices. Find out more about us and the different ways we can support you. This service is available to people who live in England.

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CVs are tricky to get right and the success of a job application often hinges on your cover letter. If you're in need of expert CV and cover letter advice then you've come to the right place. Discover how to write them, mistakes to avoid and a variety of CV and cover letter examples to help you target your application to the company.

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Learn how to write a professional CV and cover letter and discover useful CV and cover letter templates to help your application stand out from the crowd

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Calm your interview nerves with this advice on the best ways to prepare for an interview, example interview questions, tips on interview technique, practice psychometric tests, and help with phone and video interviews.

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Got an interview coming up? Take a look at our advice to make sure you are fully prepared.

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If you'd like to pursue degree-level study while gaining a head-start in your chosen career, degree apprenticeships enable you to get the best of both worlds

What is a degree apprenticeship?

Providing an alternative to university, these Level 6 and Level 7 programmes - equivalent to a Bachelors or Masters degree respectively - allow you to achieve a degree while working for an employer and gaining valuable experience of your chosen industry.

Who is a degree apprenticeship for?

They are primarily targeted at 18 to 19-year-old school or college leavers with A-levels who are looking to get into work, yet still hope to follow a structured path towards a recognised qualification. They may also be unsure about going to university due to the high tuition fees and student debt.

Degree apprenticeships are also suitable for mature students.

The degree apprenticeship supports progression from craft and technical roles into management. This means that programmes are suitable for those who've completed lower-level apprenticeships but wish to advance their career through further study.

If your academic history means that you're not eligible for a degree apprenticeship, find out more about intermediate, advanced and higher apprenticeship levels at what is an apprenticeship?

For those from elsewhere in the UK, you'll need to read about apprenticeships in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

If you're still unsure about which route to take, consider should I do a degree or an apprenticeship?

Can you do an apprenticeship if you have a degree?

Yes, you can enrol onto a degree apprenticeship programme even if you've already got a degree - but it must be in an unrelated subject.

What about a Masters apprenticeship?

As well as degree apprenticeships set at Bachelors-level, for professions that typically require additional qualifications - such as accounting or engineering - you may wish to pursue a postgraduate apprenticeship and study towards a Masters degree.

While Masters apprenticeships typically require a longer period of study, as you'll likely be starting the programme after your A-levels, these Level 7 apprenticeships often provide opportunities to gain accreditation from a professional body.

For instance, the Level 7 Architect Degree Apprenticeship at Nottingham Trent University, which involves four years of part-time study, is accredited by the Architects Registration Board (ARB).

What can I study?

As degree apprenticeships are only available in vocational subjects that require a high level of academia, the range of subjects on offer is narrower than with traditional apprenticeships.

Opportunities are currently available in the following areas:

aerospace engineering

aerospace software development

automotive engineering

business management

construction

defence

digital industries

electronic systems engineering

financial services

life and industrial sciences

management

nuclear

power engineering

public relations

social care

surveying.

Where can I study?

As the scope for degree apprenticeships expands, so does the range of provider universities and employers. These currently include:

Aerospace engineering and Aerospace software development - University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) and University of the West of England Bristol (UWE Bristol).

Architect - De Montfort University, Northumbria University, Nottingham Trent University (NTU) and University of Portsmouth.

Chartered manager - Aston University, University of Hertfordshire, University of Leeds, Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU), The Open University, University of Portsmouth, University of Salford and Teesside University.

Civil engineering - University of Brighton, Leeds Beckett University, Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), NTU, University of Portsmouth, University of Salford and Teesside University.

Construction - Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), Birmingham City University, University of Brighton, LJMU, London South Bank University (LSBU) and Sheffield Hallam University.

Embedded electrical systems design and development - Aston University, De Montfort University, University of Greenwich, University of Hertfordshire and Sheffield Hallam University.

Digital and technology solutions - Aston University, University of Brighton, University of Exeter, University of Greenwich, MMU, The Open University, Sheffield Hallam University, Solent University Southampton and Teesside University.

Healthcare science practitioner - Aston University (Audiology), University of Hertfordshire, LJMU, MMU, NTU, University of Salford, Sheffield Hallam University and Staffordshire University.

Life and industrial sciences - University of Greenwich and MMU.

Management - MMU, The Open University, University of Portsmouth, Sheffield Hallam University, University of Salford and UCLan.

Nuclear - UWE Bristol and National College for Nuclear.

Nursing - University of Brighton, University of Hertfordshire, University of Huddersfield, The Open University, Teesside University, UCLan and University of West London.

Postgraduate engineer - De Montfort University, University of Plymouth and University of Portsmouth.

Power engineering - Newcastle University.

Professional engineering - Aston University.

Project management - Aston University, University of Cumbria, University of Portsmouth and Teesside University.

Risk management - Middlesex University and University of Portsmouth.

Senior Leadership - University of Brighton, De Montfort University, University of Hertfordshire, The Open University, University of Portsmouth and Teesside University.

Social work - University of Brighton, MMU, The Open University, Oxford Brookes University, University of Salford and UCLan.

Surveying - Birmingham City University, University of Brighton, University College of Estate Management (UCEM), LSBU, University of Portsmouth, University of Salford and UCLan.

According to GOV.UK apprenticeship figures (October 2023), there were 41,340 Level 6 (Bachelors) and 7 (Masters) degree apprenticeship starts in 2022/23 - a 9% increase on the previous year (37,810), accounting for nearly a sixth (15%) of all apprenticeship starts.

Organisations of all sizes can take advantage of degree apprenticeships, but they are especially common among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) has published The Complete Guide to Higher and Degree Apprenticeships (2020/21), a collaboration between the National Apprenticeship Service and Which? University, revealing that around 87 universities now offer higher and degree apprenticeships.

Some of the most high-profile employers involved in the scheme include:

Aerospace engineering and Aerospace software development - Airbus and BAE Systems.

Automotive - BMW Group UK, Rolls-Royce, Toyota Manufacturing UK and Vauxhall Motors.

Construction - BAM Construct UK Ltd, Laing O'Rourke and Willmott Dixon Holdings Ltd.

Defence - General Dynamics, Raytheon and Serco.

Digital and technology solutions - BT, Fujitsu and Network Rail.

Financial services - Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds Banking Group and Santander.

Life and industrial sciences - Astra Zeneca, GSK and Pfizer Inc.

Nuclear - EDF Energy and Sellafield.

Power engineering - Amey, Siemens and SSE.

Surveying - AECOM, Axis and Faithorn Farrell Timms.

Course structure will vary across universities and employers, as each programme is tailored to suit individual employer needs and delivered in the style of the university's teaching model.

How much will it cost?

As with other apprenticeships, you won't pay for your training or tuition - your employer will cover the costs.

You'll have to plan ahead to cover your living costs, as degree apprentices aren't eligible for student loans.

However, you'll receive at least the apprentice National Minimum Wage (NMW) on your course - see GOV.UK - Become an apprentice for details of pay and conditions.

You can also read about the best paying apprenticeship sectors in 2024.

Will I be guaranteed a job?

No, but even if you aren't offered a permanent role, you'll be an employable graduate. You'll have benefited from studying a course that's been designed to meet industry needs, plus you'll also have amassed several years of highly relevant work experience. This means you'll have gained critical skills valued by employers in your chosen career.

How do I apply?

You can search and apply for degree apprenticeships at GOV.UK - Find an apprenticeship. You'll be redirected to wherever your chosen course accepts applications, as some are sorted by employers or universities directly.

If you're looking for opportunities specifically in the digital and technology solutions sector, visit TechSkills.

Unlike traditional degrees, there's no fixed cycle for degree apprenticeship applications. Most organisations will begin their recruitment processes in January or February for an August or September start date, but larger organisations will start advertising their positions from the previous autumn onwards and smaller enterprises may wait until spring.

Get more advice on applying for an apprenticeship.

Find out more

Written by Daniel Higginbotham, Editor

Prospects · November 2023

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Degree apprenticeships combine full-time paid work with free part-time study. Find out what you can study and where, which employers are involved and how much they cost.

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Not sure what to do? Explore subjects, locations, universities, and colleges

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https://services.ucas.com/careerfinder/vacancy/45569/v02027-legal-apprenticeship

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Career Selection: Strategies For Best Choice

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Career Selection: Strategies For Best Choice

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The continually increasing number of options has resulted in a challenge that tends to impede the ability of an individual to make career choice. This seemingly insurmountable task coupled with its resulting pressure can cause significant stress in selecting and pursuing a career. The thousands of career options currently presented to students make it challenging to make a decision to pursue a specific career for the rest of one's life (McKay, 2018). On the other hand, it is imperative to equally know that the thousands of options available equally provide an avenue for everyone to find a unique environment to excel in. However, the issue of identifying and choosing a career path causing a feeling of stress and can be overwhelming when family, friends and educators continually pose the daunting question, ' so what are you planning on doing with your life? ' This article aims to evaluate the issue of career selection and evaluate the strategies best for selection.
CAREER SELECTION: BENEFITS AND STRATEGIES FOR BEST CHOICE
An early choice to a career path can give a jumpstart on a bright future (Dowd, 2018). It is, however, very important to evaluate some few factors to ascertain how best the choice made impacts you as an individual as well as others in the near future. Putting in ample thought and time to research and critically analyze trends can increase one's chances of making good decisions. For starters, it is important to assess oneself prior to taking any decision. Before taking a decision on a career, one must undertake a quick assessment of themselves. There is the need for a considerable evaluation of one's values, interests and soft skills as well as aptitudes and personality type. Results of such personal assessments can be effective in identifying jobs that one can fit in and be more effective whilst ensuring a high level of returns. A career counselor or a career development professional can also be an option that can be consulted. Again, self - assessment tools such as career tests can be taken to ascertain the most appropriate recommendations for a final selection to be made.

Also, one can make a list of occupations from the generally tall list of options to explore. A couple of lists can be generated based on the self - assessment undertaken and recommendations made by career counselors and career development professionals as well as the individual's expectations and preferences (Dowd, 2018). Such lists can be further organized by identifying common careers that appear in multiple lists. A further step is to explore the various occupations on the list. This requires the idea of obtaining basic information about each career identified. These include identifying job descriptions, educational, training and licensing requirements. It also helps to identify advancement opportunities that tend to ensure that one does not get stagnant and continues to grow in their career. A critical overview of the earnings and job outlook can be obtained from government - produced labor market information and other authentic sources that help guide one in their decision making about financial expectations.

A short list of careers identified can subsequently be created from the gathered information. At this point, one can eliminate careers that are found to be unacceptable per some identified standards. Careers that do not have appealing duties to the individual can be eliminated as well as jobs with weak outlooks. Jobs with educational or other requirements that cannot be satisfied can also be eliminated at this point. Subsequently, if the job requires a soft skill or a set of them to succeed by one does not have, it is reasonable to eliminate them. Such careers if ventured in, can result in subsequently failure if a conscious effort is not made to develop such skills. A further in - depth research can be undertaken by conducting informational interviews with individuals who work in such occupations that one has shown interest in (McKay, 2018). This helps provide firsthand knowledge and information about the career on the shortlist. A decision can hence be made on which career to pursue with the view that it provides the most satisfaction based on the information gathered. Any decision to make a career change can equally require that the previous actions of information search and thorough evaluation must be undertaken.

Furthermore, one must identify their short - term and long - term goals pertaining to the job (Southam, 2018). The short - term goals can take a period of 6 months to three years whereas the long - term goals can be achieved within a period of three to five years. These goals should be guided by educational and training requirements related to the career. For instance, long term goals can include completing a training programme or one's education in order to apply for the job. A short - term objective will include researching and applying to an educational institution that offers such a program that leads to the career.

Factors such as salary and earning potentials can be very influential in deciding which career to opt for (Southam, 2018). Salary and potential earnings from career can pave way to providing economic security throughout the lifespan of any individual. Subsequently, there is the need to consider the other factor of job satisfaction. Making the decision to pursue a particular career requires the need to be committed to completing a series of tasks and assignments on almost daily basis under unfavorable conditions. As such, there is the need for a high level of job satisfaction to be enjoyed regularly. The need to have job satisfaction can be achieved by identifying the various factors that contribute to employee motivation within one's career. There also has to be a level of job security within the career. Careers with high salary appeal as well as incentives can considerably offset anxiety resulting from the cost of living and other costs. Another factor that must be critically evaluated includes the security associated with retirement from a career. The selected career must be able to provide some form of benefit when the individual retires.
CONCLUSION
Career selection can be challenging as well as stressful. Nonetheless, identifying a unique career that one fits in based on their expectations, soft skills, preferences and academic credentials can be fascinating experience and preferred decision to live with for one's career life. Evaluating and undertaking the strategies identified to reach a justified decision on which career to choose can be a daunting task but with worthwhile lifelong decision.

At London School of Management Education (LSME), we endeavour to support our cherished students with career guidance and selection advisory services. Our courses and programmes are strategically selected to enable you achieve gainful employment after completion. Whether you aim to become a teacher, an instructor, an administrator, a health and social care professional, a customer service professional and a career in business management etc. then you are in safe hands with the best of customized and effective educational experience at LSME.

We eagerly await you to be part of our success story.

Have a blessed week and hope to connect with you soon with another educative article.
REFERENCES

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Career Selection: Strategies For Best Choice - LSME

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The continually increasing number of options has resulted in a challenge that tends to impede the ability of an individual to make career choice. This seemingly insurmountable task coupled with its resulting pressure can cause significant stress in selecting and pursuing a career. The thousands of career options currently presented to students make it challenging [...]

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What career best fits your personality? This free career aptitude test can give you insight into your job personality. Based on a characterization of your personality in terms of Holland Code personality types, you will learn what kind of work environments, occupations and skills suit you best. The results of this career assessment test provide you with a list of professions and occupations that fit your career personality and will guide you on your career path.

Choose a career that matches your skills and preferences. You will increase your chances of being successful! Take this career quiz and get your results right now!
(We also offer practice aptitude tests for assessment training if that's what you are looking for.)
Career test instructions

It takes five to ten minutes to complete this free career test. You will see fifteen sets of four pictures that show specific work activities. You must choose only one work activity that appeals to you the most and one that appeals to you the least.

Do not choose a work activity based on the status or money associated with it. Do not make your choice based on gender or race. Just imagine yourself performing the task shown and decide if you would like to do it or not.

If you like doing the activity, click the on the picture. If you do not like doing the activity, click the on the picture. You must choose a like and dislike for each set.

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Career test (2023) - Free online aptitude test - 123test.com

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This career test will help you find out what professions fit your personality. Take this free online test right now at 123test.com and work on your career!

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Not sure what job you should do? Take our career quiz to find out your strengths, and what jobs you might enjoy. Take the Career Quiz here.

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11 Popular Career Choices (Plus Tips for Choosing a Career)

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11 Popular Career Choices (Plus Tips for Choosing a Career)

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Calm your interview nerves with this advice on the best ways to prepare for an interview, example interview questions, tips on interview technique, practice psychometric tests, and help with phone and video interviews.

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Got an interview coming up? Take a look at our advice to make sure you are fully prepared.

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Getting a job can seem like a daunting task, but don't crumble under the pressure. Whether you network at careers fairs, impress recruiters with your strong online presence or demonstrate your skills on a graduate programme, there are plenty of routes into your ideal role.

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Discover how to choose a career, how recruitment agencies can help you and where else you can find a job.

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Get an insight into the UK's industries and find out about jobs, training, and key issues.

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As a careers information officer you'll identify, analyse and assess the suitability and value of information relevant to a careers service or careers information unit.

You'll develop strategies for information planning, procurement, provision and management to meet current and anticipated needs, while considering budgeting constraints.

As well as providing a service to current and former students and work colleagues, you'll also work with external users, such as other organisations and clients.

You may also be responsible for other areas within the service, which are not necessarily information-related, for example:

overseeing quality standards issues

coordinating, organising and administering general training

liaising with clients about employment and training opportunities

planning and hosting events for the service's users.

Responsibilities

As a careers information officer, you'll need to:

source relevant careers information and present it in a way that's accessible to the user

organise, classify, maintain and store information, often using computer applications for access and retrieval

search for information, using hard copy and electronic formats

answer information enquiries from service users and work colleagues

provide information support to colleagues within the service and to outside associates

market, advertise and publicise the service

plan and give presentations and information unit tours

represent the service at internal and external events

collect and analyse data for evaluation of the service

write reports, blogs, web articles and publications

plan, design and supervise IT and website provision

liaise with other information providers

use social media, for example Twitter and LinkedIn, to communicate information

collect, collate and present statistical data.

In a more senior role, such as careers information manager, you may also need to:

recruit, train and supervise information and support staff

plan and control the information-provision budget.

The size of the organisation you work for may have an impact on certain aspects of the job, such as the amount of routine 'housekeeping' tasks, supervision of information staff and the potential for specialisation.

Salary

Starting salaries for careers information officers typically range from £18,000 to £22,000.

With experience, you can earn between £22,000 and £28,000.

Depending on your experience and qualifications, salaries can rise to in excess of £30,000.

Income figures are intended as a guide only.

Working hours

Working hours are typically 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. You may need to work some weekends or evenings to meet client needs.

What to expect

The work tends to be office-based, working mainly with other staff and clients.

Jobs are available in careers services and careers units throughout the country.

Some tasks, such as updating information and gathering statistics, may be cyclical and performed at the same times each year.

There is little opportunity for self-employment and freelance work, although part-time work and career breaks are possible.

You won't generally need to travel, unless you work on a number of separate sites. You may need to travel to attend training and conferences.

Qualifications

This area of work is open to graduates of all subjects. You may get a job with an HND or foundation degree only, although employers tend to prefer a degree.

You may be able to enter the profession with other qualifications, such as the Level 4 NVQ Diploma in Advice and Guidance (SVQ Level 4 Advice and Guidance), if you also have relevant skills and experience.

Although you don't need a postgraduate qualification, an MA or MSc in librarianship or information science/management may help with competition for jobs. For details of accredited degrees and Masters, see the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) accredited qualifications.

Search postgraduate courses in information science.

Skills

You'll need to show:

excellent oral communication skills, to respond effectively to a range of enquiries

effective writing skills, for communicating information in a variety of different mediums and to a range of audiences

the ability to deal effectively with people, using tact, courtesy and patience

intellectual ability - breadth of knowledge, a retentive memory and the skills to think laterally

information retrieval and research skills, using hard copy, digital and electronic formats

a flexible approach to work

good IT skills, including knowledge of web applications and use of social media tools

good organisational and time management skills

problem-solving analytical skills

customer service skills

a logical and methodical approach to work.

Work experience

It's useful to have pre-entry experience in library, information or guidance work. Marketing, administrative or research experience is also relevant.

Voluntary work or work shadowing at your university or college careers service can be helpful and will provide a useful insight into the range of skills required and activities involved in careers information work.

Competition is keen for all posts and in some cases you may need to take on a role as a careers information assistant before moving into an officer role.

Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available.

Employers

Employment may be in any organisation with a careers information service or unit, particularly:

university and college careers services

careers consultancies

careers publishers

careers software houses and website providers

government departments

private careers services

recruitment and employment agencies.

Small services' facilities may require an information officer to complete basic administrative tasks such as booking appointments, photocopying or dealing with vacancy information.

In organisations where there are several information points, such as some private careers services, information officers may have little contact with service customers. Instead, they may fulfil a more consultancy-type role, supporting the initial contact staff within individual units and working with external organisations, such as schools, to offer advice on the contents of their careers libraries.

Look for job vacancies at:

Professional development

Courses and training opportunities vary depending on your employer. You'll typically learn on the job and undertake in-house training as well as external courses in information provision, or related areas such as web development and using social media.

AGCAS and CILIP provide training opportunities in specific areas, such as:

challenges of careers work in higher education

collection management

information in the digital age

guidance skills

employer engagement and labour markets

writing for the web.

There are a variety of options available, from short courses to post-experience certificates, diplomas and MAs, delivered via seminars, conferences, taught or research courses and through more informal meetings and discussion groups.

You may undertake postgraduate or professional qualifications in more specialised areas, such as librarianship or information science/management, IT or careers guidance.

Other bodies, such as employers' groups, may offer day events where information staff can broaden their knowledge and understanding of a specific occupation, employing organisation or area of work.

Career prospects

There may be little scope for advancement once you've progressed through the pay scale of a particular post, although there are some opportunities to progress to an information manager role, with responsibility for managing a team of information officers and assistants. Moving from a small service to a larger one may provide more scope for progression.

If you have an interest in guidance, there are opportunities to undertake guidance training and move into a careers adviser or employability adviser post. Alternatively, you could gain chartered librarianship status and move into a librarian role.

Depending on your area of interest, there may also be opportunities to move into IT or marketing roles.

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As a careers information officer you'll identify, analyse and assess the suitability and value of information relevant to a careers service or careers information unit. You'll develop strategies for information planning, procurement, provision and management to meet current and anticipated needs, while considering budgeting constraints.

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London Borough of Hillingdon - Hillingdon Young Volunteers Award

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The Hillingdon Young Volunteers Award (HYVA) programme is a volunteering project for young people, delivered in partnership with Uxbridge United Welfare Trusts.

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WHY IS WORK EXPERIENCE SO IMPORTANT FOR YOUR STUDENTS?

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WHY IS WORK EXPERIENCE SO IMPORTANT FOR YOUR STUDENTS?

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Work experience can add considerable clout to a student's CV, and if they're thinking of applying to uni, some professional credibility will look great on their UCAS personal statement. Here are our top five tips for work experience success.
Did you know lack of experience is the number one reason employers turn young job applicants away?*
As you know, some 'real world' experience can add considerable clout to a student's CV, and if they're thinking of applying to uni, some professional credibility will look great on their UCAS personal statement.

Contrary to what your students may think, work experience isn't about making the tea and photocopying! In fact, there are charters out there that are reinventing work experience to ensure young people are getting genuine value and real life skills from their placements. The Skills for Stroud Work Experience Charter was developed by Stroud District Council to set the standard for work placements for young people in the area. The scheme provides businesses, schools, and colleges with a quality mark of accreditation to ensure their work experience programmes genuinely prepare young people for the world of work. It is based on principles developed by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), and guidelines from the Association of Colleges.
29% of employers say experience is critical when recruiting young people, and a further 45% say it is significant.*
In other countries, gaining experience of the workplace while at school is much more commonplace. For example, in Australia and the Netherlands - both of which have low rates of youth employment - it is normal for work experience to be integrated into education.

Work may be the last thing they want to think about, but encourage your students to use their school holidays off to do something productive, which will pay dividends later on. In the recent report from the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES), employers stated that work experience was, in most cases, more or as important to them as GSCEs in maths and English when they were recruiting.

Our top five tips for work experience success:

1. Do something that interests you. If you want to pursue a career in journalism, for example, try to get work experience at a paper or magazine. In many cases, employers want to be approached so don't be afraid to contact your local businesses to see if they have opportunities available.

2. Research the company before you go. Make sure you know who you are reporting to, what the company does, its aims and values, and who its customers are.

3. Make a note of the skills you learn. This will help when writing your CV or UCAS personal statement. It'll be useful to demonstrate to universities and potential employers in the future how well you can manage your time, communicate, and work with others.

4. Ask questions. Don't be afraid to ask relevant questions as it can often show you are interested in the company and keen to learn more.

5. Follow up with a thank you note. Keep in contact with the organisation/company following your work experience. You never know, there may be further opportunities available in the future.

*Source: UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES)

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Why is work experience so important for your students?

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Work experience can add considerable clout to a student's CV, and if they're thinking of applying to uni, some professional credibility will look great on their UCAS personal statement. Here are our top five tips for work experience success.

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Six things you need to know before making your final A-level choices

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Six things you need to know before making your final A-level choices

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Whether you've already decided your A-levels for next year or you're struggling to decide, here are six pieces of advice to help you make the right A-level choices.
Already have some A-level subjects in mind? See where they'll take you with our A-level Explorer, including possible degree and career paths you could be embarking on.
What A-levels should you take?

Choosing a handful of subjects to take at A-level isn't a decision you should take lightly. The A-levels you pick now can impact what you do later, namely the courses you can apply to at university (and which universities will consider you).

That said, if you don't know what you want to do in the future, you can still make smart choices now that will leave you in the best position in two years' time.

Follow our six steps further down and you won't go wrong with your A-level choices...

1. Certain A-level subjects may help with university course options

For some university degree courses, you'll need to have studied specific subjects at A-level (or equivalent). Our A-level Explorer tool can help you see where the subjects you're considering might take you. The Russell Group provides a similar tool on its own website.

If you've already got a specific university course in mind, you can check university websites for any required A-level subjects.

But if you're not yet sure about university plans, you can keep your options open by choosing a range of A-level subjects. Being broad with your choices can be helpful. Some universities discourage students from taking certain combinations of A-level subjects, particularly when subjects are very similar like business studies and economics - something to bear in mind when you're making A-level choices.

A note on facilitating subjects

While you're looking at your options, you may hear about 'facilitating subjects'. This was a list of subjects previously published by the Russell Group; a list that was intended to help students choose the subjects that were most commonly asked for in universities' entry requirements.

This list was scrapped in 2019. At the time, the group said it had become "misinterpreted" by students as being a list of the only subjects that top universities would consider.

The list of facilitating subjects:

Biology

Chemistry

Physics

English literature

Geography

History

Maths and further maths

Modern languages

Classical languages

So, don't assume that the above subjects are the only ones worth taking..

2. A-levels are a lot tougher than GCSEs

The reason you take a particular subject at A-level will come down to one (or more) of these three scenarios (usually):

you need it to pursue a particular career

it's a subject you enjoy and are good at

it's a subject you've not studied before but you think will suit you

Either way, be prepared for a big jump in the level of difficulty when you transition from GCSE to A-level (or any other Advanced level qualification for that matter).

You'll also see differences in the way you're taught and in what is expected of you.

3. Certain uni courses will look for specific A-levels

This is really important if you have a particular degree in mind. You won't be able to apply to some degree courses without having taken some specific A-levels (and scored the right grades in them too, of course).

Below are a few examples to give you an idea of what to expect (some are no-brainers)...

For more guidance on what to study at A-level to go on to particular degree subjects, see our full list of uni subjects for more information about their typical A-level requirements.

Tip: check out the full entry requirement details for a handful of courses across different unis to make sure you're ticking all the boxes within your subject.

Search for a course now to see its full entry requirements and more.

4. Some courses and unis have lists of subjects they don't accept

Particular courses - take, for instance, an architecture course at the University of Bath - will view certain A-levels as less effective preparation for university studies than others.

Similarly, some universities - such as the University of Sheffield - actually list which A-level subjects they prefer.

Others, like the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), have 'non-preferred' subject lists.

If your subject choices don't match up, you shouldn't necessarily discount the course, or be put off from taking a creative or vocational A-level subject you're really interested in. Just make sure you're satisfying an entry requirements with the other A-level subjects you're taking.

Are there easy A-levels?

This is a subjective question - what you find 'easy', another student may find difficult.

You shouldn't look for A-levels to get an easy string of A* grades anyway. Doing so may result in taking subjects you have no interest in, as well as restrict your future options.

As we've pointed out above, universities and courses will have subjects they require and those they don't accept. Keep this in mind, and choose subjects you enjoy and are good at.

5. Know myth from reality

Don't take everything you hear at face value or based on what a friend/older sibling/girlfriend's hairdresser says - the reality might be quite different. It's always worth investigating things yourself so you get the full picture.

While entry requirements are often a minimum set of criteria you have to meet, a university may view you differently from another candidate based on your personal statement or your portfolio if your predicted grades just miss the mark. Don't rely on preconceived assumptions or what you hear through someone else from their experience. Double-check your facts with the university or department themselves.

6. Many unis and courses will consider you whatever you choose

Question: Accountancy, anthropology, archaeology, banking, business studies, classical civilisations, hospitality, information science, law, management, marketing, media studies, philosophy, politics, psychology, public relations, religious studies/theology, retail management, social work, sociology, surveying, television, travel and tourism...

What do these subjects have in common?

Answer: They will all consider a very wide range of A-level choices and do not normally have essential subject requirements! So don't get too bogged down in essential A-levels you have to take.

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Six things you need to know before making your final A-level choices

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Check out our six need-to-know pieces of advice to help you make the right A-level choices.

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Click on any of the links to get more information about a qualification.

When you are choosing your post 16 options find out what qualifications are on offer in school, at your local college and through training in work.

Always get advice on the best qualification to suit you and your future plans. Talk to your parents, teachers, tutors or a careers adviser.

You can plan out a possible route through the different qualification levels by clicking on the 'choice' buttons. Your choices will be saved in Career Tools.

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Click on any of the links to get more information about a qualification. When you are choosing your post 16 options find out what qualifications are on offer in school, at your local college and through training in work. Always get advice on the best qualification to suit you and your future plans.

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The TARGETcareers Degree Explorer is here to help you choose the right degree course for you.

By completing this two-stage assessment you will receive a ranked list of the university subjects that match your interests. From this list you can explore each recommendation in more depth. The assessment usually takes about 20 minutes to complete.

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The TARGETcareers Degree Explorer is here to help you choose the right degree course for you. By completing this two-stage assessment you will receive a ranked list of the university subjects that match your interests. From this list you can explore each recommendation in more depth.

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Take the first step towards a career today

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Apprenticeships with GetMyFirstJob. A whole new way to find your first Apprenticeships, Degree Apprenticeships, Work Experience or Graduate Job, with world class employers and training providers

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