Pupils may be unknowingly ruining their chances of getting into a leading research university by choosing so- called ‘soft’ A-level subjects, including Law, Media Studies and Psychology. This research note shines a much-needed spotlight on an admissions process that is complicated and often misleading.
What are hard and soft A-level subjects?
In fact all the facilitating subjects listed earlier can be considered ‘hard’ with the addition of others such as Economics and Politics. ‘Soft’ subjects are usually subjects with a vocational or practical bias, for example: Media Studies, Art and Design, Photography and Business Studies.
What does a soft subject mean?
“Soft” subjects teach unique skills, and might even be viewed as more difficult in some respects – there tends to be more coursework and arts and drama students put in hours in practical work.
Which subjects are easiest in A-Levels?
The 12 easiest A-Level subjects are Classical Civilisation, Environmental Science, Food Studies, Drama, Geography, Textiles, Film Studies, Sociology, Information Technology (IT), Health and Social Care, Media Studies, and Law.
Is English language a-level a soft subject?
English Language is not considered a ‘soft’ subject, but, yes, I have to agree with others and say that she probably has no idea what it’s actually like as it is very different from GCSE. If she is considering History, then English Lit would be more use as it will help her with traditional analysis and essay-writing.
Is Law A-level soft?
‘ ‘A-level Law is viewed as a ‘soft subject’ if a student is hoping to study something other than Law.
Is Economics considered soft A-level?
Our study presents a broad comparison between choices of ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ choices with a specific focus on two subjects, Economics and Business Studies. 5. Russell Group (2011, but not in 2013) categorised Business Studies as a ‘soft’ subject and Economics as a ‘hard’ subject.
Is biology a soft A-level?
For those of you wanting the short answer: A-Level Biology is quite a hard A-Level, even for the most skilled science students.
What are the most respected A-Levels?
The reason this subject is so often considered the most respected A-Level is probably due to it teaching the fundamentals of a lot of other subjects.
1. A-Level Maths
- A-Level Further Maths (very strong connection)
- A-Level Physics.
- A-Level Chemistry.
- A-Level Biology.
- A-Level Computer Science.
Is geography a soft A-level?
Geography is a ‘soft option’ for posh students who cannot do other subjects, says Oxford Professor | The Independent | The Independent.
What are the hardest A-Levels subjects?
The 12 hardest A-Level subjects are Mathematics, Further Mathematics, History, Chemistry, Biology and Physics. The list also includes English Literature, Art, Psychology, Computer Programming and Music. You might be looking at some of these subjects and thinking, “No way!
What are the best A-level combinations?
What A-Level subjects go well together? 10 great combinations you could consider
- Mathematics, Physics, Further Mathematics.
- Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology.
- Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry.
- Art, Mathematics, Physics.
- History, Economics, Politics.
- Business Studies, Economics, Maths.
- English Literature, History, Psychology.
What is the most popular A-level?
These are the 10 most popular A-levels
- Chemistry.
- History.
- Psychology.
- English literature.
- Physics. What could you study next?
- General studies. Note, many universities do not accept general studies at A-level as part of their entry requirements.
- Geography. What could you study next?
- Business studies. What could you study next?
Is PE A-level a soft option?
It isn’t a soft option though -as there is a lot of work involved and you need to be strong in biology to get a good grade but it limits your degree choices – especially if you want to go to a more academic university.
Is psychology a hard or soft a-level?
Pupils may be unknowingly ruining their chances of getting into a leading research university by choosing so- called ‘soft’ A-level subjects, including Law, Media Studies and Psychology.
Is Physics A-level hard?
A-Level Physics is considered as one of the hardest courses due to the amount and complexity of material as well as the difficulty of exam questions. Even though, the subject is quite interesting and compelling for many of the students.
How do you get an A * in law A-level?
4 Simple Tips to Get an A* in Your Law A-Level
- Tip #1: Finish (and Learn) Your Notes Early On.
- Tip #2: Be Proactive and Organised.
- Tip #3: Memorise a Good Essay Structure.
- Tip #4: Use Any Available Revision Resources.
Is economics a hard A-level?
A-Level Economics demands at least a grade C (4) in both GCSE English and GCSE Maths. Without these grades, you’ll find that this A-Level becomes very demanding. The reason you need these grades is because you need to be able to cope with the amount of work A-Level Economics will ask of you.
Is Psychology a useful A-level?
Psychology is one of the most popular subject choices at A-level. It gives you experience of scientific theory, maths & research skills, history and essay writing, so it can compliment a range of subjects.
Is computer science a soft subject?
Many practitioners do have DisciplineEnvy, and like to see CS as a HardScience. Certain disciplines within ComputerScience and SoftwareEngineering, as noted above, are soft in nature.
Is sociology A level hard?
A-Level Sociology is a very easy A-Level, with no hidden tricks. It’s just like the other sciences (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics) but there’s less content and it’s not as hard to understand.
