Choosing your Level 3 Qualifications

Level 3 Qualifications ie. A-levels and BTECs are subjects taken from the age of 16 upwards. Most Universities and Higher or Degree Apprenticeship providers use them as part of the entry criteria for specific degrees, employment, and further study or training.

There are a number of things to think about when choosing your Level 3 Qualifications. Here are some ideas to help you get started

  • Your next step entry requirements – if you plan on going to university, to a particular job or apprenticeship there may be some entry requirements you will need to meet.
  • What you’re good at – your career or degree plans may change so make sure you choose subjects you can do well in at Level 3
  • What you enjoy – if you don’t enjoy a subject at A Level but need it for a specific university course, you might want to reconsider your degree preference
  • Your subject combination – if you’re taking a science A Level, for example, you should consider whether you need to look at taking another science or maths subject
  • The syllabus – knowing the course content should tell you whether a particular A Level is the right option for you – speak to your subject teachers for more information
  • The workload you can handle – for example, some courses may involve a lot of essay writing, so be realistic about how much work you can do
  • Long term skills – how will the courses you are taking enable you to prosper personally or professionally – will you be gaining transferrable skills

 

Keeping your options Open

Don’t worry if you have absolutey no idea about what you want to do at University or for a career.  The best thing to to is to keep your options open.  You can do this by:

  • Choosing subjects you enjoy – you’ll do better in your studies if you have an interest in the subject!
  • Choose subjects in which you are predicted to get good GCSE grades – chances are you’ll do well in these subjects at A-level, too, earning yourself better grades and therefore more university options.
  • Choose a range of subjects – both humanities and science subjects. This will give you the greatest choice when it comes to applying for university.
  • Think about transferrable skills involved in different subjects. If you pick a range of subjects across these fields, you’ll have more than enough to show your capabilities in different areas. For example:
    – Essay-based subjects such as English Literature or History demonstrate analytical skills and critical thinking.
    – Science subjects such as Physics or Mathematics demonstrate logic and familiarity with scientific principles.
    – Practical subjects such as Art or Music demonstrate self-discipline and creative thinking.

 

Facilitating Subjects

There are eight ‘facilitating’ subjects listed by Russell Group universities to help you keep your degree options open until you decide which course to take.  Usually taking two facilitating subjects will keep a wide range of degrees open to you. Make sure you still choose subjects you like – you’ll be studying them for the next two years!

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • English Literature
  • Geography
  • History
  • Maths and Further Maths
  • Modern and Classical Languages
  • Physics

Whilst facilitating subjects are highly desirable there are lots of non-faciliating subjects that are very useful.  For example, Psychology and Economics are considered useful subjects for lots of courses but you don’t actually need them for a psychology or economics degree.

 

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is a Level 3 course which can be taken alongside A Levels or BTECs. You complete a project on a topic of your choice. The project can be in the form of an essay or report or an artifact e.g. a musical composition, piece of artwork or dramatic project (although these must be backed up with a written report). Depending on the grade you achieve, you can gain between 8 – 28 UCAS points.

An EPQ is a great supercurricular activity and helps you to develop a range of extra study skills, which can also prepare you for the demands of university work as many of the skills that are needed when completing the project are the same skills that are needed for university study.  It is valued by higher education institutions as it demonstrates your dedication to independent learning and is often included in offers made by institutions to applicants.  For some courses the university will make an alternative offer to an applicant based on their EPQ grade.

Hints and Tips for EPQ

  • Look at your resources – what time do you have available to work on the project? Look at your study periods and set some aside for EPQ
  • Choose a topic which really interests you and one you want to find out more about – if your passionate or enthusiastic about the topic it will show in your final artefact
  • Make sure the research question you choose is manageable – and make sure that you have enough time and the skills required to complete the question.
  • Think about your future to keep yourself motivated – the EPQ is worth up to 28 UCAS points, so by completing it you could be a step nearer to securing your place at university.
  • Refer to the assessment criteria to make sure that your project will fulfil the requirements.
  • Don’t forget to ask for help when needed – your supervisor is there to support you through the project.
  • Set yourself deadlines for each area of your project to help you keep on track – and try to stick to these as much as possible.

Click here for more information about EPQ at Whickham

 

 

Student Voice – Level 3 Qualifications at Whickham

The Student Leadership Team at Whickham have have created an Level 3 Studies Review Website to showcase why the previous Sixth formers chose their A-levels and BTECs, what they enjoyed and what you can expect from the subject.

We hope it will help you gain a better insight to the courses you are thinking about taking, helping to decide which subjects are right for you.

 

 

 

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