How can I get there?

Your British School curriculum is designed to open up the path to university, so you need not worry too much about specific IGCSE qualifications at this stage.  But there are some choices you can think about.   

If you are thinking about studying languages at university, then taking an IGCSE in your mother tongue or other language(s) you learn at school is always a good thing to do.  Your school can advise you here, as not all major languages are available as an IGCSE qualification.

If you are thinking about studying medicine at a university medical school in the United Kingdom, then you should look at the requirements at IGCSE *.   Generally they are fairly open concerning their requirements, but good passes in the basic IGCSE subjects are normally required.  You would want to aim at very good passes in IGCSE sciences and mathematics if you are serious about medical school, as normally the entrance standards are very high.

Overall, though, you should be aiming at good passes in all your IGCSEs in order to prepare for applying to university.  Developing your understanding in all your subjects, and developing good habits in terms of your independent academic interests - both will help you to develop the work-ethic and mind-set you'll need for success, not just in applying to university, but for success once you get there.

This situation will normally be fine - depending on where and how you've studied up to the entry year 12.  Your British School can advise.

Joining the British School in year 12 would mean that you will complete your school education with A Level qualifications.  Studying IGCSEs before that would be an advantage in terms of acclimatising you to the English system of examinations, but will not normally be essential in terms of university entrance. 

This is an important question, and one on which your British School will be able to advise.

Speaking generally, though, you should be thinking about A Levels not just as a 'ticket' to get to university, but also as a way of laying a foundation for specialist study at university.

This means that for studying certain subjects at university, choosing specific A Levels will be essential.  For example, if you are aiming to study at a UK university, A Levels in subjects directly related to your university degree subject will be advised, and for some degrees are essential.

For example, a top UK university medical school will normally require candidates to choose Biology and Chemistry as A Levels, plus at least one other relevant A Level subject, usually either Mathematics or Physics.  Another example would be if you wish to study a modern language at a UK university: a top UK university would normally require a modern language A Level (whenever available) in the language you are applying to study, or A Level English Literature if you were applying to study that subject.  Relevant A Levels are normally required.

Your British School will help you as you make your A Level choices, but you will need to become informed and to think about the best way of opening up paths to the kind of university degree you want.  It can be important to keep your options open for as long as possible, especially if you aren't sure which subject you would like to study at university.  Another important principle is to lay as strong a foundation as possible for university study so that you are able to make good progress on your studies when you get there.

Here is some information about A Levels generally required by UK universities for study of certain specific subjects.  

This information is for the purpose of general advice only - you should check with individual UK universities the precise details of which A Levels they will require for entry to specific courses.

Degrees from university medical schools:

• Biology 

• Chemistry 

and

• Mathematics 

or 

• Physics

Degrees in Veterinary Medicine:

• Biology 

• Chemistry 

and

• Mathematics 

or 

• Physics

Degrees in sciences (not medical sciences - for those, see above):

The specific A Level requirements will depend on which science you wish to study at undergraduate level.  

Here is a summary of the most common requirements, according to your desired science specialism:

• Biological / Life Sciences: 

Chemistry and Biology are normally required. 

One from Physics, Mathematics or Psychology also recommended.

• Chemistry: 

Chemistry and Mathematics are normally required. 

Plus one from Physics, Biology, Computing, Further Mathematics.

• Physics: 

Mathematics and Physics are normally required. 

Plus Further Mathematics or Chemistry.

• Natural Sciences (general science): 

At least two from Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Mathematics are normally required.

Further Mathematics is also useful.

• Psychology: 

At least one science such as Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics is normally required.

In addition, an essay-based subject is normally required.

• Environmental Sciences: 

At least two from Geography, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics.

Degrees in Architecture:

Most universities recommend that candidates offer A Level

• Mathematics

• Physics

and

• at least one more A Level in a relevant subject, for example at least one from Chemistry, Biology, Computing, Geology, Design & Technology, Art or Art & Design.

Degrees in Computer Science:

UK universities normally require that candidates offer A Level

• Mathematics

and 

at least two more A Levels, with Further Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science being highly relevant and recommended.

Degrees in Economics:

Most UK universities make recommendations as to which subjects will prepare you well to study Economics, rather than setting out specific requirements.  Thus, recommended A Levels tend to include

• Mathematics (strongly recommended)

• Humanities subjects such as History, English Literature, Politics, languages, Geography to demonstrate analytical and essay-writing skills.  Economics A Level will lay a good foundation for your university Economics course.

Degrees in Engineering:

• Mathematics (Further Mathematics is usually an advantageous extra)

• Physics

and

• at least one more A Level in a relevant subject: for example, at least one from Further Mathematics, Chemistry, Computing, Design & Technology, Biology, Geology or Economics.

Degrees in Law:

To study law as an undergraduate at universities in England and Wales, there tend not to be specific A Level requirements, but humanities subjects are generally recommended as they provide the kind of foundation necessary in analytical and essay-writing skills.

Degrees in languages:

Almost all degrees stipulate an A Level in the language you would like to study as a basic entry requirement.  If you're applying to study more than one language, then an A Level in that second language is usually required.  To make up the rest of the A Level profile, humanities subjects are generally recommended, as they provide the kind of foundation necessary in analytical and essay-writing skills.

Degrees in political sciences:

Generally, no specific A Levels are required, but relevant humanities subjects tend to lay a strong foundation, and indicate active interest in elements of politics degrees.  For example, A Level subjects like English, History, Economics, Government & Politics, Philosophy, and Sociology can help to demonstrate relevant skills and interests.

An EPQ is a certified project qualification which is normally taken during year 12 and year 13, and is worth 'half' an A Level qualification.  It is awarded by a UK examination authority.

EPQ means Extended Project Qualification.  The qualification enables students who are studying for A Levels to add a further qualification to their university application - the EPQ requires students to study a topic of their choosing, not linked to or part of anything studied on the taught curriculum for A Level, and a topic in which the student has a genuine interest.  

Students, having selected and agreed their research topic with the examination authority, go on to complete a structured investigation.  The structure of the project is very clear, but the topic of research is not, and and cannot be, taught.  

Thus, taking an EPQ can be a superb preparation for university study at any university.  A successful EPQ requires an inquisitive mind-set, an appetite for further academic work, and a highly organised approach.

An EPQ is supervised by the school, acting on behalf of the examination authority.  On completion of the project, the school assesses the student's approach to the project, in line with the examination authority's scheme of assessment.  It then proposes a mark to the examination authority, which the examination board scrutinises and either adjusts or approves outright.

Successful students achieve an EPQ graded at A*, A, B, C, and so forth.  The qualification can be listed in an application to university, alongside A Levels.

UK universities do not require students to offer an EPQ in their applications, as not all schools in the country offer the EPQ.  

Top UK universities often encourage students to take an EPQ, as the qualification enables the student to provide substantial evidence of independent academic interests when they make their application.  Students can write about their EPQ in their application to university, and talk about it if required to have an interview as part of the university selection process.  

For example, UCL *, one of the world's top universities, gives this advice to applicants with English qualifications: 'UCL recognises the value of EPQs as preparation for independent study, which is key to university-level study. If your EPQ topic is related to the UCL programme you are applying to, you may wish to discuss this in your personal statement.'  

EPQ's can be of particular value when applying to study a degree with very high entrance requirements.  For example, Peterhouse *, the oldest college of Cambridge University, England, states in its advice to school teachers and their students: 'The EPQ is a great opportunity for students to explore something about their favourite subject in depth, to foster their own passion for that subject and to practise the kind of independent study they would be expected to undertake at university. It can also be a topic for discussion during interviews, giving us the chance to have an academic discussion with your student about a topic they are familiar with and excited about.'

For students who are keen to develop their ability to think creatively, to research independently, to be reflective, and to develop project-management skills, the EPQ is an ideal experience.  Having a good EPQ on a university application, and later on a CV, evidences strong independent academic skills.

Getting relevant work experience is nearly always something which will be an advantage when you make a university application.  This is because the right sort of work experience can help you to find out about possible career paths and thus help you to focus in on the specific subject(s) that you might like to study at university.

The right sort of work experience can also help you to discover more about what you're good at.  It can help you to demonstrate self-determination and initiative too, as well as other qualities such as self-discipline, timekeeping, teamwork, and so on.  You can also start to develop some technical expertise as you get involved with work experience.  

In short, the right sort of work experience can give depth to a university application and can mark you out as a person who is serious about finding out more about the world of work, career paths, and exploring what you're good at.

How do you know what is the right sort of work experience?  If you're still open about the sort of career path you want after university - and many students will be - then it's up to you to identify the ways in which the work experience will help you.  

For example, experience of the normal world of work through a weekend job in a cafe will teach you about customer service, the realities of the hospitality sector in business, as well as of the importance of hard work, professionalism, integrity and general people skills.  This sort of work experience could be hugely valuable for your career journey, and will help you to focus in on possible options for university study.

To take another example - working in a lawyers' office, helping out with basic administrative tasks would give you an superb insight into the everyday life of a legal practice, helping you, perhaps, to decide whether you want to take forward your interest in studying law.  If, following the work experience, you decided that the world of law was not for you, the work experience would still be hugely relevant to you if you were able to reflect on what you learned from it about the world of professional and business life more generally.  

For some subjects, such as medicine, gaining work experience is important, and for entrance to a UK medical school, is usually essential.  Always check out carefully the entrance requirements to the courses which you are interested in.

Work experience is thus what you make of it.  Your British School will be able to discuss and advise more fully.

The really important thing you can do is to develop, and be able to demonstrate, independent academic interests related to the subject you want to study at university.  

As so much of university study is about the study you do outside lectures and tutorials, universities are keen to have evidence that you are self-motivated and genuinely interested in the subject you've applied to study.  

So you should start thinking about how you can evidence your independent academic interests - the things you do outside lesson-time as a matter of personal choice.  Your British School will help you to structure these independent interests, and your teachers will encourage you with them.  

By the time you come to draft your application at the end of year 12, you should be able to talk about your independent academic interests.  Your school life and curriculum will help you with this, and the EPQ in year 12 gives a very clear structure to encourage your interest in things outside the curriculum.  Further evidence for independent academic interests can come from a variety of sources, including:

• Books and academic articles you've read, hard copy and online

• Films & TV programmes you've watched

• Documentaries and other relevant YouTube resources you've watched

• Places you've visited (e.g. museums, historic sites, research laboratories, sites of scientific interest, national parks for geographical features, etc.)

• Online courses you've taken (e.g. MOOCs and a myriad of others)

• Languages you're studying independently (e.g. through Duolingo, Mondly, etc.)

• Instruments you're learning to play; music listening

• Relevant online games you're involved with; games you're devising

• School activities, clubs and societies you're involved in, particularly when you're taking a lead in them (for example, Model UN, school public-speaking, investment club, etc.)

• Work experience directly related to the career you want to pursue - e.g. internship at a lawyers' office, medical work experience, shadowing a politician, etc.

• Entrepreneurial activity - e.g. setting up some sort of business and a plan for it

• Voluntary work related to your interests or chosen degree course (e.g. teaching your native language to others)

• Sports you play to a high standard

And many, many more!  The key thing to demonstrate in your application to university is that you have real, passionate interests in things which are additional to your core school studies (i.e. the things you have to do at school as part of your IGCSE and A Level studies).

Please refer to the drop-down section above entitled 'Which A Levels should I choose?' - this section lists typical A Level requirements for medicine and veterinary medicine at UK universities.

GENERAL OVERVIEW

Applying for Medicine, Veterinary Medicine and Dentistry *

From the Complete University Guide

MEDICINE

Medicine and allied subjects - Subject Guide from UCAS *

A useful, detailed overview.

Application Guide from The Medic Portal *

A very useful introduction to medical school study.

Tips on getting into medicine - from The Complete University Guide *

Detailed information and advice.

The BMA *

Information from the UK's top professional body on how to apply to university to study medicine.

VETERINARY MEDICINE

Veterinary medicine *

A comprehensive, downloadable guide to becoming a vet, from the British Veterinary Association, the professional body for the UK's vets.

Veterinary Schools Council *

Another excellent downloadable guide.

DENTISTRY

Ten Tips for applying for dentistry *

From the Complete University Guide

I want to be a dentist *

A useful guide.

Medify *

A very useful introduction to UK careers in dentistry.

First, please refer to the drop-down section above entitled 'Which A Levels should I choose?' - this section lists typical A Level requirements for architecture degrees at UK universities.

Architecture, Building and Planning - Subject Guide from UCAS *

A useful, detailed overview.

The Complete University Guide - architecture *

Another useful overview, logically set out.

The Uni Guide - architecture courses *

Useful guide.

The Royal Society of British Architects (RIBA) *

Information about becoming an architect from the UK's professional body for architects.

Section under development.

For now, please refer to the section above 'Which A Levels should I choose?' - this section lists typical A Level requirements for engineering degrees at UK universities.