31 August 2021

Many construction jobs will require a degree or equivalent qualification, which begs the question: what A levels do you need to study a construction degree?

A level subjects such as maths, science (especially physics) and design and technology are particularly useful for construction degrees, especially if you’re interested in engineering. But the construction industry is incredibly varied, so there isn’t a one size fits all approach to A levels.

Other subjects such as geography, computing, art, modern foreign languages and others are increasingly sought after within the profession. So if you’re about to embark on studying A levels after completing your GCSEs, or whether you’re an adult learner looking for further qualifications, it can be a minefield to decide which subjects may be most suited to your desired career.

Let’s take a look at which career paths are most likely to require degrees, and which A levels you should study to get onto a degree.

What roles are likely to require a university degree?

First off, lets explore why gaining a degree is useful.

Degrees open doors to certain career paths that just aren’t possible with other qualifications or work experience. Having a degree will help you apply for higher-level jobs after graduation, likely leading to higher wages throughout your career. Going to university is a fantastic opportunity to broaden your horizons and meet people from all walks of life.

Not all construction jobs require degrees; in fact, most don’t. But many of the specialised, high-wage jobs do – so if you’re interested in any of the below career paths, you will likely need a degree to pursue it:

  • Construction management
  • Surveying
  • Architecture or architectural technology
  • Engineering (such as civil or structural engineering)
  • Landscape architecture
  • Archaeology 
  • Town or urban planning
  • Ecology or environmental consultation
  • Sustainability
  • Heritage conservation

What are the minimum A levels required to go to university?

Universities set their own entry requirements for higher education courses, and these vary widely depending on the subject, the specific course, and the course provider.

A levels, or Advanced Highers in Scotland, are usually converted into UCAS points when deciding entry requirements. This makes it simpler for universities to compare applicants by converting all eligible qualifications into points.

Generally, for construction degree courses, you will need at least two A levels to go to university – although for most subjects you will need three A levels at a C grade or above.

Let’s take a look at an example: construction management, one of the most popular construction degree courses usually requires at least 96 UCAS points to gain entry. This equates to CCC across three A level subjects. It can be achieved with 2 A levels, but would require an A grade in both, so achieving good passes (C or above) across three A level subjects is sufficient for many construction degree courses – and this should be viewed as the minimum.

You can find further information surrounding UCAS points and A level subjects here.

What subjects should you take?

Deciding which A level subjects to take will largely depend on the job you’d like after graduation from university. For example, if you would like to work in ecology or environmental services, subjects such as geography and biology would be particularly useful. Alternatively, if you’re interested in engineering, subjects such as maths and physics are worth considering.

The most important thing is to conduct your own research. If you’re currently doing your GCSEs and are considering which A levels to take, sites such as UCAS or Prospects have plenty of resources to help you out.

If you’re under 16 and not sure which job may be right for you, take Go Construct’s Career Explorer which uses your interests and skills to find the right job for you.

If you’re still unsure which A levels to take, there are some subjects, known as ‘facilitating subjects’, which are well viewed by most universities and employers and can help open more doors for you. They are:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Computing
  • English
  • Geography
  • History
  • Maths
  • Modern and classical languages
  • Physics.

Don’t forget: there’s no such thing as a ‘bad’ A level! They are all useful, but the above are good general subjects, and subjects such as maths, physics and computing are viewed particularly well within construction.

Degrees and entry requirements

Now we know more about A levels and which construction jobs are most likely to require degrees, lets delve into some of the most popular construction-related degree subjects and find out their entry requirements.

Construction manager degrees

Construction, or site, management is all about bringing large-scale projects together.

To get on a construction management degree, you will usually require a minimum of two A levels, with three A levels and B/C grades required for the most popular courses.

Entry requirements range from CCC to ABB, with universities commonly asking for BCC.

Useful A level subjects to take:

  • Business studies
  • Maths
  • Geography
  • Science.

To find out more about what they do, check out the construction manager job role here.

Surveying degrees

Surveying is all about identifying technical problems and finding the right solution to them.

To get on a surveying degree, you will usually require a minimum of two A levels, with three A levels and B/C grades required for the most popular courses.

Entry requirements range from CCC to AAB, with universities commonly asking for BBC.

Useful A level subjects to take:

  • Maths
  • Chemistry
  • Biology
  • Physics.

To find out more about what they do, check out the surveyor job role here.

Engineering degrees

Engineering is a large, wide reaching profession which encompasses many different roles.

To get on an engineering degree, you will usually require a minimum of two A levels, with three A levels and A/B grades required for the most popular courses.

Entry requirements range from CCC to AAA, with universities commonly asking for ABB.

Useful A level subjects to take:

  • Maths (usually essential)
  • Physics (preferred)
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Design.

To find out more about what they do, check out the civil engineer job role here.

Architecture degrees

Architecture is all about designing the world around us, so it’s an excellent course for those with an eye for art and design.

To get on to an architecture degree, you will usually need a minimum of two A levels, with three A levels and A/B grades required for the most popular courses.

Entry requirements range from CCD to AAB, with the universities most commonly asking for BBB.

Useful A level subjects to take:

  • Maths
  • Science
  • Art
  • Design and technology.

Additionally, many universities require applicants to submit a portfolio of their work, and this can be built up either inside or outside the classroom.

To find out more about what they do, check out the architect job role here.

Other routes into construction

Remember, university is just one of many routes into a rewarding career in construction. There’s also:

Apprenticeships

  • Start your career straight out of school
  • Time split between your employer and a training provider
  • Focus is on learning hands-on skills relating to a specific job role
  • Over 100 roles can be pursued through apprenticeships, with more being added
  • Earn as you learn, with no tuition fees.

T Levels

  • Focused towards technical qualifications
  • Minimum of 45 days spent in industry placements
  • Develop your skills in a college setting
  • Choose from over 25 varied courses
  • No tuition fees.

Traineeships

  • Prepares you for work or an apprenticeship
  • Provides hands-on work experience and support with preparing CVs and applying for jobs
  • Boosts literacy and numeracy skills
  • Hundreds of opportunities available.

College

  • Course lengths vary – from weeks to years!
  • Gain further education and build technical, vocational or academic skills
  • Prepare for a specific career path or higher-level qualifications
  • Study in person or online
  • Choose from hundreds of course types – from joinery to accounting, and everything in between.

More information

For further advice on starting out in the industry, check out our construction careers section. 

And don’t forget to follow us on social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. 

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