As a new JC student, one all-important decision you have to make within your first few weeks of school is your subject combination. Almost by instinct, you are probably considering your choices based on your interests and strengths. However, another big thing you should consider is whether those subjects can take you to the university course you are aiming for.
Well, that’s easy if you already know what university course you want to go to. But what if you have no idea?
That’s what we’re here for! We are here to provide you with some inspiration and a rough idea of which courses are popular in Singapore – and what A Level subjects you need to get into those courses. Hopefully, with a better picture of the types of courses you may be interested in, you can make your JC subject combination decision with more certainty.
Some disclaimers before we begin:
- Some of these courses have additional requirements such as portfolios, entry tests, and interviews.
- Meeting the subject requirements is not a guarantee of acceptance into the course. Other factors like the number of places and standards of applicants will also affect the difficulty of entering into a particular course in that year.
- Information in this article is accurate as of January 2024. For detailed and updated course options, please visit the respective universities’ websites.
- Singaporean students need to also meet the mother tongue (MTL) subject requirements to enter a local university course.
1. Law
Law remains a highly popular university course due to the profession’s high employment rate and lucrative salaries. You will need stellar results to enter any of the Law schools in Singapore – no doubt about that. While there are no specific subject requirements, we would say that having a strong humanities foundation would be beneficial as law is a subject that requires a lot of reading, writing, argumentative skills and critical analysis skills. Having some experience with moot parliaments or debating is probably also a good addition to your portfolio.
2. Medicine
Being a doctor is one of the most highly respected professions, and one of the most meaningful callings that one can take up. As a medical student, you will need to study and memorise huge amounts of scientific knowledge, which explains why science subjects are a prerequisite for the medicine course. Even straight As might not guarantee you a spot in medical school, but you might have a better chance if you can demonstrate desirable qualities like compassion and a heart to serve people – usually seen through volunteering experience.
3. Accountancy
Accounting is a stable and lucrative career, needed in all industries as long as money is involved. If you are good at numbers and dealing with formulae, accounting might be up your alley. It is only logical that the requirements to enter accounting courses would include math grades. While the competition to enter accountancy is not as steep as Law and Medicine, accountancy is still considered one of the more demanding and popular uni courses in Singapore.
4. Computing / Computer Science
There’s no doubt that computer science majors will continue to be high in demand, given the meteoric rise of technology that does not seem to be slowing down soon. Computer scientists, engineers, and programmers will be needed to maintain and develop technologies like phones, smart appliances, applications, and more. As computing is heavily built on logic and formulae, it makes sense that math, computing, and science subjects are what admissions officers are looking for in that ideal candidate.
5. Communication Studies
One of the most popular and in-demand humanities subjects is communication studies, which includes a spectrum of theories and skills including public relations, journalism, advertising and marketing, and many more. While the focus used to be on broadcasting media like TV, radio, and newspapers, communication studies courses these days have broadened its scope to include online and social media. Some skills like creativity and strong language abilities are an advantage for communication studies, although the subject requirements by NTU and NUS are quite general.
Note: For NUS Arts and Social Science courses, students have to enter the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences first, and declare their major after from the 2nd semester onwards.
Conclusion
It’s not possible for us to list all of Singapore’s university courses and requirements here, but we hope this gives you an idea of what you need to think about before you choose your JC subject combination. If you are targeting to enter a course which will look at your portfolio or interview, you can also start to prepare by participating in relevant activities, choosing an appropriate CCA, and developing your interview skills.
We know how hard it is to excel in JC, even with the right subject combination for yourself. But remember, you don’t have to struggle alone. Our tutors here at Future Academy, including JC Math tutors and A Level Physics tutors, have helped hundreds of students get their A’s at A Levels and achieve their target scores to enter their dream university. Meet us at our tuition centre in Braddell, Bugis, or Bukit Timah to start learning and achieving your goals.