What are soft subjects?

Asked by: Prof. Claud Pacocha  |  Last update: March 17, 2022
Score: 4.5/5 (67 votes)

'Soft' subjects are usually subjects with a vocational or practical bias, for example: Media Studies, Art and Design, Photography and Business Studies. “If you plan to take more than one perceived 'soft' subject, some caution may be needed.”

What is considered a soft subject?

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 is the difference between soft and hard subjects?

“Hard” sciences include things like physics, math, and chemistry, while “soft” sciences include things like sociology and philosophy. The terms hard and soft refer strictly to the way the scientific method is used.

Is Economics a hard or soft subject?

In the UK, social mobility is associated with subject choice through attendance at 'elite' Russell Group universities. ... Russell Group (2011, but not in 2013) categorised Business Studies as a 'soft' subject and Economics as a 'hard' subject.

Is A-level sociology a soft subject?

Sociology almost always appear below facilitating subjects, accounting and media studies are also there lots too. However, some of the other allegedly 'soft' subjects are more sporadic.

Soft Subjects - Episode 1: Employable

41 related questions found

Is computer science a soft subject?

Well, not all of it; but a good part of it is. A significant subset of ComputerScience is essentially mathematics, which is as hard of a science you can get.

Is law a soft subject?

'A-level Law is viewed as a 'soft subject' if a student is hoping to study something other than Law.

Is geography a soft subject?

Geography is now 'soft option' for less clever posh kids, says Oxford professor. ... British geography departments have "some of the narrowest and poshest social profiles", according to Danny Dorling, Halford Mackinder Professor of Geography at Oxford University.

Is business studies a soft subject?

It gives media studies, art and design, photography and business studies as examples of "soft" subjects and states that they are "vocational or have a practical bias". "If you plan to take more than one perceived 'soft' subject, some caution may be needed," the guidebook warns.

What are soft GCSE subjects?

Examples of 'soft' subjects would be: Art. Business Studies. Economics. ... History of Art.

Why is it called a soft science?

Laypeople and academicians alike tend to judge fields such as sociology, psychology, and political science as "soft" because they are presumed to be understandable, devoid of mathematical rigor, and concerned with everyday concepts such as interpersonal relationships.

Is anthropology a soft science?

any of the specialized fields or disciplines, as psychology, sociology, anthropology, or political science, that interpret human behavior, institutions, society, etc., on the basis of scientific investigations for which it may be difficult to establish strictly measurable criteria.

WHAT ARE hard A level subjects?

In order of easiest to most difficult, our list of the top 15 hardest A-Levels are: Art, Design & Technology (Product Design), Business Studies, Politics, Economics, History, English Literature, Psychology, Modern Languages, Mathematics, Computer Science, Biology, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, and Physics.

What is the most respected A-level?

A-Level Maths

A-Level Maths is likely the most popular A-Level out there. 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.

Is Psychology a hard or soft A-level?

Pupils may be unknowingly ruining their chances of getting into a top university by choosing so-called 'soft' A-levels including Law, Media Studies and Psychology.

Is Psychology a good 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.

What are the easiest A-Levels?

What are the easiest A-Levels to take?
  • Business Studies. Now, despite featuring as the most difficult subject on our list of easiest A-Levels, Business Studies still boasts a pass rate of 98%. ...
  • Design & Technology (D&T) ...
  • Art. ...
  • Textiles. ...
  • Drama/Theatre Studies. ...
  • Geography.
  • Law. ...
  • Archaeology.

Is English language a soft subject?

I study sociology, media, English language and maths: a mix of "soft" and traditional subjects. ... The subjects are mathematics and further mathematics, English literature, physics, biology, chemistry, geography, history and languages.

Is sociology a good A-level?

A Level Sociology gives you a strong foundation for further study of a range of academic subjects at degree level. It is a good foundation subject as the knowledge you learn can be applied to all aspects of society and it provides a variety of academic skills especially thinking critically about the world.

Is business management a soft subject?

Business Management, IT, Theatre Arts, and Visual Arts, are usually seen as a soft subject by top universities in the UK. Even if you want to major in Business in university, Business Management isn't a prerequisite. Perhaps a better choice would be Economics.

Is philosophy a good A-level?

Philosophy is however a very good preparation and training for many other subjects (such as Law), which is why it is on the 'preferred' subject lists for many universities. If you are going to read Philosophy, having done the A Level you might have about a three month advantage over those who have not.

Is Latin A-level respected?

Many university departments look favourably on a Latin A Level. It is useful for History and Modern Languages in particular, and many science departments are wise to the benefits it provides. Also, it is an A Level respected for its difficulty, admissions tutors are impressed by a Latin qualification.

What subjects do universities prefer?

Let's consider the best subject combinations to access a wide range of undergraduate courses at UK universities.
  1. Mathematics, Physics, Further Mathematics. ...
  2. Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology. ...
  3. Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry. ...
  4. Art, Mathematics, Physics. ...
  5. History, Economics, Politics. ...
  6. Business Studies, Economics, Maths.

Is psychology good for law?

According to Michael, his psychology knowledge is particularly useful because “the better an attorney is able to understand and effectively deal with people, the more successful he/she will be in the legal profession.” Human behavior is the defining component of both psychology and the law.

Which subject is best for lawyer?

Here are the most useful high school subjects for future lawyers:
  • English. ...
  • Public speaking. ...
  • Social studies. ...
  • Science. ...
  • Mathematics. ...
  • Statistics and data science. ...
  • American history and government. ...
  • Communication.