general studies critical thinking subjects

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General Studies A-Level: What Was it & What's Replaced it?

• April 25, 2022

When did General Studies A-Level finish?

What is general studies, what kinds of questions were on a general studies a-level past paper, is general studies a good a-level, what is taught in general studies, what replaced the general studies a-level, what are applied general qualifications.

The Department for Education and the exams regulator, Ofqual, decided to stop offering General Studies in 2017. As well as cancelling A-Level General Studies other subjects such as Citizenship Studies, Communication and Culture, Humanities, Leisure Studies, Pure Mathematics, Statistics, and World Development were also dropped . 

In 2010, 46,916 students sat the General Studies A-Level. By 2019 only 40 people were entered for the exam, a shocking decline of 99.9%! In 2020, the General Studies A-Level was no longer available. 🚫

Although General Studies was first introduced as an A-Level option way back in the 1950s, it was never really very well understood. In job interviews graduates with the qualification were often asked “So, what are General Studies A-Level?” or “What does General Studies mean?”. 

In a nutshell, A-Level General Studies was designed to give UK students a well-rounded education and a broad knowledge of how British society and politics worked. The idea was to produce better-informed citizens. Typical lessons involved debates and discussions about current events or other topics on the syllabus. Students were expected to learn critical thinking skills, develop arguments, analyse information and come up with conclusions.

The A-Level was made compulsory by some schools who wanted to boast that all their pupils did at least four A-Levels or as a way to fill in the timetable, adding extra unnecessary study to the already heavy workloads of their students. Other more sceptical schools saw the subject as fairly worthless and refused to offer it as an option. 🙅

It’s usually a hard task to predict what topics will be on any A-Level exam but with General Studies A-Level, it was almost impossible! You could get asked questions about road tax, GM crops, religious beliefs, or any number of other topics. One paper even started off by asking students to compare kitchens !

The important thing was that you had the thinking skills to analyse the given information and put forward good arguments. There were science and maths papers, but essay questions were the biggest part of most General Studies exams.

General Studies A-Level may have been meant to give students a broad education to prepare for life outside school, but unfortunately, many universities didn’t agree. They often didn’t see it as a worthwhile qualification. Either they only counted it as a fourth or fifth A-Level or refused to consider it worth any UCAS points at all like most of the 24 Russell group universities including Oxford, Cambridge and Edinburgh.

Universities weren’t the only ones sceptical about the value of the General Studies A-Level. While some students who chose the subject saw it as an easy way to get an extra A-Level, others were often disappointed at the lack of academic challenge and often wondered: "Is General Studies a waste of time?". ⌛

Hayley Molley, who went on to study at the University of Northampton, told the Guardian that she didn’t feel like she learned anything from General Studies. 

“I don’t think there was any point in the lessons – I never revised and I still passed,” she said.

According to Oliver Brown , 17, who studied at Wickersley school and sports college, all the universities he had applied to “specifically say they don’t accept General Studies as an A-Level”.

He complained that this made it “more of a hindrance – with a low grade – than a help to make a competitive application”.

Ryan Hamilton , who went on to become a pharmacist said he “would have found it more useful to have taken another A-Level”.

“At my college, we did the whole A-Level in one year, which shows how easy it is to pass. It would be better to replace it with a more useful subject such as English , Maths or one of the core sciences.” 

The list of A-Level General Studies subjects is quite varied. Students were introduced to ideas in topics from areas including Culture, Ethics, Literature, Language, Mathematics, Politics, Science, And Technology. Homework often involved reading newspapers, writing essays and preparing for debates. 

While the General Studies A-Level is no longer available, in many schools and colleges you can choose to do A-Level-equivalent Applied General qualifications instead. ♻

Applied General qualifications are advanced level qualifications that allow you to learn knowledge and skills that are valued by universities and companies. Unlike most A-Levels, they focus less on theory and more on practical knowledge and a wide range of skills useful for different careers, for example in Law, Creative and Media industries, and Business.

Applied General qualifications include:

• AQA Level 3 Extended Certificates
• CISI Level 3 Diplomas
• IFS Level 3 Certificates
• OCR Cambridge Technicals
• TLM Level 3 Certificate
• WJEC Level 3 Certificates and Diplomas

Available subjects differ depending on the exact qualification you choose but there is a wide choice, including:

• Agriculture
• Art and Design
• Business & Law
• Commercial Enterprise
• Construction
• Engineering
• Environmental Conservation & Animal Care
• Health & Social Care and Child Development & Wellbeing
• Horticulture
• Hospitality
• Information & Communication Technology
• Manufacturing Technologies & Transport Operations
• Mathematics
• Media & Publishing
• Performing Arts
• Planning & the Built Environment
• Sociology & Social Policy
• Travel & Tourism

The courses are planned with teachers, higher education institutions and professional associations working together. Companies such as  IBM, Jaguar Land Rover, Kings College Hospital, Siemens and Fujitsu, and UK Athletics have also helped design Applied General Qualifications.

Some Applied General qualifications can be used to apply for university or higher education courses at other institutions on their own and others can be used as a supplement to your A-Levels. The top grade in many Applied General qualifications is equivalent to an A* at A-Level or 56 UCAS points. 🎓

If you’re interested in Applied General qualifications, you can check out how many UCAS points a course is worth using this points calculator and look up the admissions requirements for different university courses here .

Applied General qualifications are also a good path toward employment and higher-level training, such as apprenticeships if you’re not necessarily focused on going to university .

Whether you’re doing straight A-Levels or choosing to take Applied General qualifications, GoStudent is here to help and support you throughout your studies. We have professional, patient and highly knowledgeable tutors available for one-to-one tuition in a wide range of subject areas. What’s more, if you click here now you can try out a trial tutoring session completely free!

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general studies and critical thinking subjects

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What Can You Do With a General Studies Degree?

Are you ready to discover your college program?

A general studies major can explore myriad liberal arts subjects, developing sharp critical-thinking and communication skills.

General studies majors build their degrees around their coursework, interests, and career goals, covering a wide range of topics. The flexibility of a general studies degree appeals to learners who have widely varied academic interests and transfer students whose existing credits do not fit easily into a single major.

The interdisciplinary coursework of a general studies major can prepare graduates for many career paths, depending on what classes they choose.

General Studies Degree Curriculum

During a general studies major, students take the same general education classes that other majors take, including courses in English, math, and the social and life sciences. Unlike regular majors, general studies programs allow students to use the rest of their credits as electives, selecting courses from a variety of subjects, like business, information technology, anthropology, or criminal justice. Typically, students must choose a couple fields of study to concentrate on, but they aren’t limited to a single field.

This section explores common classes for the degree, but remember that general studies students often set their own curricula and take many additional courses.

• English Composition: English composition builds strong persuasive reasoning and writing skills. Students learn to organize their ideas and express them effectively. Composition courses train learners in diverse types of writing, including business writing, persuasive writing, and descriptive writing.
• Social Impact of Technology: Courses on the social impact of technology explore the relationship between technology and culture, ethics and technology, and the unintended consequences of technological change.
• Public Speaking: Public speaking encourages communication skills. Learners examine the principles of spoken communication, practical applications of public speaking skills, and ways to enhance presentations. This course helps professionals in fields like business, the public sector, the nonprofit sector, and sales.
• Statistics: Statistics trains students in data analysis. Coursework covers approaches to hypothesis testing, probability theory, and statistical computing. Fields like business, marketing, and technology all rely on statistics.
• Art History: Art history explores visual culture, including architecture and the fine arts. The field strengthens research and analytical skills by exploring artistic trends, historical contexts, and cultural frameworks.
• Anthropology: Anthropology studies humanity from its inception through its modern-day form. Courses cover cultural diversity, the evolution of cultural institutions like politics and religion, and the links between biology and culture.
• Life Sciences: The life sciences explore biology at every level, including cells and complex ecosystems. Students examine natural selection, genetics, the origin of life, and molecular biology. Life sciences also include classification systems and biodiversity.

Pros and Cons of a General Studies Degree

A general studies major offers several pros, including the ability to customize your degree. However, before pursuing a general studies degree, prospective students should consider the cons, as well.

Pros of a General Studies Degree

Cons of a general studies degree, what kinds of general studies degrees are there.

Students can earn general studies degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels, allowing them to customize their coursework. The interdisciplinary approach of a general studies degree prepares students for many careers after graduation. This section explores common concentration options, graduation requirements, and job opportunities for general studies degrees.

— Associate Degree in General Studies

An associate degree in general studies blends coursework from diverse disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, business, information technology, and STEM. During a two-year associate degree, general studies majors take introductory courses in different fields.

A general studies major also fulfills the general education requirements for a bachelor’s degree at many four-year colleges. This means learners with associate degrees in general studies can transfer directly into four-year colleges to pursue bachelor’s degrees in more specific majors. Earning an associate degree can also lead to careers like administrative assistant or social services assistant.

— Bachelor’s Degree in General Studies

A bachelor’s degree in general studies lets undergraduates design an interdisciplinary curriculum around their academic interests. During a general studies major, learners customize their coursework to focus on what interests them, including subjects like business, creative writing, information technology, or communication. Similar degrees include a bachelor’s in interdisciplinary studies or liberal studies.

Completing a bachelor’s degree generally takes four years of full-time enrollment. Transfer students or those who choose an accelerated bachelor’s program often earn their degrees in less time. After graduating with a bachelor’s in general studies, professionals pursue careers in sales, business, the public sector, and nonprofit organizations.

— Master’s Degree in General Studies

A master’s degree in general studies or a closely related program, like a master’s in liberal studies, offers graduate-level coursework in the humanities and social sciences. Depending on the program, graduate students may also take science, mathematics, or technical courses. A general studies program often allows enrollees to design their own interdisciplinary curriculum, aligning with their professional goals.

Earning a master’s degree typically takes two years for full-time students, though many universities offer part-time, online, and accelerated options as well. With master’s degrees in general studies, graduates can pursue careers as editorial directors, survey researchers, brand managers, and business analysts.

Accreditation for General Studies Programs

Prospective general studies majors should always choose regionally accredited colleges . Regionally accredited schools meet the highest standards for educating students and granting degrees. Accredited degrees also meet the requirements for professional licenses and certifications. Students attending accredited institutions also qualify for federal financial aid programs.

What Can You Do With a Degree in General Studies?

General studies majors pursue many different careers after earning their degrees. Courses in liberal arts, business, and STEM encourage strong critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills. These abilities can lead to careers in fields like business, public relations, public health , social services, and the nonprofit sector.

As general studies majors explore their career goals and hone their interests, they may consider transferring into more specific majors or picking up a minor. For example, a student who finds themselves drawn to accounting classes might switch to a finance degree , or students who enjoy political science courses might pursue a criminal justice degree .

Similarly, pursuing internships and paid work opportunities during college helps general studies majors focus their resumes and demonstrate experience in specific areas. Internships and work experience also help undergrads develop practical experience.

Many business careers require strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. With a general studies degree, graduates can work as human resources specialists, loan officers, and insurance sales agents . These professionals interact with customers, analyze data, and help businesses operate smoothly.

General studies majors who complete courses in business, human resources, and finance gain the knowledge and skills necessary for diverse business careers. A business degree also prepares majors for these jobs.

Social and Behavioral Sciences

The social and behavioral sciences include careers in psychology, social work, and human services. Entry-level careers in the social and behavioral sciences include social and human service assistant, psychiatric technician, and substance abuse counselor. Assistant and technician roles typically require candidates to have associate degrees, while caseworkers and counselors often need bachelor’s degrees.

A general studies degree with coursework in psychology, the social sciences, and social work prepares graduates for careers in the social and behavioral sciences. A psychology degree also leads to opportunities in these fields.

Marketing and Communications

Marketing and communications careers require strong critical thinking and communication skills. A general education degree prepares graduates for careers like advertising sales agent, market research analyst, and public relations specialist. With work experience or a graduate degree, marketing and communications professionals can advance into managerial roles.

Courses that emphasize communication, writing, and analysis benefit marketing and communications professionals. A communication degree also helps people considering careers in marketing, public relations, or advertising.

Professional Organizations

Association for interdisciplinary studies, national humanities alliance, association for general & liberal studies, frequently asked questions about general studies, what kind of salary can i earn with a general studies degree.

Professionals with a general studies degree earn many different salaries, given the degree’s broad application. According to PayScale , general studies majors earn around $60,000 per year, as of spring 2021.

What Is a Bachelor’s in General Studies Good for?

A bachelor’s in general studies strengthens critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills. The degree leads to opportunities in fields like business, public relations, social services, and the nonprofit sector.

Is a General Associate Degree Worth It?

A general studies degree at the associate level provides an interdisciplinary education, and many programs at the associate level meet the general education transfer requirements for bachelor’s degrees. This makes them an affordable option for many students seeking bachelor’s degrees.

Does a General Studies Degree Look Bad?

General studies majors pursue an interdisciplinary curriculum that includes humanities, social science, and natural science coursework. While the degree’s broad nature lacks the specificity of most programs, many career paths do not require bachelor’s degrees in specific subjects, so graduates still qualify for many careers.

Genevieve Carlton

Genevieve Carlton holds a Ph.D. in history from Northwestern University. After earning her doctorate in early modern European history, Carlton worked as an assistant professor of history at the University of Louisville, where she developed new courses on the history of science, Renaissance Italy, and the witch trials. Carlton has published five peer-reviewed articles in top presses and a monograph with the University of Chicago Press. She also earned tenure with a unanimous vote before relocating to Seattle. Learn more about Carlton’s work at genevievecarlton.com .

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Which subjects develop critical thinking?

09 nov which subjects develop critical thinking.

Critical thinking is a question for the whole curriculum, but some subjects are more suitable for developing critical thinking skills than others. In STEM subjects, lots of good problem-solving thinking is not critical thinking. But in HASS (Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences) subjects, problem solving is often an exercise in pure critical thinking.

For example, typical exam problems in A level RE are: “To what extent was Jesus merely a political liberator?” and “‘Good’ is meaningful. Discuss.” They require analysis and evaluation of competing arguments, some interpretation of sources, and the creation of an argument for the student’s point of view. These are all critical thinking skills. Typical exam problems in A level chemistry are: “Calculate a value for the enthalpy of lattice formation of MgO.” and “Explain the bonding in and the shape of a benzene molecule.” These problems require understanding of chemistry, mathematical skill and some creativity, but not critical thinking skills.

Put simply, critical thinking is needed when the answer to the question could go ‘either way’ and the student has to make an argument for their point of view. In STEM subjects up to A Level, the correct answer is never in doubt, but in HASS subjects, it is. This is not to say that STEM subjects never require critical thinking skills. All subjects require critical thinking at a high enough level, where there are problems on which even the academics disagree. But in secondary school, the HASS subjects deal with open-ended problems from year 7 onwards. Therefore these are the most suitable subjects for developing critical thinking skills at school.

All this follows from the definition of critical thinking, and how it differs from problem solving. Click the button to read our longer article based on peer-reviewed research into the theory of critical thinking

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