Subject Overviews

The paper is divided into three broadly defined sections covering Accounting, Economics and Finance.

The examination consists of six questions, of which candidates must answer two. Questions cover macroeconomics and microeconomics and may address contemporary economic issues. Candidates are expected to apply relevant economic principles and theories to these issues in a clear and reasoned manner.

Questions on accounting and finance will cover one or more of the following areas: double-entry bookkeeping, the preparation of basic financial statements, and the use and interpretation of financial ratios. Candidates will also have the opportunity to answer a calculation-based accounting and finance question.

Non-programmable calculators may be used.

Candidates will be expected to answer two questions from a choice of four during the 1.5 hour exam. The questions may test knowledge across the breadth of agricultural subjects, including livestock production systems, grassland and soil management, the agricultural environment, farm business and land use, and arable production. Questions may include aspects of data analytics and interpretation, and problem-solving.

This examination will test the candidate’s knowledge and understanding of the major body systems in mammalian biology: in particular their application to domesticated animals including the horse, farm animals and companion animals.

Candidates will be required to demonstrate an understanding of the major biochemical systems of the mammalian body, an understanding of Mendelian genetics, and an appreciation of the biological issues that affect the health and welfare of domesticated animals.

This paper allows you to write about some of the big questions posed by art and its histories. You will be asked to consider questions like ‘Are photographs art?’, ‘Should art have a political message?’, ‘Who should own art?’ in relation to specific examples of artworks. You don’t have to have studied Art History before, but you should be able to demonstrate an interest in and awareness of art and its histories: you may wish to write about exhibitions you have recently visited, or books you have recently read. You will answer two questions in 90 minutes. If you are applying to a degree scheme including Art History, you must sit this paper. Please contact the School of Art with any submission queries: 01970 622460, artschool@aber.ac.uk. 

Candidates may choose ONE of the two Biology papers, depending on their interests. On either paper, candidates will be expected to write essays in one and a half hours (1.5 hours) from a selection of topics. Questions will test knowledge of animals, plants or microorganisms, while providing a choice of questions from the Biology A level syllabus. Skills in essay construction, and awareness of the importance of biology to the present day will be credited. In addition to these essay questions, the candidates will be expected to answer a set of numerical questions, which may for example include the interpretation of certain graphs.

‘Biology 1: Molecules to Organs’ (2 essays) will be concerned with biochemical, cellular and physiological perspectives. Its remit will encompass all groups of organisms but should provide sufficient scope for students who have specialised in Human Biology.

 ‘Biology 2: Organisms to Ecosystems’ (2 essays) will be concerned more with whole organisms in terms of their ecology, biodiversity, evolution and behaviour. This paper will be cognizant of potential interests in our degree themes of Zoology, Marine and Freshwater Biology, or Animal Behaviour.

The examination consists of six questions, of which candidates must answer two in essay style. Questions cover the management of business organisations, including marketing, accounting, human resource management and business ethics. Candidates may also be asked to consider how changes in the social, legal, economic, political and technological environment affect businesses.

The essay questions require candidates to demonstrate an awareness of contemporary business issues and an interest in pursuing a degree in management, business or marketing.

Non-programmable calculators may be used.

Students will be expected to answer two questions from a choice of four during the hour and a half exam. The questions may test knowledge across the breadth of physical, inorganic, organic and practical chemistry. Questions may also include data interpretation or quantitative chemistry. Skills in clarity of expression and awareness of the wider importance of chemistry will be credited.

A Periodic Table will be included with the examination paper.

A non-programmable calculator may be used.

The objective of the scholarship examination in Computer Science is to assess the general knowledge and understanding that candidates may have acquired before entering university, across both Computer Science and Information Technology.

The examination may cover topics including programming and algorithm design, data structures, computer architecture, operating systems, databases, networking, data representation and integrity, user interfaces, web-related technologies and other relevant Computer Science and Information Technology topics.

The questions are divided into two sections as follows:

Section A contains a compulsory question covering topics common to Computer Science and Information Technology.

Section B contains two questions: the first is primarily focused on Computer Science topics, and the second is primarily focused on Information Technology topics.

Candidates must answer the compulsory question in Section A and one question of their choice from Section B. The examination will be marked on the candidates’ understanding of the topics, their ability to apply their knowledge, and the clarity and standard of their written answers.

Candidates will write a short story based upon one of a selection of prescribed subjects. They will also write a short piece (200 to 400 words) of commentary on the story.

Section A: The story – This should be a complete (if necessarily brief) short story, revealing a clear sense of overall structure. Marks will be awarded for imaginativeness of approach to the prescribed subject and for style: style means, at the basic level, a good command of grammar and punctuation and, at a more sophisticated level, the ability to use language in artistically effective ways. The focus on the prescribed subject may be of greater or lesser intensity, but the subject should figure significantly in the story.

Section B: The commentary – This will reflect on the process of writing the story, explaining the decisions made during the planning and writing of it – for example, whether to write in the first or third person, why the story’s characters behave as they do, what inspirations (literary or otherwise) lie behind the story. (NB: these examples are simply a guide to the kind of question the commentary might set out to answer, not a rigid prescription).

Candidates are not allowed to bring any texts into this examination.

Note: There are separate assessment criteria for the two elements but no weighting. One mark will be awarded for the paper as a whole.

Candidates will be expected to answer three questions from a paper consisting of seven questions. The paper will test candidates’ essaywriting, analytical and argumentation skills. Where appropriate, candidates are encouraged to express personal views which are informed by knowledge of recent issues in this field. The questions in the paper are sufficiently general that no candidate will be disadvantaged either by not having studied Criminology or by having followed any particular Criminology syllabus.

This is a paper for second language Welsh speakers. Candidates choosing this paper must supply evidence from their school/college that they are second language speakers. If a candidate wishes to study a single/joint honours course in Welsh, they are expected to sit the relevant Welsh language paper as one of their scholarship exam choices.

There are three main sections to the paper:

1. Reading comprehension (=25%): Candidates will answer a series of questions based on a short article in Welsh.
2. Translation (=25%): Candidates will translate a series of English sentences into Welsh.
3. Writing (=50%): Candidates will be asked to write a composition in Welsh on a set subject. A choice of subjects will be given.

The use of dictionaries is not allowed.

This is a paper for first language Welsh speakers.

Os yw'r ymgeiswyr yn bwriadu astudio cwrs gradd anrhydedd sengl/gyfun yn y Gymraeg, disgwylir iddynt sefyll yr arholiad Cymraeg perthnasol fel un o’u dewisiadau.

Rhennir y papur yn ddwy adran, sef Dadansoddi Llenyddiaeth a Defnyddio’r Iaith. Bydd disgwyl i’r ymgeiswyr ateb un cwestiwn o bob adran.

Adran A: Dadansoddi Llenyddiaeth – Bydd disgwyl i’r ymgeiswyr gyflwyno gwerthfawrogiad llenyddol o gerdd neu ddarn o ryddiaith mewn Cymraeg llenyddol graenus.

Adran B: Defnyddio’r Iaith – Rhoddir cyfle i’r ymgeiswyr ddangos eu gwybodaeth o’r iaith drwy gyfieithu darn o’r Saesneg i Gymraeg llenyddol safonol neu drwy ailysgrifennu darn o Gymraeg gwallus mewn Cymraeg llenyddol safonol ac esbonio rhai o’r gwallau. Nid oes gan ymgeiswyr hawl i ddod â thestunau na geiriaduron i’r arholiad hwn.

Candidates will be given the opportunity to write two essays on topics chosen from a varied list of questions. The questions might include writing about a play and considering some of the challenges and difficulties of staging such a production, reflecting upon the work of a theatre company of choice, evaluating a performance seen recently in the theatre, or engaging with concepts such as expressionism or absurdism.

In answering such questions, candidates should seek to demonstrate their general understanding of theatre, make original comments and produce a well-conceived and fluid discussion of key issues.

Candidates are not allowed to bring texts into this examination.

This examination will involve a choice of questions which enable you to discuss a number of current or theoretical topics and viewpoints regarding either education or childhood or both. The paper will test the candidate’s general understanding of issues relating to childhood, schools, education and development. It will provide opportunities for the candidate to show coherent, well-thought arguments, persuasive essay writing skills and ability to analyse current issues. The questions will be sufficiently general to ensure that there will be equal opportunity for all candidates regardless of academic background.

Candidates will be required to write one essay on a topic chosen from a list of general questions. The essay must show a critical engagement with two texts of your choice. These can be texts that you have previously studied or texts that you have read outside the curriculum.

The essay should aim to present an informed and well-structured critical argument with a clear focus on the question. We are not interested in testing your ability to remember block quotations from your chosen texts (though relevant use of key phrases can give an edge to an argument).

We are looking for evidence of careful reading, good writing skills and critical flair.

Candidates will not be allowed to bring any texts into this examination.

Candidates will be given the opportunity to write two essays on topics chosen from a varied list of questions. Candidates should make use of and critically reflect upon their own personal experiences – as audience members – to answer questions that might focus on recent developments in the broadcasting world, television drama, the popularity of television soap opera, the key features of different film genres, or a critical evaluation of a documentary or film seen recently. It will be beneficial if candidates display a lively interest in both areas of study, where possible.

Candidates are not allowed to bring texts into this examination.

If you are applying to a degree scheme including Fine Art, you must submit a digital portfolio of your original artworks as your exam submission. A PowerPoint file or PDF of up to 20 of your self-selected best art works should be saved as SURNAME_FIRSTNAME_FINEART_PORTFOLIO and uploaded to Blackboard Assignments by the end of the day on Tuesday 2 February 2027.

Please include the title, medium, size and date of the images together, where appropriate, with short descriptions, no more than 100 words to give additional background information. This may be about why you have chosen this subject matter, or how the artwork fits into a broader approach within your art practice or within contemporary and/or art historical context. We do not limit our scholarship exams by specifying particular media of artworks an e-folio should contain.

If you experience technical issues uploading your portfolio to Blackboard Assignment, please email your e-folio or link to scholarships@aber.ac.uk by 4pm Tuesday, 2 February 2027. Please include your full name and UCAS ID in your email.

Please note, late submissions will not be accepted. 

The French paper will consist of two compulsory questions, both of which are asked and answered in French:

1. An essay in French (minimum 200 words, maximum 250 words),
2. A commentary in French on a French text (minimum 200 words, maximum 250 words).

Candidates must answer both questions, which are equally weighted in terms of marks.

If an applicant to the Department is studying French at A level we would expect them to sit the scholarship exam in French.

French dictionaries will not be used in this examination. Candidates are not allowed to bring any texts or notes into this examination.

The choice of Scholarship paper will depend on the specialism of their intended degree programme within the Department.

Applicants for the combined BSc in ‘Geography’ degree may take scholarships exams in either Human geography or Physical Geography.

Students who are considering applying for the BA in ‘Human Geography’ are recommended to take either the ‘Human Geography’ or ‘Sociology’ scholarship examinations.

Students who are considering applying for the BSc in ‘Physical Geography’ are recommended to take either the ‘Physical Geography’ or ‘Geology and Environmental Earth Science’ scholarship examinations.

The questions will test knowledge and understanding of the general principles which are addressed by most A level syllabuses in the subject.

The topics covered may include landform and landform processes in glacial, coastal or fluvial environments, global environmental change, ecosystems management, urban-rural change, regional development, disease and spatial inequalities.

Both papers will consist of a choice of essay questions, of which candidates should complete two questions. Examples of past papers are available here.

Atlases and calculators may not be used.

The departmental admissions tutor is happy to advise on the most appropriate Scholarship examination paper(s) for each candidate. For further details, contact: dgostaff@aber.ac.uk

This examination is relevant to students applying for the BSc degree programmes ‘Environmental Science’, ‘Environmental Earth Science’ and ‘Physical Geography’ (and variants – year in industry, year in employment, and with a foundation year).

A choice of questions will be offered, of which two should be attempted. Although the content will be broadly based on the A level syllabus most questions will seek evidence of wider reading and thought, both on geological processes and the environmental issues associated with them. Examples of past papers are available here.

Candidates are encouraged to widen their geological knowledge by reading appropriate articles in magazines designed for a general audience, such as New Scientist, Scientific American and Geology Today.

The paper will consist of two parts:

1. A passage in German for translation into English or Welsh;
2. An essay in German (maximum 300 words) on a general topic.

If an applicant to the Department is studying German at A level we would expect them to sit the scholarship exam in German.

German dictionaries may not be used.

The History paper will include around 30 questions, divided into two sections. Candidates will answer one question from Section A and one question from Section B.

Section A will be devoted to questions about general historical concepts and methodology. This section provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate that they can deal with the broader challenges of historical study in an informed and systematic way. Students are advised that answers should demonstrate serious and wide ranging thought, and include relevant examples from the candidate’s historical knowledge.

Section B will contain a wide range of questions from the early medieval period to the present day, arranged chronologically. The geographic focus of these questions will vary. Some questions will allow candidates to use evidence from any geographic area, but there will be specific questions on Britain, Germany, Northern Europe, Eastern Europe, the United States, China, and Japan.

The departmental scholarship secretary is happy to advise on the most appropriate paper(s) for each candidate (email: history-enquiries@aber.ac.uk).

The paper will consist of questions focusing on all aspects of information studies, including the role and impact of information on society, in particular the impact of the internet, social media and digital world, library and archive studies, cultural heritage, information organisation and management. No specialist or technical knowledge is expected but being able to demonstrate an engagement with current affairs especially where information has an impact – e.g. ‘fake news’, censorship, privacy, electronic media, will be an advantage.  Some sample questions are:

1. Is the Internet a threat or an opportunity for libraries? 
2.  How do you account for the fact that the publishing of printed books is still a flourishing industry at the beginning of the twenty-first century?
3.  What do you consider to be some of the main implications of the use of ‘social networking’ sites for both communication and the transmission of information?

The objective of the Entrance Scholarship examination in Information Technology is to examine the sort of material that you may have studied on your A level or equivalent Information Technology course.

The exam may cover the following subjects: databases; spreadsheets; web development and business topics. In general, three or four questions amongst these subjects will be set and there will be considerable choice available. The examination paper will be marked based on your understanding of the subjects and the standard of expression used to answer the questions.

The paper has three sections. For Section A, candidates will be required to write an essay on a general topic related to law and justice from a choice of three questions. Section B consists of one compulsory question, which will require candidates to apply a legal rule (provided in the paper) to a number of different factual situations. Section C also consists of one compulsory question, which will require candidates to read a quote from an external source, to comment and evaluate the contents of the quote, and to provide a general analysis of the topic.

The paper will test candidates’ essaywriting, linguistic, analytical, reasoning, and argumentation skills. Where appropriate, candidates are encouraged to express personal views which are informed by knowledge of recent issues in this field. The questions in the paper are sufficiently general that no candidate will be disadvantaged either by not having studied Law or by having followed any particular Law syllabus.

The Mathematics paper is available to all Scholarship candidates. To be considered for an unconditional offer and/or financial award, applicants who have applied to the Department of Mathematics must sit a relevant exam paper as outlined below:

• Candidates who have applied for the courses FG31 (Mathematics / Physics), or F340 or F341 (Mathematical and Theoretical Physics), must take either the Mathematics paper or the Physics paper.
• Candidates who have applied for any other course that includes mathematics* must take the Mathematics paper.

*the courses that include mathematics are those listed at https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/maths/study-with-us/undergrad/.

The Mathematics Scholarship paper will consist of two sections: Section A, comprising relatively short questions on Pure Mathematics; and Section B, comprising longer questions on Pure Mathematics, Mechanics, and Statistics, with equal weight being given to each of these three areas. Candidates will be expected to answer all of the questions from Section A and two questions from Section B within the total allotted time of 1.5 hours.

It will be assumed that candidates are familiar with topics covered in the A level specifications for Mathematics; however, the style of questions may differ from those encountered in A level papers. The range of questions will be sufficiently wide so that candidates have every opportunity to score highly, irrespective of the order in which they are introduced to the topics through their schools or colleges. It is strongly recommended that candidates prepare for the examination by solving the problems on the past papers, which are available here.

Please note that the Mathematics exam will be completed on lined paper, rather than on a computer. If any special paper, such as graph paper, is required it will be clearly stated on the examination paper. It will be expected that all answers are contained within the answer sheets scanned to a single PDF file, including sketches of diagrams and graphs. The PDF file should be submitted using Blackboard Assignments. Candidates are advised to review the additional guidance for how to submit their paper.

Candidates may take into the examination any information booklets or statistical tables approved by their A-level examining board for use in examinations. Candidates are permitted to use calculators, provided they comply with A level examining board regulations.

The Physics Scholarship paper will consist of two sections. Section A will be a number of short physics problems based primarily on the WJEC AS and A2 syllabuses. Section B will be a single set of questions related to a simple experiment. It is designed to test data analysis skills (such as manipulation of data, graphing, assessment of uncertainties in data, design of experiments, etc). Scholarship applicants intending to study physics should take the Physics paper as one of their options.

Candidates may take into the examination room any ‘Information Booklets’ permitted by their examining boards for use in those examinations.

Candidates are permitted to use calculators, provided they are silent, self-powered, without communication facilities, and incapable of holding text or other material that could be used to give a candidate an unfair advantage. They must be made available on request for inspection by invigilators, who are authorised to remove any suspect calculators.

The Politics and International Politics papers will both consist of a choice of ten essay questions, of which candidates should complete two questions. 

Please note that neither paper will be based on the A-level Politics syllabus, and will be suitable for any student with a keen interest in political/international politics affairs. The questions are designed to allow you to provide personal views, which are informed by knowledge and understanding of recent political issues, international events and global challenges. We are looking for interesting perspectives and persuasive arguments, informed by good knowledge.

Recent topics covered included issues such as: the refugee crisis, China’s global role, global inequality, nuclear proliferation, gender and politics, UK politics and devolution, climate change, US global leadership, terrorism, the future of the EU, the internet and politics, multiculturalism.

For further details, contact: interpol@aber.ac.uk.

This paper will consist of questions that will allow candidates to demonstrate their understanding of psychology and the debates that surround it.

The aims of the paper are to:

1. Assess candidates’ knowledge of psychology and/or their ability to examine and discuss some of the generic issues that concern psychology.
2. Test candidates’ ability to write essays, identify arguments and demonstrate analytical skills.

The paper has two sections. In Section A (40% of the overall mark) candidates will be asked to answer a series of questions related to a research study. In Section B candidates will have the choice of four essay questions of which they must answer one (60% of the overall mark). The paper is designed to assess the potential of the candidate to study psychology at undergraduate level and can be answered both by candidates taking the subject at A level and those who have a genuine interest in the subject but no direct subject knowledge.

This paper is relevant to those applying to study L300 Sociology, L700 Human Geography, and joint honours degrees that include sociology at Aberystwyth University.

The questions are broadly based on the A-level syllabus for Sociology, and focus on society, social change, multi-culturalism and identity. The paper consists of a choice of essay questions, of which candidates should complete two questions. Examples of past papers are available here.

Those not studying Sociology or Geography A level should contact the departmental admissions tutor to check suitability: dgostaff@aber.ac.uk

The Spanish paper will consist of TWO sections:

• A passage in English or Welsh for translation into Spanish (c. 250 words)
• An essay in Spanish on a general topic (250- 300 words)

Candidates are expected to use a wide range of constructions, tenses and vocabulary in the composition exercise (the essay section). If an applicant to the Department is studying Spanish at A level we would expect them to sit the scholarship exam in Spanish. Students are not permitted dictionaries or other written material to help them answer the paper.

Please note: The Spanish Scholarship exam has a new format from 2019.

Candidates will be asked to write two essays from a selection of six topics in Sport and Exercise Science. The topics will not derive directly from A level syllabi. Additional textbooks, calculators, or dictionaries are not permitted. Candidates applying to undertake a sport and exercise science degree are advised to sit the sport and exercise science scholarship examination.

The essays will assess candidates’ knowledge of biomechanics, physiology, and psychology, along with their ability to apply this material to the analysis of practical examples from sport and exercise. Candidates are encouraged to draw upon personal experiences or contemporary issues and to evidence a critical and analytical approach.