Traditional mix is best

Cambridge University has for the first time advised prospective students that they need at least two A levels in traditional academic subjects to stand a realistic chance of gaining a place on one of its degree courses. "Mathematics, history and business studies would be an acceptable combination," Cambridge's online prospectus states. "However, history, business studies and media studies would not."

Delyth Chambers, chair of the Russell Group Admissions Officers and director of student recruitment at Manchester University, said that while university admissions policies were a matter for individual institutions, there were shared concerns over guidance offered to students choosing A level combinations.