What A Levels Do I Need to Be a Real Estate Agent?

Mary Olinger

Written by: Mary Olinger

Reviewed by: Liam Taft

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Obtaining a Real Estate degree can offer an exciting career. Being a real estate agent is more than just selling a property. If you are interested in entrepreneurship, property development, finance or property management, a career in this field may be very rewarding and profitable.

While most universities don’t require specific A Levels, there are several subjects that can be instrumental in helping you build a career in real estate. You will also need to take some A Levels to enter university study. Some A Level topics can help you create a strong foundation for your real estate career.

Essential A Levels for Real Estate Agents

A Level Mathematics

Real estate agents don’t need to be mathematical geniuses, but they must do their fair share of maths. An agent may need to calculate property valuations, offer financial analyses, and perform mortgage calculations. A Level Mathematics is essential for learning how to find square footage and define other spatial characteristics that can enhance the agent’s ability to make sales and other transactions confidently.

A Level Business Studies

There are many aspects to a real estate transaction. A real estate agent should have an applicable understanding of core business concepts such as marketing, legal frameworks, finance, and management. A Level Business Studies will cover these and other essentials.

A Level Economics

Real agents need to understand economic trends, the dynamics of supply and demand, and market analysis. A Level Economics helps equip agents for making investment decisions and property valuations.

A Level Geography

The real estate agent will need to assess many aspects of a property. A Level Geography provides students with knowledge of demographics, land-use planning, and how different environmental factors affect property values.

Optional A Levels for Real Estate Agents

A Level English Literature/Language

Real estate agents will need to be able to communicate effectively in many ways. They will need to collaborate with other agents, discuss property details, write proposals, and communicate with financial officers. A Level English and essay subjects help real estate agents develop both written and oral communication skills.

A Level Psychology

Since real estate agents work directly with others in various roles, psychology can be a great asset. A Level Psychology prepares agents with knowledge about human behaviours and covers areas that can help professionals in a client-facing role. 

A Level Law

A Level Law can be very beneficial for real estate professionals. Real estate contracts and transactions can contain legalities that the agent needs to be able to understand. 

Best A Level Combinations for Real Estate Agents

A Level maths, business studies, and law makes a well-rounded combination and lays a strong foundation for real estate agents.

When choosing A Level combinations, think about your own strengths, weaknesses, and interests. Your choices may also depend heavily on the specific area of real estate you pursue. No matter which area you are most interested in, understanding finances will be a part of it. 

If you have a good grasp of basic mathematical concepts, you might pursue Economics to enhance your career. A Level Economics, Business Studies, and Law is a solid combination. 

Requirements for Top UK Universities

University of Reading A Level Requirements 

The University of Reading allows students to pick their A Level courses, but they do require an AAB grade. Having real estate-related professional experience is a huge plus. Students applying for undergraduate courses should demonstrate a well-rounded general education. This includes acceptable levels of numeracy and literacy.

Liverpool John Moores University A Level Requirements

To study real estate at Liverpool John Moores University, students need to take at least two A Levels and achieve BBC-ABB. Students who have relevant work experience or an equivalent professional qualification may also apply.

University College London (UCL) A Level Requirements 

UCL requires AAB grades for their Real Estate BSc program. They do not require specific A Level subjects, but there are some preferred subjects. Preferred subjects include Mathematics, Business, Economics, Geography, and History.

How to Choose Your A Level Subject for Real Estate

University Entry Requirements

It’s wise to check with your preferred university to learn about the specific A Level combinations required by their real estate degree programs. They may have some A Level subject requirements, or they may have specific subject preferences. You’ll want to cater to their preferences, as it will build a strong foundation for you to meet their entry requirements.

Focus on Relevant Skills

Many A Level classes provide foundational skills that are useful for real estate agents. Choose your A Levels based on the skills you will need to perform your job well. For example, Maths is critical for calculations related to mortgages and property valuations. Economics is beneficial and helps students develop an understanding of how the economy works and how economic factors can impact property values.

Preferred Career Choices

There are some skills that all real estate agents will need. When choosing to pursue a career in real estate, think about the specific area in which you may want to work. For example, A Level law is a good choice if you want to focus your work around the legal aspects of managing real estate.

Alternative Pathways for Real Estate Agents

Apprenticeship

When you enrol in an apprenticeship, you gain valuable work experience. You can learn first-hand what real estate agents do from day to day while gaining the experience required for entry into some universities. The National Careers Service website offers more insight on how to obtain an apprenticeship position.

Training with a Professional Body

Taking the path of trainee can offer students some benefits. You can gain valuable experience and knowledge needed for a successful real estate career. Be sure to check the employer requirements, as some of them require trainees to have completed specific A Level or GCSE coursework successfully. 

Obtaining a degree in real estate is ideal for the aspiring agent. But depending on your specific interests and goals, you might prefer another degree program. You may already have another degree. Some common degree choices include business administration, marketing, entrepreneurship, and finance. If you choose to begin your journey into real estate with another degree, make sure you are aware of the university’s A Level requirements.

What Happens If I Don’t Choose These Subjects?

If you do not pick the recommended A Level courses, you can still become a real estate agent. You may start in a related field if you are not ready to tackle the rigours of university study. Since most universities don’t require specific A Levels for entry, you can select the courses which align more with your interests and pursuits. 

Choose A Levels that are inside your interests and that will enhance your skill set or strengthen areas where you feel weaker. Just be sure to check with universities or employers, as they may have preferences for candidates with certain A Levels. 

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Mary Olinger

Author: Mary Olinger

Expertise: Content Writer

Mary Olinger is a former middle school Math, Science, and English teacher. She also worked with and developed after-school programs to assist at-risk students.

Liam Taft

Reviewer: Liam Taft

Expertise: Content Manager

Liam is a graduate of the University of Birmingham and has worked with many EdTech brands, including Twinkl, Natterhub, Learning Ladders, Twig and the Dukes Education Group. Their journalism has been published in The Guardian, BBC and HuffPost.

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