Best A Level Combinations

Choosing the right A Level subjects is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your academic journey. The choices you make will shape your future university options, career opportunities, and have a major impact on the A Level grades you achieve.

Strong combinations are those that complement each other, play to your strengths, and align with your long-term goals. Whether you already know your dream career or are struggling to find a direction and want to keep your options open, selecting the right mix of subjects for you is crucial. 

Key Takeaways

• Choose subjects that complement each other and develop a broad range of skills.

• Research the requirements of your chosen degree early so you don’t close off future options.

• Balance your workload. Try to mix essay-based and analytical subjects where possible.

• Enjoyment matters. There is a good chance you will work harder and for longer and therefore perform better in subjects that you genuinely like and enjoy.

What Makes a Strong A Level Combination?

The best A Level combinations depend on your personal circumstances but they all share three key principles:

1. Complementary Skills – Choose subjects that strengthen each other, such as pairing analytical and essay-based skills. For example, Mathematics and Economics or English Literature and History).

2. Subject Synergy – Some combinations share overlapping content or skills, helping you perform better across all your subjects. These include Biology and Geography or Mathematics and Further Mathematics. 

3. Workload Balance – Unless extending writing is your thing, it is probably a good idea to avoid selecting three essay-heavy subjects.

4. Flexibility – Some subjects are almost universally viewed as favourable or desirable by universities, regardless of the course. They are sometimes called “facilitating subjects” and include Mathematics, English Literature, the Sciences, History and Languages. Having at least one of these in your mix will help to keep more degree pathways open.

How Your Future Plans Influence Subject Combinations

If you already have a clear idea of your future career or university course, make sure you research entry requirements before choosing your A Levels.

Most universities clearly list required and preferred A Levels for each course. Tools like Informed Choices (opens in a new tab) can show which combinations are best for a particular degree course.

If you’re unsure about your future path, choosing from the ‘facilitating subjects’ might be a good idea. Mathematics, English Literature, Chemistry. Biology and Physics, History and the Languages are seen as versatile subjects that are seen as desirable across many degree courses.

Best A Level Combinations for STEM

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths) pathways rely on logical thinking, problem-solving, and numerical fluency.

Most STEM degrees require at least two science subjects, or one science plus Mathematics. Further Mathematics is excellent for strong mathematicians but can narrow options if all three subjects are highly technical.

A Level Combinations for Core Sciences – Biology, Chemistry, Physics

Any mix of Mathematics and sciences works well. Examples include:

• Physics, Chemistry, Maths

• Biology, Chemistry, Maths

• Physics, Maths, Computer Science

A Level Combinations for Mathematics

Mathematics is essential for any numerical or analytical degree.

• Further Mathematics is beneficial for university mathematics, engineering, or physics.

• If you take Further Mathematics, you might want to consider balancing it with a non-maths subject to broaden your options.

Example sets:

• Maths, Further Maths, Physics

• Maths, Further Maths, Computer Science

• Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry

Best A Level Combinations for Engineering

Engineering requires Mathematics as a core subject. Most fields also expect Physics and often value Chemistry or Computer Science for their practical overlap.

Sample combinations:

• Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry

• Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science

• Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics

For mechanical, electrical, or chemical engineering, check individual university requirements as some may prefer Further Mathematics.

Best A Level Combinations for Computer Science

Computer Science degrees usually require Mathematics and sometimes, although not always, Computer Science itself. In reality, most people with enough of an interest in Computer Science to study it at degree level decide to choose to study an A Level in it. Physics or Chemistry are also valuable for developing problem-solving and logical reasoning skills.

Example sets:

• Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics

• Mathematics, Computer Science, Chemistry

If your school doesn’t offer Computer Science, combining Mathematics with another analytical subject such as like Economics is still a strong option.

Best A Level Combinations for Psychology

Psychology is a multidisciplinary subject that bridges science and humanities. For this reason, a combination that includes at least one science, such as Biology or Mathematics plus an art subject that builds analytical or essay-writing skills such as History or English Literature. 

Examples:

• Psychology, Biology, Mathematics

• Psychology, Sociology, English

• Psychology, Biology, History

Keep in mind that many university psychology courses require at least one science at A Level.

Best A Level Combinations for Medicine, Dentistry, and Veterinary Science

Medicine, Dentistry, and Veterinary Science share similar subject expectations. Perhaps unsurprisingly, these are science based subjects.

Most universities will require:

• Chemistry -  usually essential

• Biology - almost always essential

• A third subject - Mathematics or Physics are strong and popular choices

Typical combinations:

• Chemistry, Biology, Physics

• Chemistry, Biology, Maths

Some universities do accept a non-science third subject, but it is essential that you check individual entry requirements of the universities that you are interested in. 

Best A Level Combinations for Arts Subjects

Art and design subjects demonstrate creativity and expression. However, the Arts are a very broad area and incorporate disciplines such as architecture, fashion and graphic design. 

If you are leaning towards a degree in fashion, an A Level in Fashion and Textiles might be seen as essential and combined with something like English Literature or History.

If you wanted to pursue a career in architecture, a combination of Art and Design, Media or Film Studies and a science such as Mathematics or Physics would demonstrate your artistic ability and spatial and technical understanding. 

Other good examples could include:

• Art and Design, English Literature, History of Art

• Fashion & Textiles, Business, English

• Art and Design, Photography, Physics

Best A Level Combinations for Humanities

Humanities subjects develop critical thinking, analysis, and written communication. These combinations are great for careers in teaching, media, law, and the public sector. They also broadly divide into those looking to pursue a degree in History, Geography or Religious Studies/theology. 

History has a considerable crossover in terms of content and concepts with subjects such as Politics and Sociology. Geography, on the other hand, has a large crossover with Biology. 

History Combinations

History pairs well with other subjects that require extended essays:

• History, English Literature, Politics

• History, Psychology, Sociology

Geography Combinations

Geography bridges sciences and humanities. In fact, graduates in Geography can be awarded either a Bachelor of Science degree or a Bachelor of Arts degree, depending on the focus of their studies.

Research the course contents at your chosen universities and choose subjects that complement either physical or human geography:

• Geography, Biology, Mathematics would be a good mix for someone intending to pursue a degree in physical geography

• Geography, History, English Literature would be a mix more suited to someone pursuing a degree in human geography

Religious Studies Combinations

Like History, Religious Studies pairs well with subjects that require extended essays. There are also subjects, such as History and Philosophy that overlap well with Religious Studies in terms of content.

• Religious Studies, Philosophy, History

• Religious Studies, Classical Civilizations, Psychology

Best A Level Combinations for Law

Law courses value subjects that develop skills in argument, analysis and written communication.

You do not need to take A Level Law to study it at university. In fact, many admissions tutors prefer strong essay-based subjects like:

• English Literature, History, Politics

• History, Religious Studies, Philosophy

• Law, Business, Mathematics

Best A Level Combinations for Economics, Finance, and Business

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Mathematics is essential for all Economics and Finance courses. Perhaps surprisingly, Economics A Level is not always required but is considered helpful.

There is a wide variety of  subjects that make a good, supporting third choice and include Business, Law, or another analytical subject such as Physics or Geography.

Examples:

• Maths, Economics, Business

• Maths, Economics, Law

• Maths, Economics, Science

Best A Level Combinations for English

Your ideal combination depends on whether you wish to pursue English Language or English Literature at degree level:

• English Literature degrees require A Level English Literature.

• English Language or Linguistics benefit from English Language, or a mix of analytical and creative subjects like Psychology or Sociology.

Examples:

• English Literature, History, Language

• English Language, Sociology, Psychology

Best A Level Combinations for Languages

Language degrees require at least one modern or classical language. After that, you can choose subjects that highlight different skills or academic interests. This means you might choose to: 

• Pair a language with analytical or essay-based subjects like History or English Literature.

• Or, choose a practical partner for a joint honours degree such as French and Business.

Examples:

• French, Business, Maths

• Spanish, German, Politics

• Latin, French, History

How to Keep Your A Level Choices Flexible

Not everyone has a calling to their future career or a clear idea of what they want to do with the rest of their lives at the age of 16. In fact, very few people do! If you’re unsure about your future plans:

• Choose at least one facilitating subject (Mathematics, English Literature, the sciences, History or a language).

• Mix essay-based and analytical subjects to show range.

• Avoid niche combinations that only lead to one career path.

• Keep your workload manageable — three strong A Levels are better than four average ones.

Balanced examples:

• Maths, English Literature, Biology

• History, Chemistry, Psychology

• English Literature, History, Art and Design

• Biology, Geography, Religious Studies

Frequently Asked Questions

Do universities prefer certain subject combinations?

Yes. Many competitive and popular courses explicitly name preferred or required subjects. Check course pages or use tools like Informed Choices (opens in a new tab) to confirm.

Is it okay to mix arts and science subjects?

It absolutely is. Many degrees, such as psychology, architecture, and geography, bridge the arts and the sciences. They therefore benefit from both creative and analytical skills.

Should I take four A Levels to impress universities?

This is down to you. It is only a good idea if you are sure you can maintain top grades across all subjects. Most universities make offers based on three A Levels, and three strong A Levels are better than four average ones.

Are some A Level combinations too limiting?

It depends what you mean by limiting. They can definitely send you down one path and mean access to other paths are closed. 

For example, taking three highly specialised subjects (like Further Maths, Physics, and Computer Science) means you will probably not get a place on a university English Literature course. 

That might be completely fine for most people but include at least one broader subject if you want flexibility.

References: 

Informed Choices (opens in a new tab)

Russell Group (opens in a new tab) 

Save My Exams A Level Revision Overviews