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A Level Choices

Full List of A Level Subjects To Choose From

Dr Natalie Lawrence

Written by: Dr Natalie Lawrence

Reviewed by: Emma Dow

Published

Full List of A Level Subjects To Choose From

Contents

  1. 1. Key Takeaways
  2. 2. How Many A Level Subjects Can You Take?
  3. 3. What Types of A Level Subjects Can You Choose From?
  4. 4. Full List of UK A Level Subjects
  5. 5. What If the A Level You Want Isn't Available at Your School?
  6. 6. Is independent study easier?
  7. 7. University Requirements: What If Your Preferred A Level Isn't Listed?
  8. 8. Frequently Asked Questions
  9. 9. Final Thoughts

Choosing your A Level subjects is one of the biggest decisions you'll make at school. With over 85 A Level subjects available across UK exam boards, it's easy to feel overwhelmed.

This guide provides an up-to-date, full list of A level subjects that you can study in the UK, plus practical advice on how to choose the right ones. Whether you're planning for university, considering apprenticeships, or keeping your options open, this is your definitive reference.

Key Takeaways

  • Over 85 A Level subjects are available across UK exam boards, though not every school offers them all

  • Most students take three A Levels, but some take four or more depending on ability and university requirements

  • If your school doesn't offer a subject you need, you can study it independently through online schools, evening classes, or distance learning

  • Universities care more about having the right skills and knowledge than studying every subject they list as "preferred"

How Many A Level Subjects Can You Take?

Most students in the UK take three A Levels. This is the standard that universities expect, and it's manageable alongside other commitments.

Some students take four A Levels if they're aiming for highly competitive courses like Medicine or Oxbridge, or if they want to keep extra options open. However, four A Levels means a significantly heavier workload, so only take on the extra subject if you're confident you can handle it.

Taking two A Levels is less common but still acceptable, particularly if you're combining them with vocational qualifications like BTECs. Some universities may have minimum entry requirements of three A Levels, so check course requirements before deciding.

Save My Exams has plenty of advice on what A Levels to take and a guide on how to choose your A Level subjects.

Top tip: Quality matters more than quantity. Three strong A Level grades (A*AA) are far better than four mediocre ones (BBBC). 

What Types of A Level Subjects Can You Choose From?

A Level subjects fall into several broad categories:

  • Sciences — Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and related subjects like Environmental Science or Psychology

  • Mathematics — Maths and Further Maths

  • Humanities — History, Geography, Religious Studies, Philosophy, Politics

  • Languages — Modern foreign languages (French, Spanish, German) and classical languages (Latin, Greek)

  • Creative and Performing Arts — Art and Design, Music, Drama and Theatre Studies, Film Studies

  • Social Sciences — Sociology, Psychology, Economics, Law

  • Vocational and Technical — Business, Computer Science, Design and Technology, Physical Education

  • Other subjects — English Literature, English Language, Media Studies

Understanding these categories helps you build a balanced combination. Most universities prefer students who've studied a mix of subject types rather than three very similar subjects.

Full List of UK A Level Subjects

Here's every A Level subject currently available in the UK, organised by type. Where subjects are only offered by one or two exam boards, we've noted which ones.

Sciences

Mathematics

Humanities

Modern Languages

Classical Languages

Welsh Languages

Irish Language

  • Irish (CCEA)

English

Creative and Performing Arts

Social Sciences

Business and Accounting

Computer Science and ICT

Design and Technology

Food and Nutrition

Physical Education and Sport

Media and Communications

Religious and Philosophical Studies

Vocational and Applied Subjects

Other Subjects

What If the A Level You Want Isn't Available at Your School?

Not every school or college offers every A Level. Smaller schools might only offer 15–20 subjects, while larger sixth form colleges could offer 30 or more.

If the subject you need isn't available, don't panic. You've got options.

Study at a nearby school or college

Some schools allow students to study one subject at a neighbouring school or college. This is common for less popular subjects like Further Maths or languages. Speak to your head of sixth form to see if this is possible.

Online schools

There are several online schools that offer live A Level lessons, taught as though you were in a classroom. Some are also exam centres, which means you won't need to find somewhere to sit your exams as a private candidate.

This option works particularly well for subjects like Economics, Psychology, or languages where you don't need specialist equipment.

Evening classes

Many further education colleges offer A Level evening classes. You can study an additional subject alongside your main three A Levels at school.

Private tutoring

If you're determined to study a particular subject and have the budget, private tutoring combined with independent study is an option. You'll still need to register as a private candidate to sit the exams.

Distance learning

Distance learning providers send course materials to you and assign a tutor for support (usually over 18 months to 2 years). You study at your own pace, which requires excellent time management and self-discipline.

Is independent study easier?

Self-studying A Levels is not an easier option. You need to be extremely well-organised and motivated.

A typical A Level requires 300–500 hours of study. You'll need strong time management skills and the discipline to stick to a study schedule without a teacher checking in on you.

Some subjects are harder to study independently, particularly the sciences. Conducting experiments at home requires equipment and space, and you'll need someone qualified to mark any coursework.

On the plus side: Independent study shows universities you can work without supervision, which sets you apart from other applicants. It demonstrates maturity, determination, and genuine passion for the subject.

University Requirements: What If Your Preferred A Level Isn't Listed?

Many university courses don't actually require you to have studied that subject at A Level.

For example:

  • You don't need A Level Economics to study Economics at university

  • You don't need A Level Psychology to study Psychology

  • You don't need A Level Law to study Law

Universities care more about whether you have the skills to succeed — critical thinking, essay writing, independent study, and subject-specific knowledge where it matters (like A Level Chemistry for Medicine).

Some subjects do have clear requirements:

  • Medicine usually requires Chemistry and Biology

  • Engineering degrees often require Maths and Physics

  • Modern Languages degrees usually require the relevant A Level language

But for many humanities, social sciences, and even some science degrees, universities are flexible. They want students who can think critically, write well, and work independently — skills you can develop through various A Level subjects.

Our article on the best a level combinations will help you decide and you can find subject-specific advice in our A Level choices section on our Learning Hub.

Where to check requirements

The Russell Group's Informed Choices website is a useful tool for checking which subjects are most valued for different degree courses. It's not the only or definitive guide, but it helps you make informed decisions.

Always check individual university course pages for specific requirements. Entry requirements vary between universities, so one might require specific A Levels while another is more flexible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which A Levels Keep the Most Career Options Open?

Facilitating subjects — Maths, English Literature, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Geography, History, and Modern Languages — are valued by the most competitive universities and keep the widest range of degree courses open.

Taking at least two facilitating subjects is a safe strategy if you're undecided about your future. For example, Maths and History together cover both STEM and humanities options.

That said, don't choose subjects purely because they're "facilitating" if you hate them. Passion and strong grades matter more than taking subjects you'll struggle with.

Can You Change A Level Subjects After Starting the Course?

Most schools allow changes in the first few weeks of Year 12 (usually the first 2–4 weeks). After that, it becomes much harder because you'll have missed lessons and coursework.

If you're genuinely struggling or realise you've made the wrong choice, speak to your head of sixth form or subject teacher as soon as possible. They might allow a switch if it's still early enough and there's space in the class you want to join. Our guide to changing A Level courses will help.

Be strategic in your initial choices. Research each subject thoroughly before committing. Talk to current A Level students, read about course content, and ask teachers what the workload is really like.

Do Universities Prefer Certain A Levels?

For specific degrees (Medicine, Engineering, Law, Languages), universities do prefer or require certain A Levels. Always check course pages for these requirements.

For more general degrees (like English, History, Sociology, Business), universities care more about your grades and personal statement than the exact subjects you've studied.

What universities really want:

  • Strong grades (usually AAB or higher for competitive courses)

  • Evidence you can think critically and write well

  • Genuine interest in the subject you're applying for

  • A mix of skills (not three identical subjects)

Taking three very similar subjects (like Business, Economics, and Accounting) can look narrow. Universities prefer breadth — for example, Business, Maths, and English Literature shows analytical skills, numerical ability, and strong writing.

Final Thoughts

Choosing your A Levels is a big decision, but it's not one that needs to be "perfect." Most students don't have their entire future mapped out at 16, and that's completely fine.

Focus on subjects you enjoy, subjects you're good at, and subjects that keep your options open. If you're aiming for a specific degree or career, check university requirements early and plan accordingly.

And remember: if your school doesn't offer the subject you need, there are ways to study it independently. It requires extra effort and organisation, but it's absolutely possible.

Take your time, do your research, and choose subjects that excite you. With the right combination and strong grades, you'll have plenty of options for your future.

References 

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Author
Reviewer
Dr Natalie Lawrence

Author: Dr Natalie Lawrence

Expertise: Content Writer

Natalie has a MCantab, Masters and PhD from the University of Cambridge and has tutored biosciences for 14 years. She has written two internationally-published nonfiction books, produced articles for academic journals and magazines, and spoken for TEDX and radio.

Emma Dow

Reviewer: Emma Dow

Expertise: Content Writer

Emma is a former primary school teacher and Head of Year 6 and Maths, and later led the digital content writing team at Twinkl USA. She has also written for brands including Brother, Semrush, Blue Bay Travel and Vinterior.

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