How to Choose Your A Level Subjects

Picking A Levels can feel daunting. This is because you’re making choices that can shape what you can study at university and what possible future careers will be open to you. More immediately, it will also impact how heavy your day-to-day workload will be for the next two years.

This guide will hopefully take some of the stress out of the situation by breaking the process into clear steps, accompanied by practical examples, common scenarios and tools that can help you choose confidently.

Key Takeaways

• Play to your strengths and interests. You’ll work harder, enjoy the course more, and be more likely to achieve a higher grade if you enjoy and excel at a subject.

• Keep your options open. Choose a combination of subjects that leave multiple degree and career routes available.

• Be realistic about your workload. Three strong grades are more desirable than four stretched ones.

• Check entry requirements early. Find out exactly what your favoured degree courses require by checking the university pages and tools like Informed Choices (opens in a new tab)

Why Choosing the Right A Levels Matters

To a large extent, the choices you make at A Level will determine what you study in the future. Certain A Levels lead naturally to certain degrees, such as Mathematics to engineering or Biology and Chemistry to medicine. 

If you were to choose three arts subjects like History, English Literature and Art and Design, for example, you would not be able to pursue a degree in medicine. 

Similarly, some professions expect specific subjects or skills. Working in law requires analytical writing, and those skills are obtained through studying subjects such as History and English Literature. 

If you were to work in accountancy, strong numeracy and mathematical understanding would be required. 

Also, different subjects place different demands on you and assess your ability in different ways. Some feature a large number of exams at the end of the course, whereas others will require you to build up a portfolio of work over the course of two years. A smart mix of both can help you to manage both time and stress. 

Start with Your Strengths and Interests

List the GCSE subjects that you have enjoyed most and performed best in at school up to this point. 

Shortlist six subjects and give each a score out of five in the categories of: 

Interest

Current attainment

Assessment fit

Future usefulness.

Add up the totals and see which subjects come out in the top three. Factor this into your thinking when it comes to making the final choices.

Keep Your Future Options Open

If you’re unsure about the exact degree or career that you are hoping to embark on in two years’ time, choose a balanced set that will be appealing to many university courses and employers. This might include: 

• One strong analytic subject such as Mathematics, Chemistry or Physics.

• One essay-based arts or humanities subject such as English Literature, History and Geography.

• A third subject that complements both and displays the breadth of your interests and academic ability. This could be a language, Psychology, Further Mathematics or a creative or practical subject such as Drama and Theatre Studies, Film Studies or Electronics if your talents and passions lie in those areas. 

How Many A Levels Should You Take?

The vast majority of students take three A Levels. Some add a forth, such as Further Mathematics if they feel they have the capacity and it will give them an advantage when applying to competitive degree courses.

However, four A Levels rarely boosts offers, and universities typically ask for three grades. Be realistic about the demands that each subject is going to place on you for the next two years. 

Students often remark about the steep increase in challenge posed by A Levels compared to GCSE. Suffering from burnout is a real possibility, so carefully consider whether a fourth A Level is worth the risk.

What to Do if Your Preferred A Level Isn’t Offered

Not all sixth forms or colleges have the staffing or experience the demand to be able to offer all A Level choices. But just because your centre does not offer your preferred A Level, it does not mean that this path is completely closed to you. 

You could explore online schools that feature live, distance teaching and have exam-board specific lessons. You could study at an evening class at your local college if it teaches the A Level you require alongside your other choices in sixth form. You could engage a private tutor who could teach you on a one-to-one or small group basis.

For most of these options, it is important to bear in mind that there will be a financial implication. Not only will you have to pay for the private lessons, whether they are remote or held in person, you will also have to find an exam centre and pay the exam board entrance fee. 

Is Independent A Level Study Right for You?

A Levels are very difficult and demanding. Studying independently puts even more demands on you and requires high levels of organisation and self-motivation. 

Some subjects are simply more difficult to study at home. The sciences, for example, require you to conduct experiments. So you will have to consider if you have the equipment and space needed to perform them. Submitting coursework or completing it under controlled conditions can also pose challenges.

On the plus side, it can help prove to universities that you are able to work independently.

Subject Requirements for University and Careers

Different degree courses and careers obviously look for different A Level mixes and there are no overall best choices. Tailor your choices to fit your chosen path but always check on the specific requirements of a course that you are interested in. 

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. 

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.

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.

Economics, Finance and Maths

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

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

These provide a useful guide but always check the specific requirements of the university that you are interested in. Using Informed Choices (opens in a new tab) is always a good idea when trying to match A Levels choices to degree courses. 

Understanding Facilitating Subjects and Informed Choices

The term “facilitating subjects” has not been used by universities since 2019 but comes from guidance that was used by the Russell Group (opens in a new tab)of institutions. The term facilitating subjects is used to describe A Levels that are viewed by universities as being academically rigorous, widely regarded as core academic disciplines and accepted across a broad range of degree courses. 

The term stopped being used as students began interpreting the list of facilitating subjects as being exclusive. The misconception took hold that A Levels in non-facilitating - or ‘soft’ subjects - would not be valued by the top universities. 

This attitude is changing and universities now emphasise making A Level choices that fit the course rather than coming from a fixed list of ‘facilitating subjects’. Use Informed Choices (opens in a new tab), which has been made by the Russell Group (opens in a new tab), to map the required and preferred A Levels to your target degree. 

The degree course I want to study doesn't list my A Level as their preferred subject. Why?

Not every university wants you to have studied your chosen subject at A Level. There are plenty of subjects that are good at preparing you for university but are not actually needed to get onto that course.

Economics and Psychology A Levels are not actually required to study for those particular degrees. Many subjects form part of a wider degree, such as Mathematics and Physics for Engineering or English and Geography for Architecture. 

What universities really want you to have are the skills to write and study at the next level, to be a critical thinker, and to work independently while showing passion and perseverance.

Which Are The Best A Levels?

There is no right answer to this question, just as there are no ‘best’ A Levels. There are, however, ‘best’ A Levels for you and these match your interests, abilities and future plans. 

When these things are not entirely clear, choosing a balanced set of A Levels that will appeal to a range of university courses and employers is probably a good idea. But you are more likely to do better if you choose subjects that you enjoy, as you will be more likely to work harder at them. 

Are Some A Levels Easier Than Others?

There is no such thing as an easy A Level. However, they do place different demands on you and pose different challenges. Some people are more suited to particular kinds of challenges than others. What one person finds extremely difficult, others may find relatively easy. 

Understanding the demands of the different courses is essential before you make your A Level choices. If you enjoy essay writing and find that it comes naturally to you, studying English Literature or History may be easier for you than for someone who struggles with extended writing.

Similarly, if computational and mathematical problem-solving are amongst your strengths, studying mathematics and physics will feel less demanding than it does to someone who finds them difficult. 

Match your choices to your strengths and your interests. Even so, nobody will find A Levels in any subject easy.

Choosing A Levels as an International Student

As an international student, you study IALs in school, abroad or online. IALs cannot be studied by students in UK schools. 

You will study both AS and A Levels separately, so instead of doing one big exam at the end of the second year, as the UK A Levels currently work, you are examined on smaller, separate units throughout the two years. 

You have multiple opportunities to take exams: usually in January, June, and October. This means that you have fewer exams all at once, you have the opportunity to resit individual modules, and you also receive ongoing feedback. However, there are limited choices of subjects, and only a few awarding bodies offer IALs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I’ve chosen the right A Levels?

This is tricky, because you will never know how things would have worked out if you had made different choices. But if you’ve matched subjects to your strengths, enjoy the subject content, and your choices mean you can access your target degree or career, that’s a good sign. 

Can I change my A Level subjects once I’ve started?

This will vary from centre to centre because of individual circumstances and staffing levels. However, due to the demands of the courses, it is normally only possible in the first few weeks of Year 12. After that, you will be simply too far behind. If you think you want to change, it is vital that you speak to your sixth form or college as soon as possible.

Do apprenticeships require specific A Levels?

Some do, especially higher or degree apprenticeships in areas such as engineering, technology or finance. Other apprenticeships prioritise Mathematics and English or other relevant experience. It is vital that you check the requirements with the specific employer or training provider.

What if I enjoy a subject but didn’t get a high GCSE grade?

Speak to the subject lead. Some centres allow entry with a support plan or bridging work. Consider pairing it with subjects where your grades are strong to balance overall load. 

However, bear in mind that A Levels represent a significant increase in challenge from GCSE. Ask yourself, if you didn’t excel at GCSE level in this subject, do you think you will have what it takes to succeed at A Level?

Final Thoughts

The best A Level combinations are the ones that match your personal circumstances as closely as possible. It contains A Levels you’ll commit to and excel in, while also keeping the right doors open. 

Start with your strengths, check requirements early, and pick a balanced mix that you feel you can work hard in for two years. It is very rare for students to know exactly what choices to make and precisely where their future academic and professional careers lie. 

Whichever subjects you choose, Save My Exams will be on hand to give you the support and guidance you need. 

References:

Save My Exams A Level Revision

Russell Group Universities  (opens in a new tab)

Informed Choices (opens in a new tab)