Worst A Level Combinations — And How to Avoid Them

Deciding on your A Level subjects can feel like one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your academic journey so far. 

But don’t worry: with the right guidance, your choices can be an empowering and rewarding next step in your life. 

In this article, we’ll examine the ‘worst’ A Level combinations, discussing how subject pairings affect university applications and career flexibility, and offering practical advice to help you make the right choices for your goals.

Why A Level Subject Combinations Matter

Choosing the right mix of A Level subjects can open doors to a wide range of university courses and career paths. If you don’t get the mix quite right, you might find your options limited.

Universities often look for specific subjects when considering applicants for each of their courses. Some degree courses have essential A Level requirements, while others favour certain subject combinations that show you have a broad skill set.

If you're thinking about a career as a paramedic, for example, you’ll usually need Biology and often Chemistry. And, while Sociology degrees typically don’t require specific A Level subjects, there are combinations that will prepare you for the course and provide relevant skills.

Even if you’re unsure about what to do after your GSCEs and beyond, some subjects are known for keeping your options open.

The key is to pick subjects that complement each other and align with your future goals. A balanced combination not only strengthens your application but also gives you flexibility if your plans change.

Common A Level Combination Mistakes

Before we get into how to choose the right A Levels, it’s important to understand the common mistakes people make, so you know what to avoid. The following four mistakes typically result in poor A Level combinations for future opportunities.

Picking Too Many Overlapping Subjects

Choosing subjects that are too similar can limit the skills and knowledge you gain. For example, taking A Level Business, Economics, and Accounting might seem like a smart idea if you're interested in finance. But these subjects overlap quite a bit, and universities might prefer to see more variety, depending on what you’re applying for.

When you include a contrasting subject like A Level Maths or a language, you show a broader academic profile and develop a wider range of transferable skills that will help you in your career. 

Ignoring Required Subjects for University Courses

If you take anything away from this guide, let it be this: some university courses require specific A Level subjects. 

This will especially apply if you already know what career you’d like to enter. If you’re not thinking that far ahead yet, that’s okay, but getting an idea of what subjects universities require for the courses you like the sound of is a must.

Take Criminology courses, for example: most will ask for Law and Sociology A Levels, or both. If you don’t take either, there's a chance fewer Criminology courses will accept you. 

Combining Subjects with No Clear Pathway

When it comes to your education, it’s great to have an interest in a broad range of subjects. However, without clear direction, this doesn’t always translate well to A Levels choices and beyond. 

A mix like PE, Media, and Chemistry might align really well with your diverse interests, but without a clear reason, it can come across as unbalanced – depending on what you want to study at university, of course. Universities often look for logical combinations that support each other, and provide the skills and knowledge required for the course you’re applying to.

An eclectic mix is fine if you have a specific goal, but if not, it may raise questions you’ll struggle to answer later down the line.

Be Careful Not to Overload Yourself

Some A Level subjects are especially demanding, like Maths, Further Maths, Physics, and Chemistry. Each one involves a lot of problem-solving, abstract thinking, and long hours of revision. Taking several of them at once can quickly become overwhelming.

If you’re aiming for a STEM degree, like engineering, this kind of subject mix can make sense. But if you’re not fully sure of your direction, or you’re not genuinely interested in all of them, it can lead to a lot of unnecessary stress.

A more balanced approach often works better. Try pairing one or two demanding subjects with something you enjoy. This way, you’ll still keep your options open while giving yourself room to stay motivated and manage your workload.

How to Choose Strong A Level Combinations

Now, for the practical steps. Here’s a practical rundown on how to choose the best A Level combinations.

1. Focus on Facilitating Subjects

Facilitating subjects are traditional A Levels that top universities often look for or prefer. These include:

• Maths

• English Literature

• Physics

• Biology

• Chemistry

• History

• Geography

• Languages (like French, Spanish, or German)

Choosing at least two of these can be a smart move. They not only help keep your university and course options open, but also show that you’re capable of handling academically rigorous subjects. 

If you’re unsure about your future plans, including a couple of facilitating subjects gives you a solid foundation to build on.

2. Balance Passion with Practicality

Picking subjects you enjoy is really important — you’re much more likely to do well when you’re genuinely interested in what you’re studying! But it’s also worth thinking about where those subjects could lead you.

If you love Art, you might consider combining it with subjects like English Language or Psychology. This keeps more doors open for university courses and career options later on. A balanced mix can help you stay motivated now while giving you flexibility for the future.

3. Check University and Career Requirements Early

Don’t wait until Year 13 to think about university or your future career. While you’re choosing your A Levels, take some time to look at course requirements on UCAS and individual university websites. This will help you spot any essential subjects early on, so you don’t accidentally close off options later.

It’s also a good idea to talk to teachers, careers advisers, or even current university students. They can share valuable insights about what certain courses are really like and which subjects will help you get there.

4. Consider Complimentary Subjects

When you’re deciding, think about how your subjects fit together. Picking complementary subjects, like 

• Biology and Chemistry for medicine, 

• or Maths and Economics for business, 

can make your studies more connected, strengthen your university applications, and help you build a solid foundation for your chosen path.

A Practical Example, From Me to You

When it came to choosing my A Levels, at first I felt stuck and a little intimidating. I knew I enjoyed creative and humanities subjects, and I wanted to ensure I could demonstrate my academic rigour. As for future university studies and careers, the only thing I knew was that I wanted to write.

With this in mind, I chose:

• English Literature: a subject I genuinely enjoyed, and had a natural knack for since my days in primary school. This is also one of the facilitating subjects that universities typically look for, establishing analytical thinking, clear written and verbal communication, and essay writing.

• Law: although Law was not a subject offered at GCSE, and, therefore, not one I had experience in, I chose it at A Level for a challenge. Law provided a range of transferable skills, attractive to universities and employers. It added logical thinking, research, attention to detail, and the ability to construct a balanced argument to my skill set gained from English Literature.

• Dance: having taken dance classes since the age of 5, A Level dance was a creative, physical subject that provided an outlet for self-expression, and a welcome break from my heavier, more academic choices.

And now? I do what I always wanted to do: I write for a living! There were some bumps along the way, but my A Level choices provided a solid foundation for a future doing what I excelled at.

Common Myths About “Bad” A Level Choices

Creative Subjects are a Bad Choice

Creative A Level subjects are not bad choices at all. Subjects like Art, Drama, or Music can be excellent choices, especially if you're pursuing a creative field. However, they should ideally be combined with more traditional subjects, like English or Maths, to maintain flexibility.

It’s Bad to Take Two Similar Subjects

It isn’t necessarily ‘bad’ two take two similar subjects. Subjects like History and English Literature complement each other well. The problem arises when you pick multiple subjects that don’t add enough variety or depth to your skill set.

You Can’t Get Into University With Less Traditional Subjects

Actually, you can get into university with less traditional A Level subjects. Most universities accept a range of subjects. But some competitive courses and institutions prefer traditional subjects. Always check the requirements for your target course.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Facilitating Subjects?

Facilitating subjects are A Levels that are often required or preferred by top universities because they demonstrate academic rigour, and prepare you for a wide range of degrees.

Can I Take Three Creative A Levels?

Of course, you can take three creative A Levels. However, be mindful that it may limit your options. If you know you want a creative career, it might work well. Combining a creative subject with traditional ones keeps more doors open.

Will Universities Reject Me for My Subject Combination?

Universities might reject you if your combination doesn't meet course requirements. Always check what your desired course and university expect.

How Do I Know If My Subjects Work Well Together?

If you’re unsure whether your A Level subjects work together, think about how the subjects link and whether they support your future goals. Talk to teachers, look at university entry criteria, and consider how your choices reflect your strengths and interests.

Final Thoughts

When it comes down to it, there’s no one “worst” A Level combination, it really depends on your goals. But, if your subjects are unbalanced, overlap too much, or don’t link to what you want to do next, they could limit your options.

The strongest combinations are balanced, well-planned, and aligned with your ambitions. Take the time to research, speak to people you trust, and choose subjects that match both what you enjoy and where you want to go in the future.

We have plenty more free guides about A Level choices to help you on your academic journey.
Once you start them, use Save My Exams A Level revision resources – including revision notes, exam questions and mock exams – to get the best grades possible.