Full List of GCSE Subjects to Choose From

Choosing your GCSE subjects is a big step in your school journey. It’s your first opportunity to make significant choices about your pathway. The decisions you make in your GCSE options will shape what you'll study in Years 10 and 11 and can influence your future choices.

This guide breaks down the compulsory subjects you’re required to study, the options you can choose from, and offers tips to help you decide.

GCSE Subjects: Full List

There are around 60 GCSE subjects in total. Here’s a full list of all GCSE subjects:

Core Subjects (Compulsory)

• English Language

• English Literature

• Mathematics

• Science (combined science as a double award or separate sciences)

Sciences

• Biology

• Chemistry

• Physics

• Combined Science

• Astronomy

Humanities

• History

• Geography

• Religious Studies

• Ancient History

• Classical Civilisation

• Citizenship Studies

• Sociology

• Psychology

Business and Computing

• Business Studies

• Economics

• Computer Science

Design and Technology

• Design and Technology

• Electronics

• Engineering

• Food Preparation and Nutrition

Arts and Design

• Art (specialist GCSEs available in subjects such as the following)

  • Art, Craft and Design

  • Fine Art

  • Graphic Communication

  • Textile Design

  • Three-Dimensional Design

  • Photography

• Dance

• Drama

• Film Studies

• Media Studies

• Music

Physical Education

• Physical Education (PE)

Mathematics and Statistics

• Mathematics

• Statistics

Languages

• Modern Foreign Languages:

  • French

  • German

  • Spanish

  • Italian

  • Mandarin

  • Urdu

  • Polish

  • Arabic

  • Bengali

  • Gujarati

  • Japanese

  • Panjabi

  • Persian

  • Portuguese

  • Russian

  • Turkish

• Ancient Languages:

  • Latin

  • Classical Greek

• British Sign Language (BSL) - available from 2025 onwards

Which GCSEs Are Compulsory?

In England, all students must take the following core subjects:

• English Language and English Literature

• Mathematics

• Science (either Combined Science or the three separate sciences: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics)

These subjects are essential for developing key skills and are often required for further education and employment.

Additionally, schools must provide lessons in:

• Physical Education (PE)

• Citizenship

• Computing

While these are part of the curriculum, they may not all lead to a GCSE qualification.

Some schools may also require you to take subjects like Religious Studies, History, Geography, or a Modern Foreign Language. Your school will inform you of the specific details of the subjects you will need to study and the options available to you.

Read more: Which GCSE Subjects are Mandatory in the UK?

How to Choose Your GCSE Subjects

Check school requirements 

Not all the GCSE subjects in the lengthy list above will be offered by your school. Ensure you understand which subjects are compulsory and what options are available to you. You will usually see these presented in option blocks, and you will need to choose one subject from each block to make your lesson timetable work.

Consider your interests 

Choose subjects you enjoy and are curious about. You're more likely to perform well in subjects that engage you.

Think about your future plans

If you have a career or further education path in mind, research which GCSEs are required or beneficial for this pathway. For example, if you’re considering a future career in medicine, it’s important to study the separate sciences such as Biology, Physics and Chemistry.

Balance your choices

Many students are unsure of which career path they want to follow at this stage. That’s completely normal. In that case, you should aim for a broad mix of subjects that keep your options open for future opportunities.

Seek advice 

Your school will support you in choosing your GCSE options with information booklets, open evenings and even taster lessons. Talk to teachers, career advisors, and family members to get different perspectives. As teachers, we understand that it’s a big decision for young people. We want you to choose a pathway you’re happy with and will lead to success.

How Many GCSEs Should I Take?

Most students in the UK take between 8 and 10 GCSE subjects. This typically includes the compulsory subjects and a selection of optional ones. 

Some students may take more or fewer, depending on their school's offerings and their personal capabilities. It’s a balancing act. You want to have enough time to study each subject and prepare well for each exam. Taking too many subjects can lead to feeling overwhelmed by your workload and underperforming as a result. Your teachers are used to steering students through GCSEs and will guide you through these choices.

What Happens If I Don’t Like My GCSE Options?

If you feel unhappy with your GCSE options, don’t panic! If you haven’t started your study courses yet, changing your options is usually an easy process. Simply talk to your teachers who will help you to make changes.

If you’ve started your courses and feel that one of your options is not a good fit, again, there’s nothing to worry about. Many schools allow students to change options early in their GCSE courses. However, the earlier you do this, the better. 

As time goes on, it can be harder to make adjustments to your timetable and you’ll have to work extra hard to catch up as a result of starting your course later. Taking the time to explore your GCSE options carefully before you make your choices will definitely pay off.

What Happens If My School Doesn’t Offer a GCSE Subject That I Want to Take?

If your school doesn’t offer a GCSE subject you want to study, it doesn’t mean you can’t get a GCSE in that subject. You can study independently and take the exams as a private candidate. You’ll need to pay for the exams, but if you consult the exams officer at your school, they can help you to manage the process.

Remember not to overload yourself, though. GCSEs can be taken by anyone at any age. It might be better for your overall workload to focus on the GCSEs you’re already studying. You can return to your preferred subject later, at college or by enrolling on study courses once you’ve started work.

Do Universities Care Which GCSEs I Choose?

Yes, universities consider your GCSEs as part of the application process. However, how much weight is placed on individual subjects will vary from course to course. 

Many university courses will expect you to have GCSEs and A Levels in related subjects as an entry requirement. For example, if you want to study medicine, you would need to have three GCSE sciences, along with English and Maths. These requirements are always stated in the information about degree courses in university prospectuses. A little research into some of the degrees that interest you will help you understand what you’re likely to need. Your careers adviser and subject teachers can help. 

Final Thoughts

If you’re still feeling a little uncertain about which GCSEs you should opt for from the huge list of subjects, don’t worry. Everyone in your shoes faces the same dilemma. Your school won’t be able to offer every single subject - no school can! They will narrow down your choices into option blocks and guide you through the whole process.

In the end, all GCSEs you pass are highly valued by colleges, universities and employers. They are evidence that you’ve achieved good academic standards, that you have specialist knowledge, that you can think critically and solve problems, and ultimately, that you’re ready for the next steps on your career path.

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References

GCSE subject content - GOV.UK
The national curriculum: Key stage 3 and 4 - GOV.UK