How to Choose Your IGCSE Subjects

Choosing your IGCSE subjects can feel like a high-stakes decision. With only 8-10 slots to fill, and a wide range of options, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Many students worry about whether they’re making the “right” choices for their future, and the pressure can be stressful.

However, you don’t have to navigate this alone. With the right approach, you can choose subjects that play to your strengths, spark your interests, and keep your future options wide open.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through each step of the decision-making process, highlight what to consider when selecting your GCSE options, and share practical tips to help you feel confident in your choices.

To provide even more expert guidance, we reached out to Jonathan Wade, an experienced IGCSE teacher and Year 9 form tutor, for his top tips. Keep an eye out for his insights throughout the article.

Why your IGCSE subject choices matter

IGCSEs are the foundation of your academic path

Your IGCSE subjects form the building blocks for everything that comes next. Whether you choose A-Level or IB, college or sixth form options, IGCSEs can impact your next steps. 

Think of IGCSEs as the first filter in your academic journey. Choose wisely, and you'll keep doors open.

How they impact A-Levels, university options, and even careers

Some A-Level or IB subjects require a student to have taken specific IGCSEs. For example, you typically need IGCSE Mathematics at grade 6/B or above to study A-Level Mathematics. Similarly, most science A-Levels require GCSE Science at grade 6/B or higher.

Universities sometimes consider your IGCSEs. While they focus primarily on A-Level or IB results, good IGCSE results demonstrate consistent academic ability. Some competitive courses at top universities like Oxford or Cambridge expect students to have specific grades at IGCSE. They may use IGCSE grades rather than predicted A levels when making offers.

Career-wise, certain professions have clear pathways that begin with IGCSE choices. Medical careers require strong science IGCSEs, while legal careers benefit from humanities subjects like History or English Literature.

You're not locked into one path forever

Your IGCSE choices are important, but they don’t define your entire future. Many people change direction multiple times in their careers. Think of IGCSEs as a way to keep options open while exploring your strengths and interests.

As a Year 9 form tutor for many years, Jonathan Wade offers the following insight: “Every year, many Year 9 students feel like they have to stick with their options right up to university. This is not the case. Each subject allows you to develop new skills that can be used across different subjects and disciplines. Career paths can change, and doors are always open” — Jonathan Wade, 21/08/2025

What IGCSE subjects are compulsory?

Understanding which subjects you must take helps you plan your optional choices more effectively.

English Language and Literature

All schools in England require English Language, and most also require English Literature. These subjects strengthen critical thinking, analysis, and communication skills. These are invaluable skills for all future study.

Mathematics

Mathematics is compulsory for all students. It's considered an essential life skill and is required for most further education courses.

A good grade in Maths opens doors to science, finance, and technology pathways.

Science (Combined or Triple)

All students must study science, but you have choices about how much depth to study it. 

• Combined Science (worth two IGCSEs) covers biology, chemistry, and physics at a foundational level.

• Triple Science allows you to study biology, chemistry, and physics as individual IGCSEs. This option is essential if you're considering science at IB, A-Level or careers in medicine, engineering, or research.

PE, PSHE, and RE

Sometimes, schools require students to be taught Physical Education (PE), Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE), and Religious Education (RE) to the end of Year 11. However, these are often non-examined subjects that don't count toward your IGCSE total.

Rules can vary by school

While the core subjects remain consistent, individual schools may have additional requirements. It will also depend on whether you are homeschooled, attend an international school or are educated privately. Some schools specify a modern foreign language or insist on specific humanities subjects. Check your school's specific requirements early in the decision-making process to ensure you meet them.

View the subject guide section of our Learning Hub to explore the IGCSE options you can take and which are the best fit for you. 

Step 1: Think about what you enjoy and do well in

Why enjoyment and strengths matter

From my many years of experience teaching, I have found that students work harder and generally perform better in subjects they enjoy. This isn't just about having fun. Genuine interest leads to better engagement, deeper learning, and ultimately better grades.

Jonathan Wade emphasises this point: “Pick the subjects you like the sound of or have enjoyed up to this point. Whilst you might feel pressure from friends or family, it is important for you to make your own choices. After all, it is you who has to sit in the classroom for two years!”— Jonathan Wade, 21/08/2025

Reflect on Year 9 subjects

Look back at your Year 9 experience honestly. Which lessons did you look forward to? Which homework felt less like a chore? Which topics sparked your curiosity outside of school?

Consider both your grades and your experience. Sometimes a subject you find challenging can still be rewarding if you're genuinely interested in the content.

Using teacher feedback to guide decisions

Your teachers know your abilities better than anyone. Read their comments on reports carefully; they often highlight strengths you might not recognise in yourself.

Don't be afraid to ask teachers directly about your suitability for their IGCSE courses. They can provide realistic assessments of the workload and skills required.

Step 2: Consider further education or career plans

Subjects that are helpful for future study

Some IGCSEs give you a head start for certain careers.

• History: Excellent preparation for careers in law, politics, and humanities-based degrees.

• Triple Science: Vital for Biology, Chemistry, and Physics A-Levels, for careers in professions like Medicine.

• Languages: Highly valued for university courses and careers in international relations.

If you’ve already got a particular career in mind, see our extensive list of articles to help with your IGCSE choices:

• Architect

• Dentist

• Doctor

• Engineer

• Journalist

• Lawyer

• Midwife

• Nurse

• Paramedic

• Police officer

• Psychiatrist

• Teacher

• Vet

Not sure what you want to do yet?

If you're unsure about your future, focus on keeping options open. Choose a balanced mix that includes:

• One humanities subject (History, Geography, or Religious Studies).

• One creative or practical subject (Design, Art, Music, or Drama).

• One modern foreign language.

This combination ensures you won't be locked out of major A-Level or IB pathways later.

Step 3: Balance your subject choices

Mix of creative, academic, and practical subjects

A balanced IGCSE selection demonstrates versatility and keeps your options open. Consider including:

• Academic subjects: History, Geography, separate sciences, and modern languages.

• Creative subjects: Art, Music, Drama, and Media Studies.

• Practical subjects: Design and Technology, Food Technology, and Business Studies.

This variety shows universities and employers that you're well-rounded and adaptable.

Having guided countless Year 9 students through their IGCSE option selection, Jonathan Wade knows the importance of variety when choosing IGCSE subjects: “By balancing your option choices, this will make your study schedule more varied and challenging. I have found that students who only take academic subjects tend to lose their enjoyment and miss the creative outlet that they had in Year 9. Varied option choices offer the opportunity to develop skills for the future.” — Jonathan Wade, 21/08/2025

Why it's risky to choose "Easy" or "Hard" subjects

Too many “hard” subjects may overwhelm you, while only “easy” ones could limit your future opportunities.

The best approach is mixing challenging subjects you're passionate about with subjects that play to your strengths. 

Remember, your perception of what is “easy” or “hard” is individual to your talents and interests. Explore the IGCSE option section of the Learning Hub to find a teacher’s perspective on how hard a wide variety of IGCSE subjects are for students. 

Keeping your options open while playing to your strengths

Strike a balance between subjects that showcase your abilities and subjects that maintain future flexibility. If you excel in mathematics, definitely include it in your A-Level or IB pathway planning, but don't neglect other areas entirely.

Step 4: Understand what each subject involves

Coursework vs exam-heavy subjects

Understand the assessment style to match your learning preferences. Some rely heavily on final exams, while others include substantial coursework components.

Exam-heavy subjects like Mathematics and most sciences require strong revision and exam technique skills. Coursework-heavy subjects like Art or Media Studies demand consistent work throughout the course and good project management skills.

What do practical subjects require?

Practical subjects often require significant time investment outside of lessons. Art students need to build portfolios, Drama students must participate in performances, and Design Technology students must complete major projects.

These subjects can be incredibly rewarding but require dedication and time management skills.

Ask questions

Don't make decisions based on assumptions. Attend subject information sessions, read through course specifications, and talk to current students about their experiences.

Ask specific questions about workload, assessment methods, and what success in the subject actually requires.

Step 5: Avoid these common mistakes

Choosing based on friends or teachers

As a teacher, the biggest mistake I have seen is when students make KS4 choices based on what their friends have selected. Following your friends into subjects might seem appealing, but it's a poor decision-making strategy. Your friends' strengths and interests might be completely different from yours.

Similarly, choosing subjects because you like particular teachers can backfire. Teachers change, and you might find yourself struggling with content you're not genuinely interested in.

Jonathan Wade points out the importance of communicating your interests with your family: “Openly talk about your options with your family. There have been occasions where students have picked options that they felt they had to to meet their parents’ expectations. Being open and honest about what you want will give you the confidence to make your own choices and listen to the advice of your teachers, form tutor or head of year.” — Jonathan Wade, 21/08/2025

Ignoring subject content or exam style

Don't choose subjects based on their titles alone. IGCSE Psychology, for example, is very different from what many students expect. Research the actual content and assessment methods before committing.

Some subjects require specific skills, like extended writing, that you should be prepared for.

Overlooking long-term usefulness

Consider both enjoyment and usefulness for future study or career paths. Some subjects develop transferable skills, while others are more specialised.

Balance personal interest with strategic thinking about your future options.

Jonathan Wade emphasises the invaluable expertise a careers adviser can provide: “Remember to ask your form tutor if you have a careers adviser available in your school. They are trained to discuss what future careers you might be interested in and how to get there.” — Jonathan Wade, 21/08/2025

FAQs about choosing GCSE subjects

How many IGCSEs do I have to take?

Most students take between 8-10 IGCSEs, depending on their school's policy. The exact number varies between schools, but 9 is typical.

What if I don't know what I want to do in the future?

It is completely normal not to know what career path you want to follow when you are 13-14 years old. 

Choose a balanced mix between academic and practical subjects to keep options open for college, A-Levels, IB or apprenticeships.

Do IGCSE choices affect university applications?

Universities primarily focus on A-Level or IB results, but your IGCSEs determine which A-Levels you can take.

Some competitive universities and courses do consider your IGCSEs, particularly for oversubscribed programmes. Strong IGCSE results demonstrate consistent academic ability.

Can I change my IGCSE subjects later?

Most schools allow changes within the first few weeks of Year 10, but options become limited after that. Timetabling constraints and missed content make later changes difficult.

Make your decisions thoughtfully from the start, but don't panic if you realise early on that you've made a mistake.

Should I take a language or a humanities subject?

If you're aiming for competitive universities, including both a modern foreign language and a humanities subject, strengthens your application.

A lot of schools specify that students must take a humanities and/or a language IGCSE. 

Final insights from IGCSE expert Jonathan Wade

“Picking your IGCSE choices is an important step for you and your family. Make the most of your parents' evening and reports to make the best decision for you. Never be afraid to ask questions. Your teachers and form tutor are here to help you achieve your goals and succeed. If you do make a mistake, speak up. The sooner a problem is shared, a resolution can be found before it's too late.” — Jonathan Wade, 21/08/2025

Improve Your Grades with Save My Exams

Once you've chosen your subjects, remember that Save My Exams offers comprehensive revision resources to help you achieve the best possible results in your IGCSEs. Good luck with your choices and your studies!