Best IGCSE Subject Combinations

When it comes to choosing your IGCSE subjects, there are lots of things to think about. Should you choose subjects you enjoy and do well at? Should you choose the harder ones? Which combinations are best for your future career, and do you even know what that might be? It all feels like a lot to deal with. 

The truth is, there's no single "perfect" combination. It sounds obvious, but the best IGCSE subject combinations are the ones that work for you. Here, you’ll find out what that might look like. 

We’ll go through how to choose a balanced yet strategic mix of subjects that won’t limit your future choices. With some sample subject combinations and the reasoning behind them, you’ll be ready to make a confident decision.

Key Takeaways

1. Your IGCSE choices unlock your A Level options – pick subjects that build relevant skills.

2. Balance is brilliant – mix sciences, humanities, and languages to show you're well-rounded. 

3. Choosing broadly means you won't limit yourself.

4. Being undecided is completely normal – remember that your IGCSE subjects won’t define your future.

Why Your IGCSE Subject Choices Matter

Your IGCSE subjects are designed to build skills and knowledge that you’ll develop in future, more specialised studies. They provide you with a strong academic foundation. In essence, IGCSEs teach you how to study. Let’s look at this in more detail. 

They help you explore  

If you aren’t sure what you like yet, IGCSEs let you try out different subjects. You might discover you love Psychology and want to study it further.

Here’s a full set of IGCSE Options that gives you loads of course info and what IGCSEs you’ll need for specific careers. 

Different subjects build different skills 

Sciences teach investigation. Humanities develop essay-writing. Languages boost communication. Creative subjects spark innovation.

The golden rule is to keep doors open while you figure out what you love. To do this, choose a balanced range. 

They prepare you for A Level 

It seems far away right now, but deciding what you want to study at A Level will help you choose IGCSE combinations wisely. If you think you might want to take A Level Chemistry, for instance, it’s best to take IGCSE Chemistry first. 

Universities pay attention 

While universities mainly look at your A Level grades, they’ll likely check your IGCSE core subject grades, and glance at which subjects you studied. See your IGCSEs as part of your overall academic record. 

It’s worth noting:

• Top universities will ask for a set of strong IGCSE grades in addition to A Levels or IBs.

• For tougher courses like Medicine or Engineering, the right combination shows you're committed to that area of study.

Core and Optional Subjects Explained

Most students take from 5 to 10 subjects made up of core and optional subjects.

Core subjects:

• English Language (compulsory)

• Mathematics (compulsory)

• Science (not compulsory)

  • Either Combined Science or Biology, Chemistry, Physics separately

Optional subjects: 

• Humanities (History, Geography, Religious Studies, Literature)

• Languages (French, Spanish, German, Mandarin)

• Creative subjects (Art, Drama, Music)

• Practical subjects (PE, Food & Nutrition, Design & Technology)

• Business subjects (Business Studies, Economics, Computer Science)

Best IGCSE Combinations by Future Pathway

If you have some idea of the studies you want to do later, or a career path you’re interested in, deciding your IGCSE combinations is easier. If you have absolutely no clue about this yet, don’t panic! It’s tricky to know what your future holds or to make a decision at this stage. 

Whether you know what you want to do or not, these IGCSE combinations may lead you in the right direction.  

Science and Medicine Pathway

Thinking of becoming a doctor, dentist, vet, or scientist? These combinations work well:

Why this works: Medical schools require Biology and Chemistry at A Level. Your best way forward is to take them at IGCSE first. Physics helps with problem-solving. Additional Maths prepares you for tough calculations later.

Engineering and Technology Pathway

Do you love figuring out how things work? Are you keen on the idea of designing robots or building apps? Try these IGCSEs to be an Engineer. 

Why this works: Engineering is all about Physics and Maths. Computer Science is vital for modern engineering. Design & Technology shows you can build real things.

Business and Economics Pathway

Would you like to run your own company or work in finance? This combination will help:

Why this works: Business and Economics introduce key concepts. Universities want to see you can handle numbers and write well. A foreign language teaches you decoding and problem-solving skills, and prepares you for global interaction. 

Humanities and Law Pathway

Do you dream of becoming a lawyer, journalist, or teacher? Try these subjects:

Why this works: History and Literature teach you to build arguments using evidence – exactly what lawyers do. You’ll also become an efficient and speedy reader. Learning another language helps you understand language better. Science shows you're curious.

Creative Arts and Design Pathway

Maybe you’d like to be an artist, designer, or architect. Here’s a combination for you:

Why this works: Art schools want portfolio development through Art & Design. Top creative universities also want academically strong students. You can get this balance with traditional subjects.

Top tip: If architecture interests you, definitely include Physics.

Balanced / Undecided Pathway

Not sure what you want to do yet? No problem. Choose a good balance. 

Why this works: This combination includes subjects that top universities love across all courses. From here, you can head in almost any direction at A Level.

Need more info? Look through our guide on How to Choose Your IGCSE Subjects. 

Tips for Choosing the Right Combination

Still not sure? Here are some things to consider:

1. Start with what you're good at. 

Look at your recent reports. Which subjects do you find easiest? Which did you do best in? Taking subjects you’re strong in will make your IGCSEs less stressful.

2. Pick things you actually enjoy. 

Of course, there are topics or aspects of any subject that you may find boring or tricky. But, choosing subjects that make you curious (ones you’ve found yourself discussing outside of school) is going to help. In my experience, committing to the subjects you take is the best way forward. This is easier to do if you find a subject interesting. 

3. Do your research. 

Look at university websites for courses that sound interesting. Notice which subjects grab your attention. 

Once you have a university course in mind, find out how many IGCSE subjects they’ll need. 

Most A Level and degree courses ask for 5 strong IGCSE grades and specify core subjects. 

• For example, the University of Leeds (opens in a new tab) requires at least 5 IGCSEs (grades 9–4 / A–C), including English Language and a form of numeracy (such as maths, depending on the course).

For competitive courses, you may need 7 IGCSE subjects. 

• A course in Medicine at University of Manchester (opens in a new tab) requires at least 7 IGCSEs at grade 7 or above, including English Language, Maths and at least two science subjects, at a minimum of grade 6 (B)

4. Chat with your teachers. 

Lots of students have asked me what subjects they should choose. I’ve been able to guide them because of a good understanding of their learning styles, interests, and strengths. Teachers can advise you on the nitty-gritty of subjects, such as the workload involved, the weighting of exams and coursework, and the topics you’ll study. 

5. Balance different types of work. 

The last thing you need is a heavy load of practical work outside of school or, equally, essay after essay to write. Mix them up so you have a healthy set of exam-based and coursework subjects. If learning facts is not your thing, balance it with a hands-on subject. Our IGCSE revision notes across exam boards direct you to course overviews and past papers. Have a look at exactly what you’re signing up for!

6. Think about "respected" subjects. 

IGCSEs demonstrate your foundation knowledge and skills. A good spread is a combination that includes traditional subjects like Maths, English, History, Geography, sciences, and foreign languages.

7. Stay broad. 

Remember, you're not specialising yet. IGCSEs are about getting an all-round education, and finding out what you like. Try not to narrow your focus too much. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How many IGCSE subjects should I take?

Most schools require you to take a minimum of 5-6 IGCSEs.

• 5-6 subjects

  • Most post-16 courses and universities ask for a minimum of 5 IGCSEs at Grade 4 (C) or above

  • These include: English Language, Mathematics, Science (Combined Science or two single sciences)

• 7-8 subjects

  • Competitive degrees often ask for 7 or more subjects with grades 7–9

• 10 subjects 

  • Taking 10 IGCSE subjects is the maximum at many schools

  • This can spread you a little thin

Our article on how many IGCSE subjects are required gives you all the details. 

Can I change my IGCSE subjects later?

It depends on when you decide to change.

In the first few weeks of Year 10, this is generally possible. If you realise within the first month you've made a mistake, talk to your teacher or head of year. It gets harder after the first term. In Year 11, changing is a lot trickier. 

Which IGCSE subjects do top universities prefer?

Universities will consider your A Levels before your IGCSEs. Still, they’re after a solid set of skills and a broad range of knowledge. Admissions tutors often use IGCSE results to assess your overall academic potential. 

University of Oxford (opens in a new tab) says: “Higher grades at GCSE can help to make your application more competitive, and successful applicants typically have a high proportion of 7,8 and 9 grades. However, we do look at GCSE grades in context”. This applies to IGCSEs, too!

Equally, the University of Cambridge (opens in a new tab)confirms that they look at IGCSE results as an “indicator of your academic performance” and “within the context of the performance of the school/college where you achieved your GCSEs”.

Bear in mind, they’ll likely prefer you get a good grade in the subject you intend to study. For example, if you apply for Engineering, top grades in maths or Physics are expected.  

Final Thoughts

The thing to remember is that this decision is not going to define you forever. I know many successful people who work in careers totally different from what they studied. It’s always possible to take another course later. For instance, I teach adults IGCSE English Literature!

What matters right now is choosing subjects that:

• Play to your strengths

• Include things you enjoy

• Balance each other

• Teach you a broad range of skills and content

Ask your teachers, check your recent reports, research the options and career pathways, and, finally, think about what you can see yourself doing in the future. Then, trust yourself. 

Whatever IGCSE combination you pick, the way to success is to put in the effort and stay open-minded. 

Want to know more? 

See what's next after IGCSEs. Why not check out our range of articles offering university advice?

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References: 

Entry requirements | University of Leeds (opens in a new tab)

MBChB Medicine (2026 entry) | The University of Manchester (opens in a new tab)

UK Qualifications: University of Oxford (opens in a new tab) 

Undergraduate Study: University of Cambridge (opens in a new tab)