Choosing A Levels is one of the first major academic decisions a student makes — one that can shape university options, career paths, and future opportunities.
With around 80 subjects available and only three or four slots to fill, it's no surprise the decision feels daunting for students, parents and teachers alike.
This guide covers everything you need to make a confident, informed choice: what A Levels actually involve, how many to take, which subjects keep your options open, what universities look for, and the five most common mistakes students make when choosing, and how to avoid them.
What Are A Levels?
They are the most common route into UK universities, alongside alternatives such as BTECs, the International Baccalaureate, T Levels and Scottish Highers.
A Levels are "linear" qualifications in England: your final grade is determined entirely by exams sat at the end of Year 13 (a small number of subjects, such as Art and the sciences, also include coursework or practical elements). You can either continue a subject you studied at GCSE in much greater depth, or start something completely new. Subjects such as Economics, Psychology, Law and Philosophy are usually available only from sixth form onwards.
Expect three significant changes from GCSE:
- A jump in difficulty: content is deeper, more analytical and more abstract.
- Different teaching and assessment styles: more essay writing, problem solving and evaluation, less rote learning.
- Far more independent study: with only three or four subjects instead of ten, you'll have free periods that you're expected to fill with self-directed work.
How Many A Levels Should You Take?
Almost every UK university, including Oxford and Cambridge, bases its offers on three A Level grades. Universities generally prefer three strong grades over four average ones.
Taking a fourth subject can make sense if you're a very capable student applying for highly competitive courses (for example, taking Further Maths alongside Maths for Oxbridge Mathematics or Engineering), but it is never a requirement, and spreading yourself too thin can lower your grades across the board.
Some students also take an AS Level, a standalone one-year qualification, or an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) alongside their three A Levels. Both can earn UCAS points and demonstrate breadth, but neither replaces a third full A Level for entry requirements.
Remember: If you require A Level Tuition, then Ivy Education's expert A Level Tutors are here to help!
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What GCSEs Do You Need to Study A Levels?
Most schools and sixth form colleges require at least five GCSEs at grades 9–4 (the old A*–C), usually including English and Maths. Requirements vary between schools, so always check directly.
For individual subjects, you'll typically need a grade 5 or 6 (or higher) in that subject — or a related one — to continue it at A Level. Competitive sixth forms often set higher bars, particularly for Maths, Further Maths and the sciences, where a grade 7–8 may be expected.
If you want to start a brand-new subject like Economics or Psychology, schools will usually look at your grades in related GCSEs (Maths for Economics; Maths and Science for Psychology).
How to Choose Your A Level Subjects
- Will you enjoy it? You'll spend two years studying these subjects day in, day out. Genuine interest sustains motivation far better than obligation, and motivated students get better grades.
- Will you do well in it? Your GCSE performance and your teachers' honest feedback are the best predictors. Strong grades open doors regardless of subject.
- Will it take you where you want to go? If you have a degree or career in mind, check entry requirements now, not in Year 13.
If you already know what you want to study at university
Check the entry requirements for your chosen course at several universities before finalising your choices — on the UCAS website and on individual university course pages. Many degrees specify at least one required A Level subject, and competitive courses such as Medicine, Veterinary Science and Engineering often require two or three specific subjects. Don't be afraid to email a university's admissions team in Year 11 to ask directly — they expect these questions.
If you don't know what you want to study yet
You're in the majority — and that's completely fine. The strategy here is to keep your options open:
- Choose a balanced combination including at least two facilitating subjects (see below).
- Avoid clusters of very similar or very narrow subjects.
- Pick subjects you're genuinely good at — strong grades preserve more options than any particular subject combination.
The Informed Choices tool from the Russell Group is an excellent free resource for seeing which degree paths different subject combinations support.
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Facilitating Subjects: The A Levels That Keep Doors Open
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Maths (and Further Maths)
- English Literature
- History
- Geography
- Modern and Classical Languages
This doesn't mean other subjects are "bad" — far from it. It simply means that if you're undecided, a combination built around two facilitating subjects plus one subject you love is the safest way to choose A Levels without closing doors.
Be aware that the reverse is also true: some universities publish lists of "non-preferred" subjects, typically more vocational or practical A Levels, and may not count them towards offers for academic courses. The London School of Economics is the best-known example, while others (such as the University of Sheffield) publish lists of preferred subjects. One creative or vocational subject is rarely a problem; three usually is.
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A Level Subjects Required for Popular Degree Courses
| Degree course | A Levels usually required |
|---|---|
| Medicine | Chemistry + usually Biology (Maths/Physics also accepted as the second/third science) |
| Dentistry | Chemistry + two of Biology, Maths, Physics |
| Veterinary Science | Chemistry + Biology (Maths/Physics desirable) |
| Engineering | Maths + Physics (Further Maths desirable; Chemistry for Chemical Engineering) |
| Economics | Maths (Further Maths desirable for top courses) |
| Mathematics | Maths (Further Maths required or strongly preferred at top universities) |
| Physics | Physics + Maths |
| Chemistry | Chemistry (Maths desirable) |
| Biology / Biomedical Sciences | Biology + a second science or Maths |
| Pharmacy | Chemistry + one of Biology, Maths, Physics |
| Physiotherapy | Biology (Chemistry or PE often accepted alongside) |
| Psychology | Often no requirement; a science or Maths preferred at some universities |
| English | English Literature (or Language, depending on the course) |
| History | History |
| Geography / Earth Sciences | Geography; Geology courses often want two from Maths/Physics/Chemistry/Biology |
| Modern Languages | The relevant language |
| Architecture | Often Maths and/or an art portfolio |
| Law | No specific subjects — but essay-based subjects help |
| Business / Politics / Philosophy / Marketing | Usually no specific requirements |
Note that plenty of popular degrees: Law, Business, Politics, Psychology, Philosophy, have no fixed subject requirements, so you can reach them from almost any sensible combination.
Subject Combinations Universities Don't Like
- Business Studies + Economics
- Maths + Further Maths counted as your only two subjects for an offer (Further Maths is excellent — but as a fourth subject or alongside genuine breadth)
- Multiple overlapping creative/media subjects (e.g. Art + Design Technology + Media Studies)
A good rule of thumb: build depth in your area of interest, then add one contrasting subject to show range.
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5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing A-Levels
Mistake #1: Assuming A-Levels Are Just Like GCSEs
"I loved this subject at GCSE, so A Level will be a breeze, right?" Not necessarily. A Levels are a significant step up: greater depth, more independent study, and often a very different style of teaching and examination. GCSE History rewards knowing the content; A Level History demands analysis, source evaluation and historiography. GCSE Maths is procedural; A Level Maths becomes abstract.
How to avoid it: Go in with your eyes open. Talk to current sixth formers and teachers, read the exam board specification, and skim a past paper or A Level textbook for each subject you're considering. Choose subjects because you want to explore them at a higher level — not because you assume they'll feel the same as GCSE.
Mistake #2: Taking All-New Subjects Without a Foundation
Starting one new subject at A Level — Economics, Psychology, Law — is normal and works well for thousands of students every year. Starting three new subjects simultaneously means hitting the ground from a standing start in everything, with no carried-over knowledge or skills to lean on. It's a recipe for an overwhelming Year 12.
How to avoid it: Aim for balance. Anchor your choices with at least one or two subjects you've already studied successfully, and limit yourself to one (or at most two) genuinely new subjects.
Mistake #3: Choosing Subjects That Are Too Similar
A strong interest in one area is great — but choosing only subjects from a single narrow niche can limit your university options and, as covered above, raise eyebrows with admissions teams who want to see breadth of skills.
How to avoid it: Include subjects from your interest area, but add one contrasting subject to round out your profile. Check university guidance on preferred combinations before you commit.
Mistake #4: Picking Subjects for the Wrong Reasons
Choosing A Levels to impress friends, satisfy parents, or chase perceived prestige is one of the most reliable routes to two unhappy years. The same goes for taking Maths or English "because employers want them" — most employers are perfectly happy with these at GCSE level, and a poor grade in a subject you dislike helps nobody.
How to avoid it: Listen to advice from parents, teachers and mentors — then make the final decision based on your interests, strengths and goals. You're the one sitting the exams.
Mistake #5: Ignoring Future Plans and Entry Requirements
"I'll worry about that later" is the costliest mistake on this list. Many degrees have specific A Level requirements, and if you don't take the right subjects now, certain courses simply won't be available to you in two years' time. No Chemistry means no Medicine; no Maths means very few Economics offers from top universities.
How to avoid it: Even if your plans are tentative, look up entry requirements for two or three degrees you might consider, at a handful of universities. If you genuinely have no idea, default to a balanced set built around facilitating subjects — it keeps the most doors open.
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Dos and Don'ts: A Quick Checklist for Choosing A Levels
Do:
- Research each subject thoroughly — read the specification, look at how it's assessed, and ask current students what the course is really like
- Ask teachers for honest feedback on how you'd cope at A Level
- Check entry requirements early if you have a degree or career in mind
- Include at least two facilitating subjects if you're undecided
- Choose subjects you enjoy and are good at
Don't:
- Assume a subject will feel like it did at GCSE
- Take three completely new subjects at once
- Pick a cluster of near-identical subjects
- Choose based on prestige, peer pressure or someone else's wishes
- Take a subject you dislike purely because a career "requires" it — if you hate the subject, reconsider whether the career suits you
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What If You Change Your Mind?
You're not locked in forever. Most schools and colleges allow students to switch subjects in the first few weeks of Year 12, while the content gap is still small. If you realise early that a subject isn't right, speak to your head of sixth form as soon as possible; the sooner you move, the easier the catch-up.
Conclusion
Choosing A-levels is a significant decision, but it’s also an exciting opportunity to shape the next stage of education in a way that suits you. By avoiding common mistakes and following the tips and guidance provided, students can choose wisely and set themselves up for a rewarding sixth form experience. Remember, there’s no single “right” combination of A-levels for everyone – it’s about finding your right combination. Do your research, trust your instincts (informed by facts), and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. With careful thought and the right support, you’ll be well on your way to success in your A-levels and beyond. Good luck!
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Frequently Asked Questions about Choosing A Levels
Most students take three A-levels, which is the standard number required by UK universities. Taking a fourth is only advisable if you're highly capable and it aligns with your academic goals.
Choose a balanced mix of A-levels that keep your options open, ideally including at least two traditional or facilitating subjects. This allows flexibility as your interests evolve.
Facilitating subjects like Maths, English, and Sciences are widely accepted and keep more doors open. Less traditional subjects are fine in moderation but should be chosen with care.
Yes, many A-level subjects (like Psychology or Economics) don’t require prior study. Just be prepared for a learning curve and do a bit of research before starting.
Most schools allow changes early in Year 12, usually within the first few weeks. Speak to your head of sixth form or tutor as soon as possible to make adjustments.
Ivy Education offers tailored educational consultancy to support subject choices and sixth form planning. Our expert tutors also provide one-on-one A Level tuition to help students thrive.
BY Alastair
Alastair Delafield is the Managing Director and founder of Ivy Education.
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