A Level Subject Selector
Select your target university course below to see the mandatory and recommended A Level subjects. This tool helps you avoid common selection mistakes.
So, you have heard the term "A Level" thrown around by teachers, parents, or maybe even that friend who went to a sixth form college. You might be wondering: A level subject is what exactly? Is it just another exam? Is it harder than GCSEs? And why does everyone seem so stressed about picking three of them?
If you are in Year 10 or 11 in the UK (or studying equivalent qualifications elsewhere), this choice dictates your next two years and often your future career path. It is not just about passing a test; it is about narrowing down your interests before you hit the specialized world of university or higher apprenticeships. Let’s break down what an A Level actually is, how they work, and how to pick the right ones without losing sleep over it.
The Core Definition: What Exactly Are A Levels?
Advanced Level qualifications, commonly known as A Levels, are academic subjects taken by students in their final two years of secondary education in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. They sit above GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education) and below university degrees in the educational hierarchy. Think of GCSEs as a broad survey course where you touch on everything from biology to history. A Levels are where you stop touching everything and start digging deep into specific areas.
Most students choose three subjects. Why three? Because most universities require three A Levels for entry. Some competitive courses, like Medicine or Engineering at top-tier universities, might want four, but three is the standard baseline. These are linear courses, meaning you don’t get points for homework or class participation throughout the year. Your entire grade rests on the exams you take at the end of the two-year period. This is a massive shift from the continuous assessment model many students experience in earlier schooling.
How The Grading System Actually Works
Gone are the days when an 'A' was the highest mark you could get. In 2010, the grading scale changed to include an A* at the very top. Here is the breakdown of what those letters mean in terms of percentage bands, which can vary slightly depending on the exam board (like AQA, Edexcel, or OCR), but generally follow this pattern:
| Grade | Typical UMS Percentage | University Context |
|---|---|---|
| A* | 90%+ (plus high average across AS) | Ivy League/Oxbridge tier |
| A | 80-89% | Russell Group standard |
| B | 70-79% | Solid pass, good for most unis |
| C | 60-69% | Minimum for many degrees |
| D | 50-59% | Pass, limits options |
| E | 40-49% | Lowest pass grade |
Getting an A* isn't just about hitting 90% in the final papers. Historically, you needed an average of 90% across all units and a minimum of 80% in the A2 (second year) components. While rules have tweaked with the move to linear exams, the principle remains: consistency matters. You cannot coast through Year 12 and hope to pull off a miracle in Year 13. The content builds cumulatively.
Common Subjects vs. Niche Choices
When people ask "what is an A level subject," they often imagine the big five: Maths, English Literature, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. These are the heavy hitters. They are rigorous, widely respected, and keep doors open for almost any degree. But schools offer way more than just these core sciences and humanities.
You will find subjects like Psychology, Business Studies, Economics, Art & Design, Drama, Music, and Physical Education. There are also modern additions like Computer Science, Media Studies, and Sociology. Each comes with its own workload profile. For instance, Mathematics is a highly logical subject requiring extensive practice rather than memorization. If you fall behind in week one, you will likely struggle in week ten because each topic relies on the previous one.
On the flip side, subjects like History or English Literature rely heavily on essay writing. You need to analyze sources, construct arguments, and write thousands of words under timed conditions. Neither is "easier." They just demand different brain muscles. One requires problem-solving speed; the other requires critical thinking depth.
Why Choosing The Right Combination Matters
Here is where students often trip up. They pick subjects because their friends are doing them, or because they think a subject sounds "easy." Big mistake. University admissions tutors look for relevant combinations. If you want to study Law, taking Politics helps, but taking Business Studies might be seen as less academically rigorous compared to History or English. If you want to do Engineering, you absolutely need Maths and Physics. Chemistry is often recommended too.
Consider these common pathways:
- Medicine: Chemistry is mandatory. Biology is usually required. Maths or Physics is the third best option.
- Engineering: Maths and Physics are non-negotiable. Further Maths is a huge plus.
- Humanities (History, Philosophy): Essay-based subjects like History, English, or Politics show strong analytical skills.
- Business/Economics: Maths is crucial. Economics pairs well with Business Studies, though some top universities prefer traditional academic subjects over vocational-style ones.
Don't ignore the "soft" subjects entirely, but be aware of how they are perceived. General Studies, Critical Thinking, and Global Perspectives are sometimes viewed as "softer" options by selective universities. Always check the specific entry requirements for the universities you are eyeing. Their websites are gold mines for this info.
The Workload Reality Check
Let’s talk about time. Moving from GCSEs to A Levels is a jump, not a step. In Year 10, you might spend 2 hours a night on homework. In Year 12, expect 10-15 hours a week per subject outside of class. That is a lot of reading, revising, and practicing past papers.
Independent study is the name of the game. Teachers won't chase you to turn things in. If you miss a lesson, you miss the explanation for complex concepts like integration in Calculus or the causes of the French Revolution. You have to teach yourself. Many students fail their first mock exams in Year 12 simply because they underestimated the volume of content. The syllabus is thick. You cover more ground in two years than you did in four years of GCSEs.
Alternatives to Traditional A Levels
Are A Levels the only way? No. If you hate sitting still and writing essays, or if you learn better by doing, consider these alternatives:
BTECs are vocational qualifications assessed through coursework and practical projects rather than final exams. They are great for creative fields, sports science, or business. However, note that some elite universities treat BTECs differently than A Levels. You might need Distinction* grades to compete with AAA at A Level.
IB Diploma is an international curriculum requiring six subjects plus theory of knowledge and extended essay. It is broader and arguably harder due to the workload management, but it is globally recognized. If you plan to leave the UK for university, IB travels better than A Levels.
T-Levels are new technical qualifications combining classroom learning with industry placements. Launched recently, they aim to replace many old vocational diplomas. They are ideal if you know exactly what job you want and want to skip university for a skilled trade or apprenticeship.
How To Choose Your Three Subjects
Feeling overwhelmed? Use this simple filter process:
- Check Career Requirements: Look up 3-5 potential university courses. Write down their mandatory subjects. Eliminate anything that disqualifies you from all of them.
- Assess Enjoyment: Can you see yourself reading about this topic every weekend for two years? If you hate reading novels now, English Lit will be misery. Passion fuels persistence.
- Be Honest About Strengths: Did you scrape a C in GCSE Math? Taking A Level Math is possible, but it will be brutal. Don't let pride dictate your choices. A solid B in a subject you enjoy is better than a D in a subject you hate.
- Balance The Load: Avoid three essay-heavy subjects if you struggle with writing speed. Avoid three calculation-heavy subjects if math drains you. Mix types if possible, unless your chosen career demands a specific cluster.
Can I change my A level subjects after starting?
Yes, but it gets harder the later you switch. Most schools allow changes during the first half-term of Year 12. After that, you risk missing too much foundational content. Always speak to your head of year immediately if you feel unhappy with a choice.
Do universities care if I took four A levels instead of three?
For most courses, no. Three good grades are better than four mediocre ones. However, for extremely competitive courses like Medicine or PPE (Philosophy, Politics, and Economics) at Oxford/Cambridge, having a fourth relevant A level can demonstrate extra commitment and capacity for work.
What is the difference between AS and A Level?
Historically, AS levels were taken in Year 12 and counted for half the A Level grade. Now, AS levels are decoupled. They are standalone qualifications. You can take them for extra CV credit, but they no longer contribute to your final A Level score. Focus on the full two-year A Level structure.
Are A levels recognized outside the UK?
Yes, A Levels are internationally recognized. Universities in Canada, Australia, and parts of Europe accept them. However, conversion tables vary. For example, in the US, they may be converted to GPA or SAT subject tests equivalents. Always check with the specific international institution.
Is Further Maths necessary for Engineering?
It is not always mandatory, but it is highly recommended. Top engineering programs often list it as preferred. It gives you a significant advantage in first-year university modules involving calculus and differential equations. If you excel at standard Maths, seriously consider adding it as a fourth subject or an AS level.