How to Choose Your A Level Subjects for University Success

Selecting your A Level subjects and O Level subjects is more than just another step in your academic journey; it is a decision that can shape your entire future. The subjects you choose at this stage influence not only your university course options but also your career opportunities and areas of specialization. For many students, this can feel like a daunting process, especially with the wide variety of subjects available and the pressure to make the “right” choice.

Universities often set specific entry requirements for different degree programs, which means that picking the wrong subjects may restrict your future choices. At the same time, choosing subjects solely based on difficulty, peer pressure, or popularity can lead to struggles with motivation and performance later on. The key is to strike a balance between your personal interests, academic strengths, and long-term goals.

In this article, we break down the essential factors to consider when choosing your A-level subjects, from understanding university requirements and exploring career pathways to evaluating your skills and passions.

By the end, you’ll have the clarity and confidence to select a Level subject combination that not only keeps your options open but also sets you firmly on the path to university success.

Why A Level Subject Choice Matters?

Your A Level subject choices carry more weight than you might initially realise. They are not just about what you will study for the next two years; they directly shape your academic opportunities, university applications, and even career pathways.

Unlike O Levels or IGCSEs, where a wide range of subjects is typically studied, A Levels involve focusing on a smaller selection. This makes every subject you choose highly significant.

• University Entry Requirements: Many universities require specific A Level subjects for admission into certain courses. For example, Medicine typically demands Chemistry and Biology, while Engineering often requires Mathematics and Physics. If you do not select the right subjects now, you may unintentionally close the door to your desired degree program later.
• Career Opportunities: Your A Level subjects can influence the industries and professions you become eligible for in the future. A student who takes Mathematics and Economics may naturally progress into finance, while someone with English Literature and History may pursue law, journalism, or education.
• Academic Strengths and Interests: Choosing subjects aligned with your strengths not only boosts your chances of achieving higher grades but also makes studying more engaging and less stressful. Motivation and interest play a major role in long-term success.
• Flexibility for the Future: At this stage, many students are still uncertain about their career goals. Picking a balanced mix of subjects can keep more options open, allowing you to adjust your path as your ambitions become clearer.

Your A Level subject selection is not just a personal preference; it is a strategic decision that can determine your academic journey and professional future.

Step 1: Understand University Entry Requirements

Before finalising your A Level subjects, it is essential to research the entry requirements of the universities and degree programs you may want to pursue. Each course has specific subject expectations, and not meeting them could prevent you from applying, no matter how good your grades are.

• Core Subjects for Specific Degrees: Some degrees demand certain A Levels as a minimum. For instance:
  • Medicine, Dentistry, and Veterinary Science: Chemistry (compulsory) and Biology are almost always required.
  • Engineering and Computer Science: Mathematics is compulsory, while Physics is highly recommended.
  • Law: No specific subjects are compulsory, but essay-based subjects like English Literature or History are preferred.
  • Business and Economics: Mathematics or Economics may be required or strongly recommended.
• Facilitating Subjects: Top universities often recommend “facilitating subjects,” such as Mathematics, English Literature, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Geography, History, and Languages. These keep a wide range of degree options open.
• Check University Websites: Each university publishes its entry requirements on its official website. For example, if you aim for a degree in Psychology, some universities require at least one science subject (Biology, Chemistry, or Physics), while others are more flexible.
• Keep Future Flexibility in Mind: Even if you are unsure of your career path right now, choosing subjects that are widely accepted across multiple disciplines ensures you won’t be limited later.

Here are some common examples:

• Medicine: Biology and Chemistry are essential. Some universities may also require or recommend Physics or Mathematics.
• Engineering: Mathematics and Physics are compulsory. Further Mathematics is highly preferred by top universities.
• Law: No strict subject requirements, but essay-based subjects such as English Literature, History, or Politics are highly valued.
  Business/Finance: Mathematics and Economics are often recommended. Business Studies can also strengthen your application.
• Computer Science/IT: Mathematics is a must. Further Mathematics, Physics, or Computer Science are also useful additions.

By aligning your subject choices with degree requirements, you not only keep your options open but also avoid unnecessary limitations in your university applications.

Tip: Create a shortlist of universities or degree programs that interest you and note down the required and recommended A Level subjects. This will help you align your subject choices with future opportunities.

Step 2: Identify Your Strengths and Interests

While university requirements are important, your A Level subject choices should also reflect your personal strengths and genuine interests. Studying subjects you enjoy and excel in will not only make the next two years more engaging but also increase your chances of achieving top grades.

• Play to Your Strengths: Think about the subjects you performed best in at O Level/IGCSE. For example, if you consistently scored high in Mathematics, pursuing A Level Maths or Further Maths could be a smart choice. On the other hand, if essay-based subjects like English or History were challenging, you might want to avoid heavily essay-focused A Levels unless they are necessary for your chosen career.
• Follow Your Interests: Passion drives motivation. If you genuinely enjoy Biology experiments or solving Physics problems, you are more likely to stay motivated even when the workload increases. Enjoyment of a subject often leads to deeper understanding and better performance.
• Balance Between Strengths and Ambitions: Sometimes you may enjoy a subject but struggle with it academically. In such cases, consider whether the subject is essential for your career path. For example, if you dream of becoming a doctor but find Chemistry tough, you may still need to take it while seeking extra support.
• Avoid Choosing Just for Friends or Trends: Many students choose subjects because their friends are taking them or because they seem “popular.” Remember, your academic journey is personal; your best choice may be different from others.

Examples:

• A student strong in Maths and Sciences, but unsure of a career. Choosing Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry keeps multiple pathways open (Engineering, Medicine, Computer Science).
• A student who loves writing, debating, and history, English Literature, History, and Politics could lead toward Law, Journalism, or International Relations.
• A student passionate about technology and problem-solving, Mathematics, Computer Science, and Physics can pave the way to IT, Software Engineering, or Data Science.

Tip: Make a list of your top-performing and most enjoyable subjects, then compare them with your career or university goals. The overlap will usually point you toward the best choices.

Step 3: Balance “Facilitating” and “Specialist” Subjects

Another important factor in choosing your A Levels is finding the right balance between facilitating subjects and specialist subjects. This balance ensures that you keep your university and career options open while also tailoring your studies toward specific goals.

Facilitating Subjects: 

Facilitating subjects are those that are highly valued by top universities because they demonstrate strong academic ability and essential analytical skills. They keep your future pathways open and allow you to apply to a wide variety of degree programs. These subjects strengthen core competencies like critical thinking, mathematical reasoning, language proficiency, and scientific understanding:

• Mathematics
• English Literature
• Biology, Chemistry, Physics
• Geography
• History
• Modern or Classical Languages, Mathematics
• Further Mathematics
• English Literature
• Physics
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Geography
• History
• Languages

These subjects are often recommended, sometimes even required, by universities for competitive degree programs. Taking one or two facilitating subjects is a strong strategy because it shows that you can handle rigorous academic content and gives you flexibility if your plans change later on.

Specialist Subjects: 

Specialist subjects are more focused and career-oriented. They help you build early expertise in a particular field and often align directly with certain university programs. These subjects can help you stand out in applications related to your chosen discipline. For example:

• Economics: Useful for Business, Finance, or Economics degrees
• Computer Science: Helpful for IT or Software Engineering pathways
• Psychology: Valuable for social sciences or health-related degrees
• Art & Design: Important for creative fields like Architecture, Fine Arts, or Design.

Choosing specialist subjects is ideal if you already have a clear idea of the industry or field you want to pursue.

Finding the Balance: 

Finding the perfect balance depends on your academic goals, personal strengths, and long-term ambitions. A good mix allows you to explore your interests without restricting your future choices.

Here’s how you can structure your subject combination:

• If you already know your career field:

Choose two facilitating subjects and one specialist subject. This gives you solid academic credibility and relevant subject knowledge.

• If you’re still exploring:

Choose two or three facilitating subjects, which keep your options wide open. You can always specialise later once you discover your interests.

 For example:

• Medicine: Biology, Chemistry (facilitating), plus Mathematics (facilitating/specialist).
• Business: Mathematics (facilitating), Economics (specialist), plus a third strong facilitating subject like English or History.
• Computer Science: Mathematics (facilitating), Physics (facilitating), Computer Science (specialist).

4. Why Balance Matters:

 Relying only on specialist subjects can limit your university options, while choosing only facilitating subjects may leave you without a clear direction. A smart mix gives you both academic credibility and career alignment.

Tip: If unsure, lean toward facilitating subjects, since they provide more flexibility. Specialist subjects should then be used to tailor your combination toward your likely degree or career path.

Step 4: Think About Future Career Paths

Your A Level subject choices are not just about the next two years; they can shape the professional opportunities available to you for years to come. Even if you are not fully certain about your career goals, having a rough idea of where your interests lie can guide you toward smarter subject decisions.

1. Match Subjects with Career Fields: 

Certain careers have very clear subject expectations. For example:

• Medicine & Healthcare: Biology and Chemistry are compulsory, with Physics or Mathematics as strong additions. 
• Engineering & Technology: Mathematics and Physics are essential, while Further Mathematics or Computer Science can strengthen your profile.
• Law: No strict requirements, but essay-based subjects like English Literature, History, or Politics develop analytical and communication skills valued in legal studies.
• Business & Finance: Mathematics, Economics, and Business Studies build a strong foundation for careers in management, accounting, and economics.
• Creative Industries”: Art & Design, Drama, or Music may be required for degrees in fine arts, performing arts, or related creative fields.

2. Consider Transferable Skills: 

Even if you are undecided, think about the skills developed in each subject. For example, Mathematics strengthens problem-solving and logical reasoning.

History and Politics build critical thinking and persuasive writing skills. The sciences foster research, analysis, and experimentation skills.

3. Think Long-Term: 

While your career choice may evolve, choosing subjects aligned with industries you might enjoy helps ensure you are prepared. For example, if you are torn between Medicine and Engineering, taking Mathematics, Chemistry, and Physics can keep both paths open.

4. Avoid Limiting Yourself Too Early: 

Choosing overly narrow or less respected subjects without facilitating subjects may reduce your options later. A balanced mix allows you to switch directions if your career interests change.

Tip: Explore potential careers before finalizing your subjects. Look at degree entry requirements, talk to teachers, or research career prospects online. The earlier you connect your subjects to your future goals, the more confident you’ll feel about your decisions.

Step 5: Avoid Common Mistakes

When selecting A Level subjects, many students fall into traps that can affect their academic performance, university opportunities, and overall confidence. Being aware of these mistakes will help you make more informed and strategic choices.

• Choosing Based on Friends: One of the most common mistakes is picking subjects just because your friends are taking them. While it might seem fun at first, your abilities, interests, and career goals may be very different.
• Following Trends or Popularity: Subjects like Business Studies or Psychology are popular, but they may not always align with your strengths or career path. Popularity should never outweigh personal suitability.
• Ignoring Entry Requirements: Selecting subjects without checking university requirements can lead to closed doors. For example, choosing Economics and Business without Mathematics may prevent you from applying to top Finance or Economics programs.
• Overloading with “Easy” or “Hard” Subjects: Some students pick subjects they think are “easy” to secure good grades, while others overload with tough subjects to look impressive. Both approaches can backfire; balance is key.
• Not Considering Assessment Style: Every subject has a different style of learning and assessment. If you struggle with essays, subjects like History or English Literature may be more challenging. Similarly, if you dislike practicals and labs, experimental sciences might not be the best fit.
• Choosing Without Passion or Interest: Lack of interest leads to lack of motivation. If you pick a subject just for the sake of it, you may lose focus and underperform.

Tip: Before finalizing your choices, ask yourself:

1. Do these subjects match my strengths?
2. Do they align with my university/career goals?
3. Do I genuinely have an interest in them?

Answering these questions honestly will help you avoid regret later.

Step 6: Seek Guidance and Advice

Choosing A Level subjects is a big decision, and you don’t have to make it alone. Seeking guidance from the right people can give you valuable insights, help you understand your options better, and ensure you make well-informed choices.

• Teachers and Subject Specialists: Your current teachers know your academic strengths and weaknesses. They can give honest feedback on whether you are likely to handle the challenges of an A Level subject. For example, your Maths teacher can tell you if you are ready for Further Mathematics.
• School or College Counselors: Many schools have career advisors who can help you match subjects to your long-term goals. They also stay updated on university entry requirements and can guide you on the best subject combinations.
• University Admission Guidelines: Always check official university websites for subject requirements. This prevents future disappointments and ensures your choices align with the courses you want to pursue.
• Family and Mentors: Parents, older siblings, or family members in professional fields can provide real-world perspectives on how certain subjects connect to careers.
• Peers (with Caution): Talking to classmates or seniors can give you an idea of what to expect in certain subjects, but remember that everyone’s abilities and interests are different. What works for them may not be right for you.

Tip: Combine advice from multiple sources instead of relying on just one. This way, you’ll have a clear, well-rounded perspective before making your final decision.

Conclusion

Choosing your A Level subjects is not just a short-term academic decision; it is a defining step that can shape your entire educational and professional future. The subjects you select will determine the university courses you are eligible for, influence the skills you develop, and set the direction for your career path. This is why it is so important to approach the decision with careful thought, research, and self-awareness.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can approach the process strategically. Start by understanding university entry requirements for certain degrees. such as Medicine, Engineering, or Law, demand specific A Levels.

Then, reflect on your strengths and interests, since studying subjects you are both good at and passionate about will keep you motivated and lead to stronger results. A smart balance between facilitating subjects and specialist subjects ensures that you keep your options open while also aligning with your future goals.

At the same time, it is essential to think carefully about your career ambitions. Even if you are not completely certain about your future, choosing flexible subject combinations can prevent you from closing doors prematurely. Avoid common mistakes like selecting subjects just because friends are taking them, following trends, or underestimating how demanding A Levels really are. Instead, seek guidance from teachers, counselors, and mentors who can provide professional advice tailored to your abilities and ambitions.

Final Thought: Start early, research thoroughly, and choose with confidence. The decisions you make today about your A Level subjects will shape your opportunities tomorrow, so take the time to make them count.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many A Level subjects should I take?

Most students take three A Level subjects, which is the standard requirement for the majority of universities worldwide. Three strong grades are often better than taking four or five and achieving lower results. However, exceptionally high-achieving students aiming for competitive universities (such as Oxford, Cambridge, or top medical schools) sometimes take a fourth subject to strengthen their applications or to showcase academic breadth.

2. Which A Level subjects are most respected by universities?

Universities place the highest value on what are called “facilitating subjects”, those that keep many degree pathways open. These include:

• Mathematics and Further Mathematics
• Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
• English Literature
• History and Geography
• Modern or Classical Languages

While specialist subjects like Economics, Computer Science, or Psychology can be useful, a strong foundation in facilitating subjects is considered a mark of academic ability.

3. Can I change my A Level subjects after starting?

Yes, most schools or colleges allow students to switch subjects within the first few weeks of starting A Levels. However, once the syllabus moves forward, catching up can be very difficult. If you are unsure, attend introductory classes for different subjects before committing, and discuss your situation with teachers or counselors.

4. Do universities prefer certain subject combinations?

Absolutely. For highly competitive courses, subject combinations matter as much as grades. For example:

• Medicine: Biology and Chemistry (with Physics or Mathematics often preferred)
• Engineering: Mathematics and Physics, plus Further Mathematics if available
• Law: No strict requirements, but essay-based subjects such as English or History are valuable
• Economics/Finance: Mathematics is usually essential, with Economics highly recommended

Mathematics is compulsory, with Physics or Computer Science as good additions. Choosing the wrong combination could limit your eligibility, even if you achieve top grades.

5. Is it okay to take subjects I enjoy even if they are not required for my career?

Yes/but with caution. Enjoyment is important because it keeps you motivated, and motivation often leads to higher grades. However, it is risky to choose only based on interest if those subjects do not support your long-term goals. The best approach is to combine passion with practicality, choose at least one or two subjects that align with your future career while keeping one that you genuinely enjoy.

6. Are “easy” A Levels less valuable?

There is no such thing as an “easy” A Level; every subject requires effort, discipline, and strong exam skills. However, some universities consider certain subjects (like General Studies, Critical Thinking, or Media Studies) to be less academically rigorous. This doesn’t mean you should avoid them completely, but it’s advisable to combine them with more traditional subjects to maintain credibility with universities.

7. What if I don’t know my career path yet?

If you are undecided, the safest choice is to take a mix of facilitating subjects such as Mathematics, English Literature, Sciences, or Humanities. This strategy keeps many degree options open until you discover your true interests. For example, choosing Mathematics, Chemistry, and English Literature allows flexibility in moving toward either science-related or arts-related degrees later.

8. Can I study A Levels without having done the subject at O Level? 

In some cases, yes. Subjects like Psychology, Sociology, Economics, and Law are commonly introduced at A Level, so you can study them without prior experience. However, for subjects like Mathematics, Sciences, and Languages, a strong O Level/IGCSE foundation is highly recommended. Without that, you may struggle with the advanced concepts covered at A Level.

9. Do universities look at grades or subjects more?

Both are equally important. Grades demonstrate your academic performance, while subjects determine your eligibility for specific courses. For example, achieving A*AA in English, History, and Art may not help if you want to apply for Medicine, which requires Biology and Chemistry. Think of it this way: Subjects get you through the door, grades secure your place.

10. How do I know if a subject is right for me?

 Ask yourself three key questions:

1. Am I good at it? Look at your O Level/IGCSE results and teacher feedback.
2. Do I enjoy it? Genuine interest will keep you motivated during the challenging A Level years.
3. Does it support my future goals? Even if you enjoy a subject, ensure it fits with potential career paths.

If at least two of these answers are “yes”, then the subject is likely a good fit for you.