A Level Subject Choices: Everything You Need to Know

By Alison Cantrill, Higher Education & Careers Leader

A Level marks a key decision point in shaping your child's future pathways. Even if they are unsure about the next steps, researching before choosing the subjects is vital, as it impacts the options available later.

What are A Level and why are they important?

A Level are Level 3 qualifications that follow GCSEs / IGCSEs and serve as preparation for undergraduate study. 

They are a gateway to further education and career opportunities. Choosing the right A Level subjects ensures your child develops the skills and knowledge required for their chosen pathway.

How to choose the right A Level?

Start by asking: Does your child know what they wish to study at university? 

• If yes: Research university entry requirements to see if specific subjects are needed.
  
• If no: Don’t worry! Many careers don’t require a related degree, and employers often prioritise skills and personality over specific qualifications.
  

However, related degrees - and therefore specific A Levels - are essential for careers in medicine, law, architecture, and veterinary science.

The Informed Choices tool by Russell Group universities provides advice on degree options based on A Level subjects of interest.

General Guidelines for Choosing A Levels

1. Pick what your child loves: Enjoyment leads to better outcomes and a fulfilling school experience.
2. Consider the learning style: Does your child prefer coursework or exams? Building on existing knowledge or exploring new ideas?
3. Check subject combinations: Do they complement each other and suit university preferences?
4. Research the subject prerequisites: Certain subjects, like Maths for Computer Science, are often required, while others, like Law, typically don’t require any specific subjects.

Examples of Required A Levels:

• Pharmacy: Chemistry + one from Biology, Maths, or Physics
  
• English Literature: English Literature or Language
  
• Geology: Two from Maths, Physics, Chemistry, or Biology
• Economics: Often Maths

Also, check for ‘non-preferred’ subjects. For instance, The London School of Economics and Political Science has a list of subjects it doesn’t recommend for certain courses.

A Level in a Global Context

If your child is applying to universities outside of the UK, A Level choices still matter:

• US: A broad range of A Level showcases multidisciplinary skills, aligning with their liberal arts education model.
  
• Australia / The Netherlands: Courses like Business often require A Level Mathematics. See here: Business in The Netherlands.
  

How Many A Levels Should You Take?

Most students take 3 A Levels, which is sufficient for university entry worldwide. However, taking 4 A Levels may be beneficial for competitive institutions or STEM courses, where Further Mathematics is often a fourth subject.

What Universities Say:

“Taking 4 A Levels will not normally give you an advantage. However, strong applicants for STEM courses usually study Further Mathematics as a fourth subject.” – University of Cambridge

For students opting for 3 A Levels, adding an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) can be valuable, especially for UK applications. It develops research and writing skills, can be a great way to explore an area of interest outside of your A Levels and is worth up to 28 UCAS points.

Tools to Help Students Decide

Platforms like Unifrog offer excellent resources to guide your choices. Current Year 9, 11 and 12 students have access to this platform, and Year 10 students soon will!

• Explore the Subjects Library to see recommended pathways and super-curricular activities. This will give you recommendations and ideas for how to engage with super curricular activities to learn more about the subjects you are interested in.
  
• Use the Quizzes Tool to identify strengths and interests, helping your child align A Levels with potential courses and careers.
  

Final Tips for Choosing A Levels

To make the best decision:

1. Understand your child's interests and strengths
2. Research university and career requirements
3. Balance passion with practicality
4. Seek advice from teachers, counsellors, and family
5. Keep future flexibility in mind

Plenty of support is available to help your child navigate this process - consult our Higher Education & Careers team for tailored advice. With careful thought and research, your child will be on the right path towards a bright future. More information about university pathways can be found on our Higher Education & Careers website.