Contents
- How many A-Levels can you take?
- What is the most respected A-Level?
- What is the most common combination of A-Levels?
- What are the best A-Level combinations?
- What is the hardest A-Level combination?
- What are the easiest A-Levels?
With your GCSE exams on the horizon, it’s time to start thinking about what you want to study at college. But that might not be as easy as it seems; there are so many AS-Levels and A-Levels to choose from that it can be overwhelming, especially if you excel in more than one subject. Plus, the A-Levels you choose will inform the degree you take at university. But don’t worry, we’ve compiled a list of the best A-Level combinations by subject so that when it comes to selecting your choices, it’ll be a little bit easier. 🤓 
How many A-Levels can you take?
While you can take a maximum of five A-Levels, students tend to take three and most universities are happy with this too. However, if you want to take more than three, it’s best to talk to your teachers and seek their advice because five A-Levels would mean a lot of work and you don’t want to spread yourself too thin. As the saying goes, it’s quality over quantity.
What is the most respected A-Level?
We don’t advise that you apply for A-Levels purely based on the fact that they’re the most respected, but this could help if you’re unsure what subjects to choose and you want to make choices that set you up well for university. Here are three of the most respected (and probably most difficult!) A-Levels.
- Further Mathematics
-
Modern Foreign Languages
If you fancy yourself as quite the languages aficionado, maybe Modern Foreign Languages are for you. From French, German and Spanish to Italian and Chinese, there are a number to choose from but be warned – your writing, understanding and speaking in this language need to be on point. You may also be expected to know some of the history and politics of your selected language’s original country too.
-
The Sciences
The jump from GCSE Biology, Physics and Chemistry is quite something, so if you excelled in these subjects at school and wish to take your knowledge to the next level, expect challenging times ahead but with a superb pay-off at the end. You’ll need several skills to shine in these A-Levels but once you acquire those, along with excellent exam results, you could get into some seriously good degree courses. 🧪
What is the most common combination of A-Levels?
If you’re lost in the sea of A-Levels and need some food for thought, take a look at these facts about the most popular and most common combination of A-Levels taken in 2019. This might help and inspire if you’re wondering what A-Level combinations are best.
- Of students who took A-Level Physics, 83% also took Mathematics.
- 66% of students who took A-Level Chemistry also took Biology and 57% studied Maths.
- The most popular subject taken by Art and Design students was Psychology.
- Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics was the most common A-Level combination in 2019.
- In the top 10 list of popular subject combinations, only one entry featured no STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) and that combo was: English Literature, Psychology and History.
What are the best A-Level combinations?
If you’re planning on going to university after college or sixth form, it’s best to align your A-Levels with what you intend to do at degree level. You may not know exactly what job you want yet, but if you have an idea of the area you want to specialise in then this will really help you when it comes to selecting your A-Levels. You may be certain about one subject such as biology, for example. But what A-Levels go well with Biology? Let us help you out.
Best A-Level combinations for law
- English, History and Law
If you’re curious as to what A-Level combinations are good for law degrees, it’s best to choose a mix of other essay-based subjects. English and History are great companions for Law because History will develop your critical-thinking skills and English will hone your language abilities, especially when it comes to writing! It’s also a good idea to choose A-Level Law to see if you actually like the subject and find it interesting.
- English, History and Psychology
You may be surprised to not see Law in this combination but it’s not actually a requirement to take A-Level Law if you want to study it at uni. You do, however, need to take the essay-based subjects – hence English and History. Your third option could be A-Level Psychology, because it will help you gain a more comprehensive understanding of the human mind. 🧠
Best A-Level combinations for medicine
- Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics
For all you budding doctors out there, this blend of A-Levels is tough but worth it if you want to get into your chosen university to study medicine. You’ll need to show that you can handle a heavy workload along with difficult exams so while this combination does seem scary, it will act as great prep for the next step!
- Chemistry, Biology and Psychology
If you’re asking yourself “is A-Level Psychology good for Medicine degrees?” then you should check the entry requirements for your preferred universities. However, if you’re taking A-Level Chemistry along with either Biology, Physics or Mathematics, that does leave you with a choice to take Psychology as your third A-Level. However, bear in mind that Cambridge does not accept A-Level Psychology as one of the “science/mathematics subjects”.
- Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Mathematics
Is it worth doing 4 A-Levels for Medicine? If you want to get into top-ranking universities, this heavy-hitting combination should make your
UCAS application is very competitive – especially if you’re applying to Oxford or Cambridge where most applicants take three or four sciences.
Best A-Level combinations for business
- Business Studies, Law and Politics
You may be an aspiring businessperson, and therefore wondering what subjects are good for Business or what A-Levels go well with Business. This trifecta not only gets your business brain churning, but you’ll also be arming yourself with the always-helpful knowledge of law and politics.
Best A-Level combinations for economics
- Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Economics
It may come as no surprise to discover what A-Level goes well with Economics. It’s Mathematics and lots of it. If applying to a top university, Further Mathematics is often required whereas it’s not required at all universities so make sure you check the requirements of your preferred institutions.
- Business Studies, Economics, Mathematics
Great for careers in accounting or economics, if you’re not applying to a top university then this combination could be just for you because it shows that you have excellent literacy skills and maths skills.
Best A-Level combinations for engineering
- Mathematics, Physics and Further Mathematics
You might question which subject is most important for Engineering degrees. Well, it’s Mathematics. And if you’re looking to go to a top-ranking university, you’ll probably need Further Mathematics too. Lastly, adding A-Level Physics into the mix will show off your scientific know-how. 🧬
- Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science
If you’re leaning towards a more technology-based degree, switch out Further Mathematics with Computer Science to show that you are tech-savvy.
Best A-Level combinations for psychology
-
Psychology, Biology and Mathematics
For a degree in Psychology, you don’t need to study all three sciences at A-Level, but most universities prefer at least one. Biology may give you a more comprehensive understanding of the human body along with study of the mind, and Mathematics will come in handy when you cover various studies and statistics.
- Psychology, Chemistry and History
Adding an essay-based subject such as A-Level History into the mix will show you have excellent written skills, which will certainly be helpful when it comes to report writing!
Best A-Level combinations for art
- Art, English Literature and History
For all the creatives out there, you’ll surely need to study A-Level Art if you want to continue with this at university. And to show that you’re also a critical thinker with great writing skills, English Literature and History offer a superb combination. Some Fine Art degrees require more written work than you’d think so it’s best to show you’ve got what it takes.
- Art, Photography and Psychology
What better way to show that not only are you creative, but you also have an academic mind too? These three A-Levels will develop the many facets of your artistic mind, while also exploring the depths of the human brain. Interesting? We think so too!
Best A-Level combinations for computer science
- Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Computer Science
Funnily enough, many university courses don’t require you to take Computer Science or IT at A-Level, but you do need to take Mathematics though!
- Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science
Even though you’re not required to take A-Level Computer Science, it’s still a good idea if you know you’re interested in this subject and are great at it! Add in another science such as Physics to show that you’re a logical thinker, and you’re good to go!
- Computer Science, Graphic Design and Art
Aspiring graphic designers out there should take this winning combination to show that not only are you creative, but you also have a scientific mind with a knack for technology. 🖥️
Best A-Level combinations for philosophy
- Philosophy, History and English Literature
Philosophy degrees don’t tend to require any particular subjects but it’s a good idea to choose a good mix of social sciences and humanities subjects. You’ll need to show that you have superb critical-thinking skills and sound essay-writing abilities.
- Mathematics, Sociology and English Language
If you’re applying to Cambridge (and why shouldn’t you?), you’re advised to take Mathematics, a science/arts subject, and an essay-based subject. With that in mind, Maths, Sociology and English Language are suitable choices.
Best A-Level combinations for politics
- Politics, Economics and History
As with a few degrees, Politics doesn’t require any specific A-Levels, but you won’t go far wrong with taking these three. These subjects give you the opportunity to show off your critical-thinking and analysis skills and therefore making you a prime candidate for a Politics course.
What is the hardest A-Level combination?
Many A-Level combinations are difficult in their own way, and it depends a lot on what your strengths and weaknesses are as a student. However, if you’re wondering “what is the toughest subject in A Levels?”, the answer is Further Mathematics. Not far behind are Modern Foreign Languages and just behind them is Chemistry. So, if you’re curious about the hardest A-Level combination, those three will give you a good idea.
What are the easiest A-Levels?
So, enough about the difficult A-Levels! We’re sure you’re wondering about the easy ones. Well, according to Oxford Summer Courses, here are the top 5 easiest A-Levels.
- Film Studies
- Food Studies
- Religious Studies
- Information Technology (IT)
- Classical Civilisation
Food Studies? We like the sound of that one! 😍
As you go through the process of choosing your A-Levels, make sure you talk to your parents and teachers if you’re unsure. They can offer you some guidance and support.
If you need help in the run-up to your GCSE exams, our excellent tutors can help you revise. Join us for a free trial class – what are you waiting for?
