A Level Subjects: Full List, Combinations & How To Choose

Quick answer: Most students take three A Level subjects, chosen to match the degree they want. Cambridge International lists more than 50 AS and A Level subjects and Pearson Edexcel International offers around 20. Common pairings are Biology and Chemistry for Medicine, and Maths and Physics for Engineering.

Picking A-Level subjects is one of the most consequential academic decisions a Year 11 student will make. The choice shapes which universities accept the student, which degree courses are open, and which career paths become realistic two years later. 

With dozens of subjects across Cambridge International and Pearson Edexcel, the choice can feel overwhelming without a clear framework. This guide is the practical map: the subjects each board offers, the combinations universities reward, how many to take, which are hardest, and what to do if a student needs to switch mid-year.

Ignite Training Institute supports A Level students across Dubai with expert A Level tutors, and the recommendations below come from working with families at exactly this decision point.

A Level Subjects At A Glance

A Level subjects fall into six broad groups: sciences, mathematics, humanities and social sciences, English, languages, and creative and professional subjects. Cambridge International lists more than 50 AS and A Level subjects, and Pearson Edexcel offers its International Advanced Level in around 20 subjects. Most students choose three subjects from a single board.

Category	Example Subjects	Typical For
Sciences	Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Marine Science	Medicine, Engineering, STEM degrees
Mathematics	Mathematics, Further Mathematics	Engineering, Physics, Economics, Computer Science
Humanities and Social Sciences	History, Geography, Economics, Psychology, Sociology, Law	Law, Politics, Psychology, Business, Education
English	English Language, English Literature	Law, Journalism, Humanities degrees
Languages	Arabic, French, German, Spanish, Chinese	International Relations, Translation, Diplomacy
Creative and Professional	Art & Design, Music, Drama, Computer Science, Business, Accounting	Architecture, Design, Software, Finance, Management

Full List Of A Level Subjects By Category

The lists below follow the subject names on Cambridge International’s own subject page. School availability varies, so always confirm with your sixth form before finalising choices. Some subjects, such as many languages, are offered at AS Level only.

1. Sciences

The science group is the foundation for medicine, engineering and other STEM degrees. Many schools expect a strong IGCSE grade in the subject, often a 6 or 7 (or A* to B), before A Level entry.

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Marine Science
• Environmental Management (AS only)

2. Mathematics

Maths is the most widely recommended A Level for any quantitative degree, from Engineering to Economics. Students with strong Maths often take Further Mathematics as an extra subject to show depth.

• Mathematics
• Mathematics – Further

3. Humanities and Social Sciences

These subjects train analytical writing, source evaluation and structured argument. They are the standard choice for Law, Politics, Psychology and most arts and social science degrees.

• History
• International History
• European History
• US History (to 1877 and since 1877)
• Geography
• Economics
• Psychology
• Sociology
• Law
• US Government & Politics
• Global Perspectives & Research
• Thinking Skills
• Classical Studies
• Biblical Studies
• Hinduism
• Islamic Studies

4. English

• English Language
• English Literature
• English Language and Literature (AS only)
• English General Paper (AS only)

5. Languages

Modern languages are valued by many selective universities. Native speakers should check whether a university accepts their first language as a subject in its entry requirements.

• Arabic
• Chinese
• French
• German
• Spanish
• Portuguese
• Tamil
• Urdu
• Afrikaans (AS only)

6. Creative and Professional

Creative subjects involve coursework and portfolio work, which balances the heavy exam focus of sciences and humanities. Professional subjects such as Business and Computer Science link directly to degree pathways.

• Art & Design
• Music
• Drama
• Media Studies
• Digital Media & Design
• Design & Technology
• Computer Science
• Information Technology
• Accounting
• Business
• Travel & Tourism
• Sport & Physical Education (AS only)

7. Pearson Edexcel International A Level

Pearson Edexcel’s International Advanced Level list is shorter. Its subjects include Accounting, Arabic, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Economics, English Language, English Literature, French, Geography, German, Greek, History, Information Technology, Law, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology and Spanish. Pearson describes the range as 21 subjects, so check its current list for your school’s options.

8. Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

The EPQ is a standalone independent research project worth half an A Level. An A* grade carries 28 UCAS Tariff points, and some universities make lower grade offers to students who complete one. Students who want to show research skills often pair it with three A Levels instead of taking a fourth subject. It is offered through UK boards such as AQA, so not every school runs it. Read more about the British curriculum structure to see how the EPQ fits the wider pathway.

How Many Subjects In A Level Should You Take?

Most students take 3 A-Level subjects. This is the standard expectation for UK universities, including Oxbridge and the Russell Group, and offers are almost always made on three grades. Taking 4 is reasonable for high-achieving students, especially those pairing Mathematics with Further Mathematics for STEM degrees, but it rarely strengthens an offer unless a fourth subject is directly relevant.

Five A-Levels are rare and not generally recommended. The workload spreads thin, and final grades typically suffer. A more strategic alternative is three A-Levels plus the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), which provides up to 28 UCAS points without the intensity of a full fourth subject. Some universities offer reduced grade conditions for students who complete the EPQ alongside their three core A-Levels.

For students unsure about their direction, taking 4 at AS Level (Year 12) and dropping to 3 for A2 (Year 13) is a common middle path. This gives flexibility to explore before committing fully. Read more about A-Level qualifications and the AS-A2 structure for the full picture.

Best A Level Subject Combinations By Career

The right combination depends on what the student wants to study at university. Below are the combinations that consistently align with degree entry requirements at top UK and global universities. Each combination assumes three A-Levels unless stated otherwise.

1. Medicine: Biology + Chemistry + (Maths or Physics)

Medicine is one of the most rigid combinations on the list. Most UK medical schools require Chemistry and usually Biology, with the third subject often Maths or Physics. Some accept a non-science third subject such as English Literature or History, but a science or Maths keeps more options open, so check each medical school’s requirements. See our detailed guide on A Level choices for Medicine for university-specific requirements.

2. Engineering: Maths + Physics + (Further Maths or Chemistry)

Most engineering degrees ask for Maths and Physics. Further Maths is recommended or helpful at some top UK engineering schools, so check course pages. Chemistry works as the third subject for chemical and biomedical engineering. The full breakdown is covered in our guide on the best A Level subjects for Engineering.

3. Law: English Literature + History + (Politics or Maths)

Law has no fixed subject requirements at most UK universities, but admissions tutors look for evidence of essay-writing and analytical reasoning. English Literature and History are the standard humanities pairing. Adding Politics or Maths broadens the application. Our guide on the best A Level subjects for Law covers this in detail.

4. Economics & Finance: Maths + Economics + (Further Maths or Business)

For Economics degrees at top universities, Maths is usually required or strongly expected. Universities such as LSE, UCL and Warwick ask for A Level Maths for their Economics courses, so check each course page. Further Maths strengthens applications for the most quantitative programmes. Business Studies pairs well for students aiming at finance or management degrees rather than pure Economics. For a fuller breakdown, see what A-Levels you need for business.

5. Psychology: Biology + Psychology + (Maths or Sociology)

Psychology degrees increasingly want quantitative ability, so Biology or Maths is the strongest third subject pairing. Sociology works for students focused on social or developmental psychology. The detailed combination strategy is in our guide on A-Level subjects for Psychology.

6. Computer Science: Maths + Computer Science + (Further Maths or Physics)

Maths is essential. Computer Science as an A-Level is preferred but not strictly required at every university; some accept Maths plus a strong Physics or Further Maths combination. Further Maths is recommended or helpful at some of the most competitive universities, so check each course page.

7. Architecture: Maths + Art & Design + Physics

Architecture is one of the few degrees that genuinely rewards a science-art combination. Maths and Physics demonstrate quantitative capability for structural design, while Art & Design supports the portfolio that most Architecture schools require alongside academic results.

8. Arts & Design: Art & Design + English Literature + (History or a Modern Language)

Arts and Design degrees, including Fine Art, Graphic Design, Illustration, and Fashion, look for both creative output and intellectual depth. Art & Design is the core practical subject and supports the portfolio that most arts schools require. English Literature and History strengthen the analytical writing side that critical theory modules expect at university. A Modern Language is a strong third option for students targeting European art schools or applying to universities in France, Italy, or Spain.

9. Combinations To Avoid

Some combinations actively weaken university applications, especially for top universities:

• Three creative subjects without a facilitating subject (e.g., Art + Drama + Photography) limit options outside arts degrees.
• Subject overlap (e.g., Business Studies + Economics + Accounting) signals limited academic breadth and is often counted as fewer effective subjects.
• Discontinued or low-respect subjects like General Studies (largely phased out) and Critical Thinking (no longer offered as a standalone) don’t strengthen applications.
• Media Studies + Drama + Photography for STEM-bound students signals misalignment with the chosen degree.

Top A Level Subjects For University Admissions

Selective universities usually ask for specific subjects only for particular courses, so match subjects to the degree first. The Russell Group’s earlier “facilitating subjects” list named Maths, Further Maths, English Literature, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Geography, History and languages as subjects that keep many degree options open. The Russell Group now offers course-specific guidance through its Informed Choices relaunch, so check the requirements for each course.

For US applications, admissions teams look for academic depth and challenge. Strong results in Maths, Further Maths, the sciences and languages help, alongside SAT or ACT scores where a university asks for them.

A few subjects, such as Media Studies, Photography or Travel & Tourism, may carry less weight for some competitive courses. They remain valid for specific careers, but they should not make up most of an application to a highly selective course. Our guide to the A Level grading system explains how offers are set.

Which A Level Subjects Are Hardest And Easiest?

No official ranking says which A Level is hardest. Pass rates published by Ofqual are very high in nearly every subject, so they show little about how hard it is to earn an A or A*. Difficulty also depends on the student: someone strong with numbers may find Maths natural and essay subjects tiring, and the reverse.

Subjects Students Often Find Demanding

Teachers and tutors commonly describe these as heavy in content or abstract in thinking:

• Further Mathematics: abstract content that builds quickly
• Mathematics: a large step up from IGCSE
• Physics: maths-heavy problem solving
• Chemistry: theory plus practical assessment
• Biology: a large amount of content to recall and apply
• Economics and Computer Science: analytical thinking plus essay or programming demands

Subjects That Can Feel More Manageable

Subjects with coursework or more predictable essay structures often suit students who work steadily, though top grades still take consistent effort:

• Art & Design: portfolio-based coursework
• Drama: practical work alongside written papers
• Media Studies and Sociology: structured essay formats
• Business: case-study style papers

Choose by interest, strengths and degree requirements, not by perceived difficulty. A subject a student enjoys usually earns a better grade than one chosen as an easy option.

Can You Switch Subjects In A Level?

Yes, switching A Level subjects is possible within a window set by each school, and the timing matters. The easiest time is the first few weeks of Year 12, before much content has built up. Many schools allow changes during this period, so ask yours for its deadline.

After Year 12 half-term, switching becomes progressively harder. The student has to catch up on weeks of missed content, and mock exams may already be approaching. Tutoring during the summer between Year 12 and Year 13 can bridge gaps if the switch happens late in Year 12.

By Year 13, switching is rarely possible. Exam entries close in the spring term (check the exam board’s deadline), after which students are locked into their final subject set. Some students drop a subject in Year 13 (going from four A-Levels to three), which is much easier than swapping one subject for another.

If a student is considering a switch, the practical questions are: how many weeks of content have been missed, whether the new subject is one that can be learnt independently with strong tutoring (often Maths and Sciences), and whether the school will allow late entry to the class. Resources like our guide on how to get an A* in A-Level cover the catch-up strategy in depth. To see which subjects your sixth form offers, browse our list of A Level schools in Dubai.

Ignite Training Institute: A-Level Subject Tutors In Dubai

Choosing A-Level subjects is the first decision. Performing well in them is the second, and that’s where structured tutoring makes the biggest difference, especially in subjects with depth jumps from IGCSE, like Maths, Physics, Chemistry, and Economics.

Ignite Training Institute provides A-Level preparation across Cambridge, Edexcel, and OxfordAQA for all the core subjects. Sessions cover topic-by-topic mastery, past paper drills, and full mock exam cycles aligned to each student’s school timetable. 

Families also use our IGCSE tutors in Dubai for the lead-in to A Levels.

FAQs

1. How Many A Level Subjects Are There In Total?

Cambridge International lists more than 50 AS and A Level subjects, and Pearson Edexcel International offers around 20. UK boards such as AQA and OCR publish their own lists. School availability varies, and most sixth forms offer a smaller selection.

2. How Many A Level Subjects Should I Take?

Most students take 3 A Level subjects, which is the standard for UK university offers including Oxbridge and the Russell Group. High-achieving students may take 4, often pairing Maths with Further Maths. Three A Levels plus the EPQ is a common alternative to four full subjects where the school offers it.

3. Can I Switch A Level Subjects In Year 12?

Yes, many schools allow switching in the first few weeks of Year 12. After that it becomes harder and needs catch-up work. By Year 13 it is rarely possible because exam entries close in the spring term.

4. What Are The Top A Level Subjects For University?

Selective universities often ask for Maths, the sciences, English Literature, History, Geography or languages, depending on the course. The Russell Group’s earlier “facilitating subjects” list named these subjects, and it now offers course-specific guidance through its Informed Choices site. Always check the course page.

5. What Are The Easiest A Level Subjects To Pass?

No official list ranks A Levels by difficulty, and pass rates are very high in most subjects. Subjects with coursework or structured essay papers, such as Art & Design, Drama or Sociology, often feel more manageable, but top grades still need steady work.

6. What Are The Hardest A Level Subjects?

Further Mathematics, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry are most often described as the most demanding, along with Economics, Biology and Computer Science for their content or analytical load. Difficulty depends on the student.

7. Can I Take 4 Or 5 A Level Subjects?

Yes, but carefully. Four A Levels suit high-achieving students with relevant combinations, like Maths plus Further Maths for STEM degrees. Taking five is uncommon and often unproductive because it dilutes the workload. Most universities make offers based on three subjects, so additional subjects rarely strengthen an application unless directly relevant.

8. What Is The EPQ And Should I Take It?

The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is a standalone independent research project worth half an A Level, with 28 UCAS Tariff points at A*. Some universities make lower offers to students who complete one. It suits students targeting competitive courses, though not every school offers it.

Conclusion

A-Level subject choice is the foundation for the next two years and beyond. The main decisions are simple: pick three subjects that align with your university course, lean toward facilitating subjects if you’re undecided, and consider the EPQ for top-tier applications. Switching is possible, but only in a narrow window, so first-pass choices matter more than they appear.

For families navigating the IGCSE-to-A Level transition or fine-tuning subject choices in Year 12, structured tutoring can shift outcomes meaningfully. Our academic advisors can talk through your child’s specific situation and target universities.