Choosing A-Level subjects is a bigger decision than choosing GCSEs, because the combination can affect which university courses are open to your child. The good news is that the rules are simpler than they look, and most students have more flexibility than they fear.
How A-Levels work
A-Levels are two-year courses taken in Years 12 and 13 (ages 16 to 18), in a school sixth form or a sixth form college. Most subjects are assessed mainly by exams at the end of the second year. Sixth forms usually set their own entry requirements, often a grade 6 or above in the GCSEs of subjects a student wants to continue.
Choosing: the three questions
1. What does your child enjoy, and what are they good at? Two years is a long time to study something you dislike. Past results and teachers' predictions are a good guide.
2. What do they want to do next? If they know their direction, for example medicine, engineering or law, look up the entry requirements. If they do not, choose subjects that keep options open and play to their strengths.
3. Which combination is manageable? Think about the mix of essay-based, problem-based and practical subjects, and how the workload will feel.
Do universities require specific subjects?
For some courses, yes. Courses such as medicine, veterinary science, engineering and many sciences expect particular subjects, such as chemistry, biology, maths or physics. Many other courses accept a wide range of subjects. The reliable approach is to check the entry requirements on the university's own course page and, if a course asks for a subject, to treat that as non-negotiable.
Universities also vary in how they treat certain combinations, so look at the requirements for each course, not general advice.
A worked example
Take a student who enjoys biology and chemistry and is considering medicine, but is also interested in English literature. Medical courses typically ask for chemistry and often biology. The student could choose chemistry, biology and a third subject they enjoy and do well in, which might be maths, English literature or something else, after checking the entry requirements for each course they are considering. The point is not to follow a formula, but to check the specific requirements and then choose subjects they can do well in.
Typical routes, and why you must check
These examples show how requirements often work. They are general patterns, not rules, and every university and course sets its own.
| Interest | Subjects often expected or helpful | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine and related courses | Chemistry, and often biology | Check each course, as requirements and admissions tests vary |
| Engineering | Maths, often physics | Check whether further maths is preferred |
| Economics | Maths is often required or strongly preferred | Check each course |
| Law | Few require particular subjects | Choose subjects you can do well in, including essay-based ones |
| Humanities and social sciences | Often flexible | Check subject lists for competitive courses |
| Creative courses | A portfolio and relevant subjects | Check course requirements and portfolio needs |
Always confirm on the university's own course page and in the sixth form's guidance. Requirements can change.
Questions to ask the sixth form
- What grades do you need to take each subject, and for my child's combination?
- How many A-Levels do students normally take, and can they change in the first term?
- Which exam boards and specifications do you teach?
- What support is there for subjects that are hard?
- What do students with our child's target course usually choose?
A timeline for decisions
- Year 10 and early Year 11: start thinking about interests and sixth form types. Attend open evenings.
- Autumn of Year 11: apply to sixth forms and colleges, and check deadlines.
- Spring and summer of Year 11: receive offers, which depend on GCSE results.
- Results day: confirm the place and subjects. See results day if grades differ from plan.
- First weeks of Year 12: settle in, and change a subject early if needed.
Common mistakes
- Choosing a subject because of a friend or a teacher who may not teach the class.
- Picking subjects only because they sound impressive.
- Overlooking the step up in independent work.
- Ignoring the specific requirements of a course they hope to apply for.
- Dropping a subject the first time it feels hard.
Common questions
Can my child change subject? Many sixth forms let students switch in the first few weeks. After that it becomes harder, so choose carefully.
Is it better to take four A-Levels? Rarely necessary. Most universities make offers based on three, and a fourth can lower the grades in the others.
What about other qualifications? Some students take BTECs, T Levels or the Extended Project Qualification alongside or instead of A-Levels. These can be an excellent fit for some courses and careers.
Getting ready for the step up
A-Levels demand more independent study than GCSEs. Children who find the transition hard often benefit from subject tutoring, especially in maths and the sciences. We have specialist support for A-Level maths, A-Level chemistry, A-Level biology and A-Level physics.
For help with subjects, pathways and exam preparation, see qualifications and exam support, or read how to revise effectively for GCSE and A-Level.