A-Level Subjects: What Really Counts as an A Level Subject?

Ask almost any sixth-former what they're studying, and you'll hear about A-levels. But what actually counts as an A-level subject? It's not as mysterious as it sounds. An A-level subject is just a specialised topic—like Biology or History—that you study in depth, usually over two years, after finishing your GCSEs in the UK. Each subject has its own set of exams and coursework marking, and when you nail it, you get a qualification that's key for university or jobs later on.

Think of A-levels as a game of choices. You pick three or sometimes four subjects, and you stick with them. Your options stretch from classic sciences to languages, maths, drama, business, and more. Some subjects are so common you might roll your eyes hearing about them—Maths, English, Chemistry. Others are left-field, like Latin, Politics, or Photography. Why does this matter? Because picking the right combo can unlock doors for your future plans, whether that means heading to university, landing an apprenticeship, or just figuring out what you’re actually good at.

So, if you’re sitting there, schedule in hand, stressing about the choice—that actually makes sense. Choosing your A-level subjects might feel like a big deal because, honestly, it kind of is. This decision shapes the next couple of years, and probably the years after that, too. If you’re wondering how it all works and what you need to look out for, stick around. There’s plenty you didn’t know, some myths to bust, and practical tips to make it way less stressful.

• What Exactly Is an A Level Subject?
• How A-Levels Work (And Why They Matter)
• Popular A-Level Subjects Sorted
• Tips for Choosing Your A-Level Mix
• Surprising Facts and Useful Hacks

What Exactly Is an A Level Subject?

You might hear teachers and parents throwing around the term "A-level subject" like it's common knowledge, but if you're scratching your head, you're not alone. In super simple terms, an A-level subject is one of the specific topics you pick to study really closely for two years after getting your GCSEs. These are formal qualifications in the UK, usually taken by 16- to 18-year-olds. Each tells universities or employers what you’re strong at, like Maths, Biology, or Art.

The big thing to know is that not every topic offered in school is an A-level subject. Only the ones set and approved by official UK exam boards are counted. The main exam boards are AQA, Edexcel (often called Pearson), OCR, and a few others. They create the curriculum, set the exams, and grade your work. You usually pick three subjects, but some students go for four if they’re feeling ambitious or if their school allows it.

Here's a quick look at what makes a subject an A-level:

• It appears on the official exam board list (like AQA, Edexcel, OCR)
• It’s studied at sixth form or college after age 16
• It’s split into exams and sometimes coursework
• Universities and employers recognize it as a formal qualification

Some subjects are only available as A-levels (like Classical Civilisation or Politics), while others (like Maths and English) follow you from your GCSE days. The variety is pretty decent, from core sciences to arts, social sciences, languages, and even newer options like Psychology.

Check out how popular each A-level subject actually is in recent years:

Not every school offers every A-level subject though, so your choices depend on what your college or sixth form can provide. It's smart to check what’s on offer before you make your shortlist. The point of picking the right A level subject is making sure it matches your interests, your future plans, and what you’re good at. Don’t be afraid to ask teachers, former students, or even universities what they think about your choices.

How A-Levels Work (And Why They Matter)

A-levels are not just another set of school exams. They’re a two-year commitment where you pick three or four subjects, learn a lot more about each one than you ever did at GCSE, and do a mix of coursework and final exams. Most people start them at age 16, usually in sixth form or at a college. The main reason folks stress about which A level subject to take? These choices can be the ticket to university, apprenticeships, or certain jobs.

Each A-level is split into two years: AS (Advanced Subsidiary) in Year 12, and A2 in Year 13. Some schools still let you take standalone AS exams at the end of the first year, but most focus on exams at the end of Year 13 that cover everything you’ve learned. The grading scale runs from A* (the top) down to E, and if you get below that, it’s a U (ungraded).

These UCAS points play a massive role in university applications. Most universities in the UK make offers based on your expected grades or a minimum points score. For example, a university might ask for ABB, no matter what subjects, or they might say you must have a science A-level for a science course. If you’re thinking about something competitive like medicine, you’ll usually need three sciences or maths, and top grades to match.

But it’s not just about getting into uni. Employers and apprenticeship schemes also look at your A-level mix. Certain jobs want people who’ve studied subjects like Maths, Physics, or Business, while other careers are happy as long as you’ve shown you can stick with tough subjects.

• Most students choose three A-levels, but if you’ve got high GCSE grades, some schools let you take four.
• About 55% of students in the UK take at least one STEM subject (science, tech, engineering, maths) at A-level.
• Universities sometimes have a list of “preferred” or “facilitating” subjects, so check their websites before you commit.

It all boils down to this: A-levels set up your next move, so understanding exactly how they work gives you a leg up when making your choices. Don’t just pick what your mates are doing—think about where you want to go afterwards, and work backwards from there.

Popular A-Level Subjects Sorted

When people talk about choosing an A level subject, you’ll hear the same names pop up again and again. Here’s a look at the ones everyone seems to take, along with some facts that might help you figure out which ones get the most attention (and why).

• Mathematics: Always at the top. It’s often the most popular A-level. It opens doors for loads of degrees like engineering, economics, and even psychology.
• Biology: If you’re thinking of going into medicine, nursing, or anything science-based, Biology is a favorite. It’s practical and links with Chemistry well.
• Chemistry: Needed for medicine or veterinary courses. Lots of students choose it because it keeps science options wide open.
• Psychology: This one’s crept up in popularity in recent years. Good for social sciences and people who want a mix of science and essay-writing.
• History: Always a solid choice for law, politics, and humanities. If you like essays, debate, or just being able to argue with facts, History is your friend.
• English Literature: Universities respect it. Useful for teaching, journalism and creative fields.
• Physics: Not just for future scientists—it’s needed for engineering, tech, and even some finance courses.
• Business Studies: More students are picking it, since businesses value practical knowledge from day one.

Wondering how these subjects actually stack up in the UK? Here’s a quick snapshot from the 2024 exam season of the top A-level subjects by numbers of students taking them.

If you’re after something a bit different, there are also plenty of ‘less traditional’ subjects. Think Photography, Drama, Product Design, or Politics. Some schools even offer Economics, Computer Science, or Sociology. Don’t feel pressured to only pick from the top five—sometimes, unusual subjects can set you apart if you know what you want to do next.

Last tip—always check that the subjects you pick match what universities or employers want for your dream course or job. Some degrees are picky, and you don’t want to be caught off guard in your final year of sixth form. If you’re not sure, UCAS (the UK universities application site) has a super handy tool for checking entry requirements.

Tips for Choosing Your A-Level Mix

Choosing your A-level subjects isn't about following your mates or picking whatever sounds easy. You're setting yourself up for the next few years, so it pays to be strategic. Here’s what you seriously want to think about when picking your mix:

• Start with what you enjoy and what you're good at. You’re going to be stuck with these subjects for two years, so picking something you hate is asking for trouble. People who pick what interests them usually score higher.
• Think about what you might want to do after school—university, apprenticeships, or a job. Universities and employers often have 'preferred subjects.' For example, if you want to study Medicine, you pretty much need Chemistry and Biology. Law doesn’t always require Law A-level, but History and English are valued.
• Check out what your sixth form or college offers. Not every school has every A-level subject, especially when it comes to stuff like Further Maths, Psychology, or newer subjects like Computer Science.
• Keep your options open if you're not sure what you want to do later. Traditional subjects like English, Maths, the sciences, History, or a language ('facilitating subjects,' according to the Russell Group universities) leave loads of pathways open.
• Don’t fall for the myth that some A-levels are ‘easier.’ Any subject can be tough if you’re not into it. And some ‘soft subjects’ (like Media Studies or PE) might not be accepted for certain uni courses.

Here's a quick look at how A-level choices affect university entry. The table shows typical subject requirements for some popular university courses:

One more tip: balance matters. If you find yourself picking three essay-based subjects and you hate writing essays, you could be setting yourself up for a rough ride.

And if you’re aiming for the best unis, remember: according to UCAS, students who take at least two traditional (facilitating) subjects are way more likely to get offers from top universities. So check those entry criteria before you lock anything in.

Surprising Facts and Useful Hacks

There’s a lot about A-levels that most people miss until they’re knee-deep in revision. Here are some real facts and tips to help you avoid the typical pitfalls and even give you a leg up.

• Did you know that some A-level subjects carry way more weight with universities? Maths and the sciences often get labeled as “facilitating subjects.” The Russell Group even published a list to guide sixth formers toward subjects that keep more degree doors open. Take a look at this little table to see how certain A-levels match up for university entry:

And here’s a nugget for the super-organized. You can actually swap an A-level after a few weeks if you find you hate it. Most sixth forms have a "try before you buy" window at the start of year 12. Don’t stick it out just because you feel locked in. If something’s not clicking, change it early.

Some sixth formers stress about picking three A-levels instead of four. But the stats show that more isn’t always better. According to Ofqual, only about 10% of students took four or more A-levels in 2024, and the vast majority of UK universities only need three. So unless you really love the subjects and can handle the workload, three can be enough for a strong application.

Ever notice the weird combos some high-achievers pick? It’s not by accident. If you want to stand out, consider mixing the usual suspects (like Chemistry or Maths) with something niche, like Politics or a language. This can show off your range and catch an admissions tutor’s eye.

“Pick the subjects you’re genuinely interested in. Universities would much rather see high grades in subjects you like than average ones in ‘safe’ options.” — UCAS Official Advisor

If you want to keep your options wide open, check course requirements for degrees you’re even slightly considering. Some science degrees won’t budge without Chemistry or Biology, while Economics often demands Maths. A five-minute look at uni websites can save you months of panic later.

• Hack: Did you know EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) carries UCAS points and can sometimes make up for a missed grade? Some unis even lower their A-level offers if you do well in it.
• Pro tip: Your coursework marks matter. In 2023, 23% of final A-level grades in subjects like English included big chunks from coursework. Don’t ignore it and think you’ll just blitz the exams at the end.