When people ask what is taught in A-Levels, advanced academic qualifications taken by students in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland after GCSEs. Also known as Advanced Level qualifications, they’re the main route into UK universities and are recognized worldwide. Unlike GCSEs, which cover a broad range of subjects, A-Levels let you go deep—usually focusing on just three or four subjects over two years. You don’t just memorize facts; you learn how to think critically, analyze arguments, and solve complex problems in areas like biology, history, or maths.
What you study depends on your choices, but common subjects include Mathematics, a core subject that builds logical reasoning and is required for engineering, economics, and computer science degrees, English Literature, where you analyze texts, develop writing skills, and learn to construct evidence-based arguments, and Biology, a science subject focused on human systems, genetics, and ecology, often needed for medicine or biosciences. These aren’t just classes—they’re training grounds for university-level work. A-Level exams are tough, but they’re designed to separate students who can handle serious academic pressure from those who can’t. That’s why universities trust them.
Many students compare A-Levels to the US AP exams, Advanced Placement courses that let American high schoolers earn college credit. But here’s the key difference: A-Levels are a full course of study over two years, while APs are single-subject exams you can take alongside a regular high school curriculum. If you’re applying to UK universities, A-Levels are the gold standard. If you’re heading to the US, you might need to explain how your A-Levels match up to APs or IB diplomas. The good news? Colleges abroad know what A-Levels mean. They’ve seen them before.
There’s no one-size-fits-all path. Some students take A-Levels in science subjects to become doctors. Others choose psychology, politics, or art to build a portfolio for humanities degrees. What stays the same? The expectation: you’ll need to manage your time, write essays under pressure, and think independently. That’s why A-Levels aren’t just about grades—they’re about proving you can handle the next step.
Below, you’ll find real answers about how A-Levels stack up against other qualifications, what subjects are easiest or hardest, and how to prepare for them. Whether you’re a student planning your future or a parent trying to understand the system, these posts cut through the noise and give you what actually matters.
A-level subjects offer in-depth study in areas like sciences, humanities, maths, and arts. Learn what’s actually taught in each subject, how it prepares you for university or careers, and what’s changed in 2025.
Read more