Deciding on your A Levels is the biggest choice so far in your education after the options you chose for GCSEs. These subjects are more impactful as they are far fewer and will influence your university choice, career opportunities and the skills you'll develop.
This guide gives a thorough list of A-Level subjects in the UK to help make the process less daunting and allow you to choose the right A-Level subjects. Alongside the subject list, we have also explored the most popular subjects and possible combinations to support your future education and career prospects.
If you're interested in tutoring support for specific subjects, TeachTutti has experienced A Level tutors who cover a range of subjects. Follow the link to learn more about TeachTutti, including how to search for a prospective tutor. You can also learn more about how tuition works with TeachTutti, including the flexibility of lesson location, from the home of the student or tutor to virtual lessons using the TeachTutti learning platform.
Subject choices - A Level options
When you complete your GCSEs, you can choose to take A Levels. This qualification is taken at schools and colleges from the age of 16. You study your preferred A Levels for two years before taking final exams.
Students normally take three A Levels. Some schools will allow students to take four or even five if they are high-achieving. However, universities typically make offers based on three A Levels, so it's worth thinking about where your strengths and aims are for this number of subjects in total when thinking about admission criteria.
There are 85 different A-Level subjects available across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. This broad range of subjects may not be fully available at your school or sixth form college, so you should check with your educational institution.
There are many subjects available across a wide range of interests. These include:
- Computing
- Mathematics
- English
- Languages
- Sciences
- Humanities subjects
- Social sciences
- Business and technology
- Creative arts
- Sport and health
Some students choose a combination of subjects that naturally complement each other, such as taking a Science A Level, Physics, and Biology. Others will opt for a broader combination to keep their prospects open. For example, English Literature, Psychology, and Biology.
Popular A-Level subjects
There are roughly 85 A Level subjects to choose from. The exact options available will vary from school to school, so check with your institution.
Rather than giving the complete list, we have listed the main A Level subjects that are highly regarded and available across a range of UK exam boards.
- Social sciences:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Politics
- Economics
- Law
- Citizenship studies
- Business and technology:
- Business
- Accounting
- Design and technology
- Engineering
- Electronics
- Digital technology (Northern Ireland)
- Mathematics and Computing:
- Mathematics
- Further mathematics
- Computer science
- Statistics
- English:
- English language
- English literature
- English language and literature
- Sciences:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Environmental science
- Geology
- Marine science
- Humanities:
- History
- Ancient history
- Geography
- Classical civilisation
- Religious studies
- Philosophy
- Archaeology
- Creative and performing arts:
- Art and design
- Drama and theatre
- Dance
- Music
- Music technology
- Media studies
- Film studies
- Moving image arts (Northern Ireland)
- Physical education
- Modern languages:
- Arabic
- Bengali
- Chinese (Mandarin)
- French
- German
- Italian
- Japanese
- Modern greek
- Panjabi
- Persian
- Polish
- Portuguese
- Russian
- Spanish
- Turkish
- Urdu
- Welsh (First Language)
- Irish
- Classical Languages:
- Latin
- Classical greek
- Biblical hebrew
- Modern hebrew
- Other academic subjects:
- Food preparation and nutrition
- Home economics (Northern Ireland)
- Leisure studies (Wales)
- Travel and tourism (Wales)
- Critical thinking
- Thinking skills
- General studies
- Welsh baccalaureate (Wales)
Qualifications studied alongside A Levels
Many sixth form colleges offer Level 3 subjects to study alongside A Levels. These qualifications include subjects like Applied Science, Criminology, Health and Social Care, Sport, Business, and the Performing Arts.
Level 3 qualifications are considered separate from A Levels but are recognised by many universities and employers.
Follow the link to browse the list of A Level subjects taught by tutors at TeachTutti. This includes subjects such as Maths A Level and niche subjects, such as Psychology A Level from the social sciences.
Choosing A-Level subjects
When deciding on A Levels, make sure you choose subjects that play to your strengths and that you enjoy. If you already have a specific career in mind, you should check what the entry requirements are for the university course you're considering.
See below for our tips on how to pick the best options for your A Level subjects.
- Choose subjects you enjoy - A Levels are an intensive two years of study. Make sure you enjoy a subject and want to learn more about it before enrolling. A natural enthusiasm for a course will keep you engaged and motivated when the curriculum ramps up.
- Play to your strengths - What did you excel in at GCSE level? A strong grade normally shows that you have the skills and enthusiasm to cope with the increased demands of A Level study. Natural ability is an important consideration, but don't neglect the remaining points below.
- University or career plans - When you choose at least three A Levels, remember that universities expect specific subjects for course admission. For example, you'll need Chemistry and Biology for Medicine, while Mathematics and Physics are common requirements for Engineering. When you're checking entry requirements, look at several universities, as the admission criteria may vary for the same course.
- Subject workload - The difficulty level is much higher for all A Levels, but the amount of work required varies. Some courses rely heavily on essays and independent reading, while others focus on mathematical problem-solving, coursework or practical work, such as STEM subjects. People have different strengths when it comes to assessment, and you should consider if this will impact your decision.
- Keeping your options open - There are many courses to choose from, and it's common not to have a clear idea of your future when starting sixth form. If this is the case, it's a good idea to pick a balanced set of academic subjects to give you lots of opportunities when you apply for university. Remember that when you pick from a range of A-Level subjects, the best combination for you will be that which matches your interests and ability. Don't follow your friend's choices if you can't decide.
Best A Level combinations
Certain A Level subjects fit well as they build similar skills or meet the entry requirements for university. If you have any idea about what you want to study after sixth form, the subject combinations we have listed below will strengthen your application.
Bear in mind that these are examples of common subject combinations. It's rare for a university to request a fixed combination of courses. You should check the requirements for the course you're interested in and check if there is any variation in these criteria across the universities you're considering.
- Medicine and dentistry - Chemistry is required by all medical schools, and Biology is normally expected by universities. Maths or Physics is a useful subject to include alongside, as it develops your analytical skills and keeps your options open.
- Engineering - It's a good idea to pick from Maths, Physics, Further Maths, and Chemistry to pursue a career in engineering. University courses in this discipline require Mathematics, and Further Maths is recommended if the subject is available at your school or college.
- Computer science - A popular combination is Mathematics, Computer Science, and Physics. A strong ability in Maths is preferred over Computer Science and prior programming experience.
- Law - Surprisingly, a university degree in Law doesn't usually require the study of Law at A Level. Subjects that develop essay writing, analysis, and critical thinking are more valued. This includes English Literature, History, Politics, or Economics.
- Business, finance and economics - Mathematics is particularly valuable for economics and finance degrees, as many courses at university involve statistics and data analysis. This can be combined with Economics and Business A Levels.
- Science - Common courses for science university courses are Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Another combination is Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Both groupings keep a wide range of STEM degree options open.
- Arts and creative subjects - If you want to pursue a creative discipline, subjects to consider include Art and Design, Photography, and Graphic Communication. Alternatively, if you're more interested in performing arts, you could combine Music, Drama and Theatre, and English Literature. You should also expect to submit a portfolio or give a performance alongside your grades.
What if you're unsure about your university course or career?
You should always seriously consider any subjects you enjoy and perform well in. These are the courses that will keep your attention, which in turn will lead to strong grades as you persevere through a challenging two years of study.
For anyone who is undecided about their immediate future, you should keep your options open. It's worth studying popular subjects that are respected by universities, leading to a wide variety of university courses. These include Maths, English Literature, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, History and Geography.
Even if you're unsure about your career, it's worth talking with teachers and careers advisors. Take a look at possible university courses for inspiration and consider your strengths and interests. You may find university courses that interest you, which can dictate what subjects to pursue at A Level.
Finally, never feel this decision has to be made in isolation. Reach out to anyone whose judgement you value, such as friends, family, teachers and tutors. They may have real-world experience and can help advise you about what subjects to take by weighing up your strengths, interests, and aims.
Tuition support for sixth form
The syllabus and expectations of A Levels are significantly higher than GCSEs. You'll work through the curriculum faster, and the content is far more detailed. You are also given more independence in your work.
To bridge this gap, some students choose to learn with a tutor. An experienced A-Level tutor will be able to explain complex topics effectively and address topics that you struggle with. They can improve your exam technique, such as time management, and build your confidence with past papers and other strategies. A tutor will also provide feedback on your work to help you improve.
Tuition is not just for students who struggle. Some students work with tutors over a long period to gradually improve in a subject or to prepare for competitive university applications.
TeachTutti has qualified A Level tutors for a range of subjects. Follow the link to browse our A Level subjects or view tutors for the core subjects below:
Conclusion - Choosing your A Level courses
When deciding what to pursue in your A Levels, go for the subjects that fit your interests, personality, strengths, and educational or career aims. Try to avoid placing too much pressure on yourself, and remember that you can change subjects in the first weeks of your course if needed.
When your subject list is starting to take shape, it's a good idea to think long-term. Look at university or career requirements, and it's worth talking with teachers, parents, or a tutor for advice. Getting support can make a big difference in making an informed choice.
For further reading, you may want to familiarise yourself with how UCAS points work. If you haven't yet got your GCSE results, read this article by the Uni Guide to find out what happens on GCSE results day 2026.
If you're thinking about tutoring support with your A Levels, follow the link to learn more about TeachTutti and our flexible approach to lessons, both online and in person. You can also find out how lessons work with TeachTutti, including the free online consultation with a prospective tutor before committing to tuition.
