Guides
How to Choose Your A-Level Subjects (Without Regretting It)
By Sana Iqbal · · 8 min read
Quick answer
Choose A-Level subjects by checking the entry requirements of courses you might want, picking subjects you are genuinely good at and enjoy, and keeping your options reasonably open if you are undecided. The most common regret is taking a subject for the wrong reason — because a friend chose it, or because it sounded impressive — and then struggling for two years.
Work backwards from where you might go
Some degrees have strict subject requirements. Medicine generally needs chemistry and usually biology. Engineering needs maths and typically physics. Economics at many universities requires maths. If there is any chance you want one of these, the requirement decides part of your choice for you.
Check actual entry requirements on university course pages rather than relying on rumour. It takes an afternoon and it prevents the single most painful discovery in Year 13: that a door you wanted is already closed.
Choose subjects you are actually good at
A-Levels are a significant step up from GCSE, and two years is a long time to spend on a subject you find punishing. Grades matter more than the impressiveness of the subject list — three strong grades in subjects you can do will serve you better than two struggling grades in subjects you thought looked serious.
Be honest about the step up, too. Enjoying a subject at GCSE does not guarantee enjoying it at A-Level, because the balance of content and skills often changes considerably. Ask teachers what actually differs.
Keep options open if you are unsure
If you have no clear direction, a combination that keeps several doors open is sensible: maths plus a science, or an essay subject plus a quantitative one. Facilitating subjects — maths, sciences, English, history, geography, languages — are accepted widely and rarely close anything off.
That said, do not take a subject you dislike purely to seem well-rounded. A poor grade closes more doors than a slightly narrow combination does.
Think about the combination, not just the subjects
Some subjects reinforce each other: maths with physics, chemistry with biology, history with politics, economics with maths. A coherent combination makes the workload lighter, because the skills transfer, and it can strengthen an application by signalling a direction.
Beware the all-essay or all-maths load if that is not where your strengths lie. Four essay subjects means a great deal of extended writing simultaneously, which is heavier than it looks on a timetable.
Reasons students later regret
Choosing because a friend chose it. Choosing because you like the teacher — teachers change. Choosing because a subject sounds impressive rather than because you can do it. And avoiding a subject you need out of fear rather than genuine inability.
Each of these is common, and each is entirely avoidable by asking a simple question: in two years, will I be glad I chose this?
How many, and can you change?
Three A-Levels is the standard requirement, with a fourth as a bonus rather than an expectation. Adding a fourth at the cost of your grades is a poor trade. Universities make offers on three.
Changing is often possible in the first few weeks and becomes hard after that. If you have serious doubts, raise them early rather than hoping the feeling passes.
Check facilitating and required subjects early
Some university courses require specific A-Levels — medicine needs chemistry (and usually biology), engineering needs maths and often physics, economics degrees frequently want maths. Discovering this in Year 13 is a genuine problem, because it is largely irreversible.
Look up the entry requirements for two or three courses you might want, even if you are unsure, and make sure your combination keeps those doors open.
Choose subjects you can be good at
Interest matters because A-Levels are demanding and two years is a long time to spend on something you dislike. But be realistic too: a subject you enjoy but consistently underperform in may cost you the grades you need.
The sweet spot is subjects that genuinely interest you *and* play to how you learn — and it is worth asking your teachers honestly which those are for you.
For further reading, UCAS is a reliable, authoritative source. When you are ready for personal help, explore our A-Level tutoring or book a free demo session.
Frequently asked questions
How many A-Levels should I take?+
Three is standard and is what universities make offers on. A fourth is optional and only worth it if it will not damage your grades in the other three.
Do universities prefer certain subjects?+
Some courses require specific subjects, and traditional 'facilitating' subjects are widely accepted. Beyond that, universities care most about grades and about the specific requirements of the course you are applying to.
Can I change my A-Level subjects after starting?+
Often in the first few weeks, rarely after that, because the courses move quickly. If you are having doubts, act early and talk to your school.
What if I don't know what I want to study at university?+
Choose a balanced combination of subjects you are strong at, including at least one facilitating subject, and you will keep most options open. Not knowing at sixteen is completely normal.
Do universities care which A-Level subjects I take?+
For many courses, yes — some subjects are required and some are preferred. Beyond specific requirements, universities generally value traditional, academically rigorous subjects, but the most important thing is meeting the stated requirements of the course you want.
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