How to Choose the Right A-Levels: A Guide for GCSE Students
- Tutorberry
- Feb 7
- 7 min read
Choosing the right A-Level subjects is a crucial decision for GCSE students, shaping their university and career prospects. Some university courses have specific subject requirements, while others allow flexibility.
This guide will help students choose the right A-Levels by covering:
✅ The top 10 most studied university courses in the UK
✅ Required/recommended A-Level subjects
✅ Entry requirements from Oxbridge and Russell Group universities
✅ Guidance for students unsure about their future career
In the UK, the most studied university courses that also have strong employability prospects are listed below, click on each one to find out more!
Medicine
Overview: Medicine involves the study of diagnosing, treating, and preventing illnesses and diseases. It requires extensive education and training, culminating in a medical degree and often followed by specialised training.
Career Paths: Doctors in hospitals, private practices, research institutions, public health organisations, and academia. Physicians can specialise in a range of areas such as general practice, surgery, paediatrics, and more.
Employment Rate: Medicine graduates have an employment rate of 99.4% within six months of graduating.
Required A-Levels: Chemistry & Biology
Recommended A-Levels: Mathematics or Physics (optional but can be advantageous).
Entry Requirements:
Oxbridge: Typically, AAA or A*AA, with A-levels in Chemistry and Biology (or equivalent). A high UMS (Uniform Mark Scale) score and a competitive UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) score for Oxford, or BMAT (BioMedical Admissions Test) for Cambridge.
Russell Group: Entry requirements are usually AAA or A*AA, with required A-levels in Chemistry and Biology. Some universities may also require the UCAT or BMAT.
Education
Overview: Education studies the process of facilitating learning, including teaching methods, instructional design, and educational psychology.
Career Paths: Teachers, administrators, counsellors, and education consultants in schools, colleges, educational consultancies, non-profit organisations, and government agencies.
Employment Rate: Education graduates have an employment rate of 94.4% within six months of graduating.
Required A-Levels: No specific A-level requirements, but English is often recommended.
Recommended A-Levels: Psychology, Sociology, or other Humanities subjects.
Entry Requirements:
Oxbridge: Oxbridge's entry requirement for Education often requires AAA, depending on the course specifics. Typically, English or a humanities-related A-level is recommended.
Russell Group: Most universities require ABB or AAB. Some may consider a range of A-levels, with no strict subject requirements. A level in English or Social Sciences may be preferred.
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Economics
Overview: Economics studies the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. It analyses how individuals, businesses, and governments make choices about resource allocation.
Career Paths: Economists in financial institutions, government agencies, research organisations, international organisations, and academia. Roles include financial analysts, policy analysts, and economic consultants.
Employment Rate: Economics graduates have an employment rate of 90% within six months of graduating.
Required A-Levels: Mathematics is essential.
Recommended A-Levels: Further Mathematics (strongly recommended for top universities), Economics, or other subjects related to Social Sciences.
Entry Requirements:
Oxbridge: Usually AAA or A*AA with Mathematics as a required subject. Cambridge may ask for Further Mathematics for highly competitive applicants.
Russell Group: Entry requirements range from A*AA to AAA, with Mathematics required. Some universities may ask for Further Mathematics, especially for more competitive courses.
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Architecture
Overview: Architecture involves the art and science of designing buildings and other physical structures, focusing on aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability.
Career Paths: Architects in architectural firms, construction companies, urban planning agencies, and interior design studios. Roles may include designing residential, commercial, and public buildings, as well as urban planning and sustainability consulting.
Employment Rate: Architecture graduates have an employment rate of 90.1% within six months of graduating.
Required A-Levels: No specific subjects required, but a background in Art, Design Technology, or Mathematics is preferred.
Recommended A-Levels: Art and Design, Mathematics, or Physics.
Entry Requirements:
Oxbridge: Cambridge requires AAA, with Art or Design Technology being highly preferred. Oxford's requirements for Architecture are also typically AAA, with a portfolio submission often required.
Russell Group: Entry requirements generally range from AAA to AAB, with strong preference for subjects like Art, Design, or Mathematics. Some universities may request a portfolio.
Law
Overview: Law studies the system of rules created and enforced through social or governmental institutions to regulate behaviour. It encompasses various fields, including criminal, civil, corporate, and international law.
Career Paths: Lawyers in law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and academia. This field includes specialisation in areas such as criminal law, corporate law, environmental law, and human rights law.
Employment Rate: Law graduates have an employment rate of 89.9% within six months of graduating.
Required A-Levels: No specific A-levels are required, but subjects like English, History, or Politics are highly recommended.
Recommended A-Levels: English Literature, History, Politics, and/or Classical Civilisation.
Entry Requirements:
Oxbridge: Law typically requires AAA or A*AA, with no specific subject requirements (though Humanities subjects are encouraged).
Russell Group: Entry requirements for Law are usually A*AA to AAA, with English or Humanities subjects preferred.
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Business Studies
Overview: Business Studies examines the operation and organization of modern business enterprises. It covers areas such as management, marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship.
Career Paths: Roles in corporate management, marketing agencies, financial institutions, consultancy firms, and entrepreneurship. Graduates can pursue careers in general management, marketing, accounting, and operations, or start their own businesses.
Employment Rate: Business and management graduates have an employment rate of 88% within six months of graduating.
Required A-Levels: No specific requirements, but Mathematics or Economics is recommended.
Recommended A-Levels: Business Studies, Economics, Mathematics, or other Social Sciences.
Entry Requirements:
Oxbridge: Oxford and Cambridge do not offer a specific Business Studies course, but related subjects such as Economics and Management are available, with entry requirements usually AAA. Mathematics is recommended for competitiveness.
Russell Group: Business Studies typically requires AAB to AAA, with a preference for Mathematics or Economics at A-level.
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Engineering
Overview: Engineering involves applying scientific principles to design, build, and analyze structures, machines, and systems. It encompasses various branches, including civil, mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineering.
Career Paths: Engineers in construction, manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, energy sectors, and consulting firms. Roles span across designing, building, and maintaining infrastructures, systems, machinery, and technology.
Employment Rate: Engineering graduates have an employment rate of approximately 85% within six months of graduating.
Required A-Levels: Mathematics and Physics are essential.
Recommended A-Levels: Further Mathematics or other sciences (Chemistry).
Entry Requirements:
Oxbridge: Both Oxford and Cambridge typically require AAA or A*AA, with Mathematics and Physics as required subjects. Further Mathematics can be highly advantageous.
Russell Group: Entry requirements for Engineering typically range from A*AA to AAA, with Mathematics and Physics as required subjects. Further Mathematics is recommended for highly competitive programs.
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Psychology
Overview: Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behaviour, exploring various aspects of human experience, including perception, cognition, emotion, and social interactions.
Career Paths: Psychologists in healthcare, counselling, education, human resources, and research organisations. This includes roles as clinical psychologists, counsellors, human resources specialists, and research scientists.
Employment Rate: Psychology graduates have an employment rate of approximately 85% within six months of graduating.
Required A-Levels: No specific A-levels required, but Psychology or Science-related subjects are often helpful.
Recommended A-Levels: Psychology, Biology, and/or Sociology.
Entry Requirements:
Oxbridge: Oxford requires AAA with Psychology being a non-compulsory subject (strong preference for scientific background). Cambridge also typically demands AAA, with no required A-levels but Biology or a Social Science subject is recommended.
Russell Group: Most Russell Group universities require AAB or AAA with Psychology or other Social Sciences and/or Science subjects recommended.
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Mathematics
Overview: Mathematics involves the study of numbers, quantities, shapes, and patterns, and their relationships, properties, and applications.
Career Paths: Mathematicians in finance, data analysis, actuarial science, education, and research institutions. Careers may include actuarial roles, data scientists, financial analysts, or academic researchers.
Employment Rate: Mathematics graduates have an employment rate of approximately 85% within six months of graduating.
Required A-Levels: Mathematics is required.
Recommended A-Levels: Further Mathematics, Physics.
Entry Requirements:
Oxbridge: Cambridge typically asks for AAA with Mathematics and Further Mathematics. Oxford usually requires AAA or A*AA with Mathematics, with Further Mathematics recommended.
Russell Group: Entry requirements for Mathematics range from A*AA to AAA, with Mathematics being a mandatory subject. Further Mathematics is strongly recommended for competitive courses.
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Computer Science
Overview: Computer Science focuses on the study of computers and computational systems, including their theory, design, development, and application.
Career Paths: Software developers, cybersecurity experts, data analysts, artificial intelligence specialists, IT consultants, and academics. Graduates work in areas such as software engineering, network security, data science, and cloud computing.
Employment Rate: Computer Science graduates have an employment rate of approximately 80% within six months of graduating.
Required A-Levels: Mathematics is usually a must, and Computer Science is highly recommended.
Recommended A-Levels: Further Mathematics, Physics.
Entry Requirements:
Oxbridge: Oxford requires AAA, with A-levels in Mathematics and often Further Mathematics. Cambridge also asks for AAA with Mathematics and further subjects like Physics recommended.
Russell Group: Generally A*AA to AAA, with a required A-level in Mathematics. Further Mathematics and Physics are often preferred.
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Note: Entry requirements can vary between universities and courses. It's essential to check the specific requirements of each institution you're considering.
For Students Undecided on University Courses
For GCSE students unsure about which university course they want to study, it’s important to choose A-levels that keep their options open while also reflecting their interests and strengths. Here’s some guidance to help with this decision-making process:
Consider Interests and Strengths: Choose A-levels that align with subjects you enjoy and excel in. If you're passionate about the subject, you’ll be more motivated to study and perform well. It's important to pick subjects that will keep you engaged for two years. If you enjoy the subject, you’re more likely to stay motivated, especially when faced with challenging content.
Keep Options Open: Pick a combination of subjects from different areas (e.g., STEM and Humanities) to maintain flexibility for various university courses. This way, you can explore more options later.
Talk to Teachers and Advisors: Discuss your options with teachers, school career advisors, and other students who might offer insights based on their own experiences. They can provide guidance on which subjects align best with your strengths.
Consider Workload and Balance: Think about how much time and effort each subject will demand. If you're taking multiple demanding subjects (like Further Maths and Physics), make sure your choices balance out in terms of workload.
Be Open to Change: It’s okay to not know what you want to do yet. Your A-level choices can still provide flexibility if you change your mind later, so don’t stress too much about making the “perfect” decision right now.
Choosing your A-Levels can seem like a big decision, but it’s simply the first step on a journey of exploration. Focus on subjects that align with your university aspirations or those you genuinely enjoy and excel in. Seek advice from teachers and advisors, and remember, your choices aren’t final - they’re just the beginning of your path forward.
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