Best A Levels to take
A-levels are normally studied over two years, and most universities base their offers on three full subjects.
The University of Cambridge gives students great advice on this topic, stating: “You should take at least 3 A-levels… These are standard entry requirements for most undergraduate courses in the UK”.
As your choice narrows from around eleven subjects at GCSE to (typically) three, every decision has a disproportionate impact on what you may be eligible to study at university. If, at present, you’re unsure of long-term plans, don’t worry!
One strategy is to choose a broad range of subjects, like a combination of mathematics, the three sciences, English literature, geography, history and modern (Spanish or French) or classical (Greek or Latin) languages.
Here are some points when considering the best A-levels to take:
What A-Levels should I take?
Points to remember
Certain courses will look for specific A-levels
Some degree programmes require students to have studied specific subjects at A-level to be eligible for enrolment. Medicine is one of the clearest examples of this: to study, you may need to pass Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Maths at a certain grade.
Engineering courses almost always demand Mathematics and usually Physics. Some are more self-explanatory: for example, to study a modern language at university, an A-level in the relevant language is expected.
To avoid any surprises, we recommend browsing potential courses and checking entry requirements (especially for courses like Archaeology or Dentistry, where an A-level doesn’t exist for the university subject).
Some universities will consider you no matter what you choose
Equally, many courses (especially courses like law, social sciences, business, philosophy and a good share of humanities) don’t set any specific subject requirements: only grade targets.
For students who are still exploring their options, this is great news! Greater flexibility means you can choose subjects you enjoy and excel in without worry: often, strong overall performance in A-levels trumps a specific combination of subjects.
Some courses and universities have lists of subjects they don’t accept
Some universities may downgrade certain A-levels they regard as being ‘insufficient’ for academic preparation. By paying attention to the fine print on admissions pages, you can see what subjects are not ‘preferred’.
These may include A-levels like Media Studies or Business Studies, which need to be balanced by at least two ‘traditional academic’ subjects. If this doesn’t apply to you, don’t worry about it for now.
But if you’re confused, a quick email to the admissions office may be able to clear things up before you commit to a subject. Ultimately, the best A-levels to take are those that you genuinely enjoy and will help further your academic journey!
1. Psychology
Psychology A-Level moves from core areas such as social influence, memory and attachment into more advanced options, including gender, schizophrenia and aggression, all underpinned by training in research methods and statistics.
By learning to design experiments, students develop analytical skills that are highly valued in medicine, healthcare, and any career that involves understanding human behaviour.
2. French
Choose French A-Level, and you’ll develop fluency across listening, speaking, reading and writing while learning more about French-speaking societies.
You might encounter literary works such as Camus’s L’Étranger and Sartre’s Les Mains Sales, and the oral component will build your confidence for dealing with university language departments, travel, diplomacy and international business.
3. Business
Students who take the Business A-Level course will learn more about how organisations operate.
The course takes learners through marketing, finance, operations, human resources and strategy before testing their ability to analyse real-world case studies.
At the end, you will have built a solid foundation for degrees in business, accounting or economics.
4. Biology
On a Biology A-Level course, you progress from molecular biology and cell structure to physiology, genetics, ecology and the impact of biotechnology.
The specification’s breadth makes it the classic gateway to medicine, veterinary science, environmental studies, and the wider life sciences sector.
5. Spanish
With Spanish A-Level, you refine the four main language skills while examining topics such as social change in Spain, the legacy of Franco’s dictatorship, and Latin American literature, including works by Lorca and García Márquez.
6. Sociology
Students who take a Sociology A-Level should enjoy data and interpretation and critical thinking.
On this course, you’ll cover topics like culture and identity, families, education, crime and deviance, social stratification and the methods sociologists use to study society.
If you’re looking for a career in social research, journalism or public policy, sociology can teach you valuable skills.
7. English?Literature
Through A-Level English Literature, you’ll engage with poetry and pose ranging from Shakespeare’s Othello and Brontë’s Jane Eyre to modern texts like Williams’s A Streetcar Named Desire.
You’ll undertake comparative analyses and deepen your understanding of literary texts: all skills transferable to careers in the humanities.
8. Law
Do you want to learn more about the legal system?
Law A-Level takes students through modules on criminal law, contract law and law making itself. You will learn more about the effects of the law on individuals and society, making this course a prerequisite for many law-based university courses.
9. Mathematics
Mathematics A-Level is for students who have a genuine enjoyment for maths-related topics, including mechanics, algebra and statistics.
Problem-solving is interleaved across every unit, so students will pass the course in the habit of translating real-world questions into mathematical language.
It’s highly suitable for pursuing STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) at university.
10. Economics
Take Economics A-Level, and you will learn how to use economic theory to analyse current economic issues. Study on the AQA course begins with price mechanisms, market failure and government intervention before scaling up to national income, inflation, unemployment and global trade.
By the end, you’ll be able to handle quantitative techniques and interpret policy briefings: two solid foundations for university courses in finance or business.
11. History
For a deeper understanding of the past, History A-Level explores Victorian and Edwardian Britain, World-War and inter-war transformations, and post-1945 social change, then switch continents to examine the American Dream.
You’ll develop transferable powers of research, synthesis and persuasive writing that are highly valued when applying for humanities courses.
12. English Language
Do you want to learn more about the linguistic frameworks we use every day? English Language A-Level is designed to help you understand the structures of English, both spoken and written.
You’ll work through the building-blocks of lexis, grammar and phonology through language diversity, discourse and historical change, and on to child language acquisition and original creative writing.
An A-Level in English Language is particularly sought after for university courses in marketing, journalism, teaching and even law.
Study for A-Levels today with Distance Learning Centre!
Ultimately, the best A-Levels to take are the ones that you have a genuine interest in. Most A-Level courses are taught over two years, so it’s important to choose a subject that you’ll enjoy over a longer period.
At Distance Learning Centre, we offer a range of A-Level courses for excellent prices. Study flexibly at your own pace with unlimited expert tutor support right up to the Summer 2026 exam window.
