What A level Subjects Are There?

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

How many subjects in A Level?

In the UK, there are approximately 85 A Level subjects that can currently be studied
However, you need to check if the school or college offers that particular course or courses

What can I do if the A Level I want to do isn’t available?

You can study an A Level independently and enter the exam as a private candidate
There are a number of online schools that offer different subjects that are taught ‘live’ as though you were in a classroom
Some online schools are also exam centres, making it easier for you to sit your exams without having to worry about finding an exam centre that will accept private candidates 
You can also study for A Levels in an evening class at your local college, as an extra option alongside your other studies
Private tutoring is another option if you really need to study a particular subject 
Distance learning is where course material is sent to you and you are supported by a tutor for a fixed time (usually 18 months to 2 years) whilst you study the course at your pace

Is independent study easier to do?

Self-studying A Levels is not an easier option; you have to be well organised and motivated to study
Time management is essential; a typical A Level is anything between 300 and 500 hours of study for a full A Level (50/50 split between AS and A2)
There is a cost involved and you need to be sure that you can cope with the work
Some subjects are harder to study at home, particularly the sciences where you need to conduct experiments, as you have to consider the equipment and space needed to perform the experiments
If there is there any coursework that has to be submitted and who will be  willing to mark it
On the plus side, it shows any university that you can work independently, and shows a level of maturity which sets you apart from the usual applicant

What choices of subjects do I have?

Your choice of A Levels comes down to what you want to study at University or what your future career might be
Some degree courses used to have a list of ‘facilitating subjects’ [subjects most commonly required or requested by universities to get onto a particular degree course]  and included subjects such as the sciences, maths, English literature, and geography etc.
The list was designed to help you decide which subjects to take, but was seen by many as the only list of subjects to choose from, leading to students taking subjects that didn’t reflect their interests and narrowed the choice of subjects offered in schools and colleges
To overcome the issue, the Russell Group launched an interactive website called Informed Choices
The website is designed to guide you in choosing subjects better suited to your future degree course
Remember this is not the only or definitive website, but a useful tool to help inform your A Level choices

The degree course I want to study doesn't list my A Level as their preferred subject. Why?

Not every university wants you to have studied your chosen subject at A Level
There are plenty of subjects that are good at preparing you for university, but not actually needed to get onto that course
Economics and psychology A Levels are not actually required to study for that degree
Many subjects form part of a wider degree such as maths and physics for engineering or English and geography for architecture
Universities want you to have the skills to write and study at the next level; to be a critical thinker and work independently whilst showing passion and perseverance

What are my choices then?

As of 2022, the top ten most popular A Levels are (in descending order of candidate entry):
Mathematics
Psychology
Biology
Chemistry
History
Sociology
Art and design
Business studies
Physics
Geography
English literature (dropped significantly in 2022 from 3rd to 12th place)  (GCE-Trends-Summer-2022-v2.pdf (jcq.org.uk)

The full list of UK A Levels available per exam board as of 2023: