What are the best A Level combinations for a Business degree?

Written by: Lisa Eades

Published

24 June 2024

Read time

7 minutes

Contents

According to UCAS, the average starting salary for business graduates was almost £29k in 2023 and, with more than 75% of current business and management degree students prepared to recommend the subject to others, it remains one of the top choices for UK school leavers (UCAS).

As an experienced business teacher and sixth form tutor, I’ve lost count of the number of conversations I’ve had with students about their post-16 options and their path to a business degree. Entry requirements for business degree courses rarely require you to have studied specific subjects before, so choosing a combination of A-Level courses to facilitate your journey to your chosen business degree course can be a challenging decision, especially as there’s so much contradictory advice.

In this article, I will share my thoughts on the best A-Level subject combinations that should provide you with the skills to support your aspiration to progress on to a great business degree course.

Overview of A Levels for business

Whichever A level business course you follow, you will cover a range of key content, including business structures, finance, marketing, human resources and operations. You will study both large and small businesses, as well as the environment in which they operate. Some A level business courses cover basic economic concepts, such as supply and demand, while others place a greater emphasis on legal aspects, such as employment law.

Business studies A level courses often focus on change, encouraging you to reflect on developments such as technological, environmental or social change, and consider how they impact business activity.

Overall, A level business studies are contemporary courses, where you will often study topics that are immediately relevant.

Popular A Level combinations for Business Studies

Business Studies, Economics and Mathematics

This is an ideal A level combination if you’re looking to go into accounting, finance, or any business-related career. It will provide you with strong insight into the working world, and the skills of analysis and evaluation you develop will be invaluable when you go on to study at university. Business studies and economics include elements of mathematics, which provide the basis for applying modern business and economics theory, as well as quantitative and analytical areas of study. However, Maths A Level is a big step up from GCSE, so you will need to carefully consider whether it is the right choice for you and whether you are able to access the right support to succeed. As well as this, some universities prefer applicants to have studied either business or economics, not both. You should check the entry requirements for your preferred course carefully.

Business Studies, Accounting, Computer Science

If you have a particular ambition to work in finance, a global business or, even, run your own business after your degree, combining these subjects could be a good option. All A-level business courses include an element of finance, so studying these in greater depth in your accounting course would provide you with a strong understanding of a central business theme. Given that technology innovation is an increasingly important focus for both new and established businesses in the UK (MHA), studying computer science alongside these subjects could provide you with a competitive edge over other degree course applicants, as well as important analytical, problem-solving and technical skills that are likely to be in greater demand in the future. However, the complexity of A-level computer science may mean that this is not a suitable course for everyone.

Business studies, Sociology, Politics

This combination of subjects could provide you with a deep understanding of the social change and political aspects of the business environment, a central business studies concept. Businesses operate within legal constraints, and are affected by government policy as well as social developments. Weighing up the significant impacts these factors have on their decision-making is a key analytical skill that will prepare you well for studying a degree-level business course. Like business studies, these courses are contemporary, and you will be able to apply your learning to the world around you. However, as theory-heavy subjects, these A-level subjects may be less suitable for students who prefer practical learning.

Other combinations

Although I have not specifically covered it here, choosing at least one science A level course alongside business has been a popular option amongst my students. Not only did science support them in building their analytical and logical skills, it also provided an engaging contrast within their study programme.

Similarly, studying an arts subject in which you have a particular skill can be a very valuable choice. The Arts are a significant part of the UK economy and are expected to grow (Arts Council). Combining practical artistic skill with a solid basis in business could be a great route to a rewarding future career.

Considerations for choosing A Level combinations

Personal interests

This is the first time that you will be able to select the full range of courses you will pursue. You have the opportunity to choose subjects in which you have already built a genuine interest at GCSE level, opt for subjects that appeal to your own interests, or even try something completely new. Look carefully at the course content, and pay careful attention to the skills you will develop as well as the mode of learning. You may prefer more practical subjects, for example, or you may choose subjects that reflect your outside interests.

Career goals

If you’re lucky enough to have already decided on your ultimate career goal, choosing A level subjects that will support you on your journey is a great strategy. You may dream of working in finance, for example, so accounting or maths courses could be great options. If you’re less sure of your future career, choosing a range of courses, alongside A level business, that allow you to keep your options open is usually more appropriate.

University requirements

It’s never too early to check out the entry requirements for business courses at universities. Few universities specify particular A level subjects for entry into business degree courses, but if you have a particular university in mind, you should check. In 2023, the average entry requirements for business courses at UK universities were between BBB and CCC (UCAS). In some instances, universities will not consider applications from students who have studied both business and economics.

Future job prospects

You may be unsure of the career you’d like to pursue in the future, but you likely want to give yourself the best prospects for future employment. According to Indeed, UK industry is increasingly demanding workers with information technology, artificial intelligence and data science skills. Choosing courses, such as business, that provide an understanding of these areas could put you in an enviable employability position in the future.

Make the choice that will lead to success

Choosing your A levels should ultimately come down to your own interests, abilities, and long-term goals. Your best chance of securing a place on the business degree course of your choice is to choose courses that will thoroughly engage you for the two years of A level study.

While I have made some suggestions for great subject combinations, you should consider all the available information and advice, but ultimately choose the subjects that align with your aspirations and passions. This is what is most likely to lead to exam success and achieving the grades you need.