essay based subjects at a level

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Cambridge International AS & A Level subjects

Cambridge offers a range of Cambridge International AS & A Level teaching support and resource materials for each subject. Select the subjects below for details of the support resources available for each syllabus.

• Accounting - 9706
• Afrikaans - Language (AS Level only) - 8679
• Arabic - 9680
• Arabic - Language (AS Level only) - 8680
• Art & Design - 9479
• Biblical Studies (9484) New
• Biology - 9700
• Business (9609)
• Chemistry - 9701
• Chinese - Language & Literature (A Level only) - 9868 New
• Chinese Language (AS Level only) - 8238 New
• Classical Studies - 9274
• Computer Science - 9618
• Design & Technology - 9705
• Digital Media & Design - 9481
• Drama - 9482
• Economics - 9708
• English - Language and Literature (AS Level only) - 8695
• English - Literature - 9695
• English General Paper (AS Level only) - 8021
• English Language - 9093
• Environmental Management (AS only) - 8291
• French - Language (AS Level only) - 8682
• French (A Level only) - 9716
• French Language & Literature - 9898
• French Language (AS Level only) - 8028
• Geography - 9696
• German - Language (AS Level only) - 8027
• German - Language (AS Level only) - 8683
• German (A Level only) - 9717
• German Language & Literature (A Level only) - 9897
• Global Perspectives & Research - 9239
• Hinduism - 9487
• History - 9489
• Information Technology - 9626
• Islamic Studies - 9488
• Marine Science - 9693
• Mathematics - 9709
• Mathematics - Further - 9231
• Media Studies - 9607
• Music - 9483
• Physics - 9702
• Portuguese - Language (AS Level only) - 8684
• Portuguese (A Level only) - 9718
• Psychology - 9990
• Sociology - 9699
• Spanish - Language & Literature (A Level only) - 9844 New
• Spanish Language (AS Level only) - 8022 New
• Sport & Physical Education (AS Level only) (8386) New
• Tamil - 9689 (A Level only)
• Tamil - Language - 8689 (AS Level only)
• Thinking Skills - 9694
• Travel & Tourism - 9395
• Urdu - Language (AS Level only) - 8686
• Urdu - Pakistan only (A Level only) - 9686
• Urdu (A Level only) - 9676

To find English General Paper filter the subject list by ‘Humanities and Social Sciences’ or ‘English Language and Literature’. If you are interested in the Cambridge AICE Diploma please be aware that Cambridge International AS Level English General Paper only contributes to Group 4: Interdisciplinary subjects.

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A-Level Choices: How to Decide

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If you’re interested in a career in law , you’ve probably been told to consider doing the ‘right’ A-level subjects, to give you the best chance of avoiding disappointment later. But do they even exist?!

While law schools don’t have specific subject requirements, there are some factors to keep in mind when choosing your A-levels.

Want to become a law student? Start by booking a free ticket to one of our ‘Get into Law’ TLP Aspire events in 2018!

A-Level Choices: Essay-Based Subjects

It is no secret that a law degree will involve a huge amount of writing essays and, therefore, it is usually recommended to take at least one subject that will develop these skills, which you can talk about in your personal statement. Universities and certainly employers in the legal sector look for candidates who showcase the ability to write coherently, reason and argue. As a result, A-levels in English literature or history are highly regarded subject choices.

On the other hand, having sciences or maths alongside an essay-based subject is also seen as very impressive since these students have a strong ability in problem-solving, logic and analysis – which are key skills needed for a law degree and certainly a career in law.

A-Level Choices: Facilitating Subjects

Whilst not strictly necessary, it’s worth bearing in mind the idea of facilitating subjects. According to some Russell Group universities, you must have at least two facilitating subjects as part of your A-levels.

Facilitating subjects are traditional academic subjects which allow you to keep your options open for the future and enable you to develop many key skills needed for any career within law. They include maths, English literature, physics, biology, chemistry, history, geography and a foreign language.

A-Level Choices: Good Grades

If you would like to secure a spot in one of the Russell Group universities, getting good grades is essential, which is why it is so important to pick subjects that you not only enjoy, but can also excel in.

Many of these universities also emphasise their selection process in choosing strong, academically-able students suited to this challenging degree. This is why top universities and big commercial firms ask for between AAB-A*AA.  Below are only a few examples of A-level entry requirements from some top universities:

• University of Oxford: AAA
• London School of Economics and Political Science: A*AA
• University of Durham: A*AA with LNAT
• University of York: AAA

>> Want to see more entry requirements for top UK universities? Take a look at our Uni-by-Uni comparison page!

A-Level Choices: Extended Project Qualification

Slightly unrelated to subject choices, however if your sixth form/college offers the opportunity to complete an EPQ, you should definitely do one related to law.

This is a great point of discussion in a law personal statement, in interviews and generally, it successfully shows your interest in the field.

A-Level Choices: Good Example Subject Combinations

Remember, almost all subject combinations which include at least two facilitating subjects are favoured. However, below are just a few good example combinations, popular with aspiring lawyers.

• English literature, history, maths
• English literature, maths, economics
• Chemistry, biology, history
• History, french, geography

A-Level Choices: Other Factors to Consider

But A-levels aren’t the only crucial aspect…

Competition for a law degree is increasingly high – there was a 4% increase in UCAS applications for law courses in 2017. Therefore, it is important to note that alongside good A-level subjects/grades, there are also other factors to consider:

Work Experience

Alongside good academia, work experience is equally as essential. Work experience proves to universities and future recruiters that you have a genuine interest in pursuing a career in this field.

Many firms and chambers offer short work experience placements for students in year 12 such as Pinsent Masons, Royds Withy King, BLP, Foot Anstey, Old Square Chambers, Matrix Chambers, and the list goes on. While it is not crucial for admission into a law degree, it would certainly put you to an advantage.

>> Read our new page on The Ultimate Guide to Law Work Experience for Year 12 Students as a starting point!

Personal Statement

Finally, your law personal statement should play a significant role in convincing admission tutors that you have a genuine interest for studying a law degree. Universities look for proof about the reasons why you want to pursue a law degree, which could be shown in the form of relevant work experience, related extra-curricular activities, EPQ’s or any books you have read that have a legal dimension.

Overall, as long as you are well informed about these key aspects, there is nothing stopping you from obtaining a place in a good university for a law degree.

Best of luck!

Published: 23/02/18    Author: Tvara Shah

Deciding on Law Careers? Read These!

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We’ve now sold thousands of tickets to our national series of free one-day events for aspiring lawyers and those that advise them – have you booked your free ticket yet?

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Best A Level Combinations

2 November 2022

• 1 . What are the best A Level combinations?
• 2 . Best A Level Combinations for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths)
• 3 . Best A Level Combinations for Arts 
• 4 . Best A Level Combinations for Humanities
• 5 . Best A Level Combinations for Law
• 6 . Best A Level Combinations for Economics, Finance and Business
• 7 . Best A Level Combinations for English
• 8 . Best A Level Combinations for Languages

What are the best A Level combinations?

It can be hard to know which subjects to select for A Level , but it is important to select a set which complement each other, will be useful for your future aspirations, and that you enjoy.

Whilst university may seem a long way off, it can be really useful to research where and what you might like to study, and “work backwards” to inform your choices of A Level subjects. Many courses will have subject-specific requirements, so it is vital to take these into account to make sure you do not close off options later on.

If you are really not sure what field you would like to progress to after A Levels, a good strategy can be to select subjects which complement the subject you enjoy the most. You should also take into account what you are good at; don’t choose English Literature if you don’t enjoy lots of reading for example!

Below, you will find some suggestions for combinations of subjects depending on your future area of study or interest.

Best A Level Combinations for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths)

A level combinations for core sciences - biology, chemistry, physics.

Any combination of sciences and maths will work well for a core science subject at a higher level. Maths generally helps with the study of these at A level, but if you are unsure about selecting it, look at university websites to see if it is essential or not for your particular course of interest.

Consider a set similar to:

Physics, Chemistry, Maths

Biology, Chemistry, Maths

Physics, Maths, Computer Science

A Level Combinations for Maths

Maths is obviously essential to study the subject at a higher level. Some courses may or may not require further mathematics to be studied. As maths is such a versatile subject, it can be paired with many other options, sometimes even essay or language bachesed subjects if you have a strength there.

Pairing it with complementary subjects however can keep your options open for other courses in engineering or sciences. Depending on the specific rules in your place of education, selecting Further Maths may mean you can select four subjects in total. If only taking three, a potential downside can be that Further Maths makes your options too narrow, for instance Further Maths, maths, and Physics is a very specific field.

Maths, Further Maths, Physics, Chemistry

Maths, Further Maths, Physics, Computer Science

Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry, Biology

Maths, Further Maths, Biology, psychology

Maths, Further Maths, Physics, french

A Level Combinations for Engineering

For engineering, maths is the most essential subject. Other elements and skills from across Physics, Chemistry and Biology will also be relevant depending on the specific field of engineering you are interested in. 

Maths, Physics, Chemistry

Maths, Chemistry, Biology

Maths, Physics, Computer Science

Maths,Further Maths, Physics, Computer Science

More information: Best A Levels for Engineering

A Level Combinations for Computer Science

Computer Science itself is highly recommended for studying the subject at degree level, however you may find that some courses and universities deem it not essential, and place more emphasis on maths. It is worth researching this for the specific courses and universities you are thinking about. Maths however, is usually a requirement.

Maths, Computer Science, Physics

Maths, Computer Science, Chemistry

A Level Combinations for Psychology

Studying psychology at university level typically relies on a diverse set of A level subjects, due to its multidisciplinary nature. Although psychology A level itself is often well-regarded, it's not always required; universities typically look for a mix of science and humanities subjects, demonstrating the ability to analyse, reason and communicate effectively. Popular choices include Biology, sociology, mathematics, and English, but a variety of A level subjects can be accepted. Some courses may require at least one science subject (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Physics, maths, or psychology), so it is advisable to research individual university course requirements carefully. It's also worth considering subjects that provide a good basis for the skills required in psychology, such as statistics within mathematics for understanding research methods.

Psychology, Biology, Maths

Psychology, Sociology, Biology

Psychology, Law, English

A Level Combinations for Architecture

Selecting A levels for a qualification in architecture is about demonstrating a balance between creativity and technical ability. Art & design, or design & technology, can help to showcase your creative thinking and practical skills, whilst mathematics and Physics can demonstrate evidence for your technical, analytical and mathematical modelling skills. These are all important in architecture.

Some universities may require you to have a particular A level, often art or mathematics, so it's key to check the specific course requirements of the universities you're interested in. If you have a particular interest in the technical aspects of architecture and materials, then further mathematics, Physics or Chemistry can be very useful. Alternatively, humanities subjects like History or geography can help your understanding of architectural contexts and the environment. You should also expect to present a portfolio of your work to universities, similar to arts courses. It is important to consider this as early as you can, to help build up a collection of work that demonstrates your skills.

Mathematics, Physics, Art & Design

Mathematics, Physics, Design & Technology

Art & Design, Design & Technology, Mathematics

A Level Combinations for Medicine

Medicine is a highly competitive university course with specific entry requirements that are not based on UCAS points. Chemistry, at a minimum of grade A, is always required by course providers due to the transferable applications of many concepts and ideas. Biology, at a minimum of grade A, is often required due to the understanding of the human body and its biochemical processes. A third subject is required but this varies by course provider, with some having a specific requirement whilst others will accept a non-science subject. The most common third subjects are Physics or maths due to their application of logic and processes. Alongside significant work experience, prospective medical students must sit a University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) or BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT), which assess their skills, attitudes and overall suitability for working in high pressure medical environments.

More information: Best A levels for Medicine

Chemistry, Biology, Physics

Chemistry, Biology, Maths

Chemistry, Biology and one other subject

Check the individual medical school's preferences on A level choices and use of either the UCAT or BMAT test

A Level Combinations for Dentistry

Dentistry (both surgical and cosmetic dentistry) requires a solid science-based set of A levels. Chemistry is usually the most important subject to the course provider, due to the range of applications of Chemistry used within dentistry. Biology is critical too, due to the understanding of biological processes needed. Maths is a great all-rounder A Level, though equally useful would be Physics. Some UK dental schools like a different A Level choice, e.g. a humanities subject, to give the candidate a more all-round education. Prospective dental students sit a supplementary BMAT test which tests their reasoning and temperament for a high pressure role in a dental practice. Good work experience is vital to boost a candidate's application e.g. voluntary work in the healthcare sector. 

Check the individual dental school's preferences on A level choices

More information: Best A Levels for Dentistry .

A Level Combinations for Veterinary

A similar set of A levels to medicine is required for veterinary subjects; both veterinary science and veterinary nursing. Some courses will prioritise Chemistry above Biology, and require something similar to “Chemistry plus at least one of Biology, maths, Further Maths, or Physics”. It is worth checking the specific subject requirements at universities you are interested in studying at.

These courses will also often require a substantial amount of work experience to be undertaken whilst studying your A levels, so it is worth researching the specific requirements for the course at a few different universities, and giving yourself good time to arrange this.

Biology, Chemistry, Physics

More information: Best A Levels for Becoming A Vet

Best A Level Combinations for Arts 

There are many different arts courses available in higher education, and it is important to research how the courses you are interested in assess applications. Art itself is obviously a key subject, however an A level like fashion & textiles, or photography may be more suited depending on the field you wish to pursue. You should bear in mind that as well as A level grades, it is likely you will be asked for a portfolio of work for arts courses. Start considering this as early as you can, in order to build up a diverse collection of work, highlighting a range of skills. It is a good idea to pair an art subject with two facilitating subjects. As having two or more arts subjects may not demonstrate a wide enough range of skills which may be involved in higher education. 

Art, English, Geography

Art, History, a foreign language

Fashion & Textiles, Business, English

Photography, Geography, and a Science

Best A Level Combinations for Humanities

A level combinations for history.

An A level in History will ensure that all History degree courses are open to you but it is not essential. A History degree will involve analysis, critical thinking and language skills so any subjects which help to build these would be useful.

History, English, Politics

History, Psychology, English

History, English, Sociology

A Level Combinations for Geography

Geography is a multidisciplinary subject and your choices of A level may depend on the type of geography degree you wish to study. Any subjects which help you build evaluation and analytical skills would be recommended.

Geography, English, History

Geography, Sociology, History

Geography, Biology, Maths

Best A Level Combinations for Law

It is hard to define a ‘standard set’ of A levels for someone wishing to study Law at university.  You want to select A level subjects that develop and demonstrate the key skills that university law programs look for in applicants, but there are many different A level subjects that can tick those boxes.  The best general guidance is to select a set of fairly rigorous, ‘traditional’ subjects.  You will also want to choose subjects you feel you will be able to excel in, as the competitive nature of law programs means that grades can be at least, if not more important than exact subject choice for a successful law application.  Also note that you don’t have to take A level Law in order to go on to study law at university!  

English Literature, History, Politics

Law, Business Studies, Mathematics

History, Religious Studies, Philosophy

More information: Best A Levels for Studying Law .  

Best A Level Combinations for Economics, Finance and Business

Economics and finance courses are heavily maths-based courses and so maths is essential for these. Further Maths would of course provide an extra boost to your application. If Economics A level is available to you then this would also be of clear benefit. Beyond this, courses demonstrating a good level of analysis and evaluation would also be useful.

Maths, Economics, Business

Maths, Economics or Business, and a science

Maths, Economics, Law

Best A Level Combinations for English

Your choices of A level will depend on the type of English degree you want to apply for. If you wish to study English Literature, or another related subject like World or Comparative Literature, then for most universities it will be essential to take English Literature at A level. For degrees in English Language, or Linguistics, then an A level in English Language, or English Language and Literature, would be advisable, but not always essential (sometimes a modern foreign language A level can be just as useful). However, any subjects which are essay based, and help you build evaluation and analytical skills (especially when dealing with texts) would be recommended.

English Literature, History, and a foreign language

English Language, Sociology, Media Studies

English Literature / Language, Law, Psychology

Best A Level Combinations for Languages

Selecting your favourite and strongest language is an obvious first step, but after that you have many more options. You could select A levels which demonstrate different skills to a language, such as the sciences or maths. Alternatively, many higher education courses pair a language with another course, for example “French and Business”, so if you know which type of field or industry you may like to enter then this can help inform your choice.

If applying for a purely language-based course or classical languages, then A levels which are essay-based and use analytical and comparative skills would be very useful.

French, Business, Maths

Spanish, German, Politics

Latin, French, History

German, English, Business

Further reading

A Level Maths

A Level Chemistry

A Level Physics

A Level Biology

A Level Psychology

A Level History

A Level English Literature

A Level Business

A Level Economics

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Written by Jamie Wood

Jamie graduated in 2014 from the University of Bristol with a degree in Electronic and Communications Engineering. He has worked as a teacher for 8 years, in secondary schools and in further education; teaching GCSE and A Level. He is passionate about helping students fulfil their potential through easy-to-use resources and high-quality questions and solutions.

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What A Level subjects should I take?

If you’re a GCSE candidate who is considering attending university, your next difficult decision will be deciding which A Level subjects to choose.

Picking the right combination of subjects will likely be easy for some, but a struggle for others.

In making a decision, it’s essential that you leverage your interests and strengths to improve your chances of obtaining good grades. This would also help you pursue your desired course in university.

Before we delve into what A Level subjects to choose, you should first consider whether A Levels is the right study pathway for you.

So my daughter told me that she’s the only girl doing A Level Sciences at her new school. The others are doing Art subjects. I told that’s good, we’re not changing the combination. She’ll have to soldier on amongst the boys & be a pioneer. #CarveYourOwnPath — Dr² Hillary Musarurwa (@HillaryMusarurw) May 19, 2022

Is A Levels the right fit for me?

For starters, A Levels are significantly harder than your GCSEs as you will be studying subjects with more depth and grip.

They can be a good option if you want to keep your options open about your study and career pathway.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma is an alternative to A Levels. Students study six subjects for the IB Diploma; in comparison, students typically study four subjects at AS Level and three subjects at A Level.

Both IB and A Levels are recognised by universities worldwide. One is not necessarily better than the other; which one you choose would depend on your skills and interests.

If you’ve decided that A Levels is the one for you, here are five essential things to consider when picking your A Level subjects:

Picking the right A Level subjects: 5 things to consider

Ensure your a level subject combination aligns with what you plan on studying at uni.

Did you know that some universities hold certain subjects in high regard while some even have a list of “non-preferred” subjects?

This is echoed by Oxford Royale, which notes: “The entrance requirements don’t always say it, but there are some subjects that aren’t looked on with much respect by many universities, particularly top ones. This is because some subjects don’t necessarily develop or demonstrate the academic and scholarly skills needed to succeed at undergraduate level.”

To prepare for university, it helps to read about the types of degrees that you’re interested in, and explore which A Level subjects serve as good preparation for it. If in doubt, contact the university admissions for advice.

Below are some degrees and their A Level combinations typically required to gain entry into a university course:

• Pharmacy degree: Chemistry. At least one of the following — biology, maths and physics.
• English literature or language degree: English literature, English literature and language, English.
• Geology or Earth sciences degree: At least two of the following — maths, physics, chemistry and biology.
• Economics degree: Might require maths or economics (rarely).
• LLB (Law degree): English literature, history or psychology (essay-based subjects).

The workload you can handle 

Some subjects such as A Level law, English Language, government and politics as well as psychology involve a lot of essay writing , so it’s important to consider the amount of work you’re willing to do before considering an essay-based A Level subject.

why did I pick 3 essay based subjects #alevels2022 pic.twitter.com/c7HEsjAvr8 — A Levels 2022😫 (@alevels_2022) May 18, 2022

Pick subjects you’ll enjoy

Your A Levels will take you some two years to complete, so you’ll want to ensure that you’re studying something you enjoy!

You might need to reconsider your degree preferences if the subject choices involve those that you do not like.

Picking your A Levels and not sure how to start? Not a problem. #alevels #subjects #choices #gcse #student pic.twitter.com/ofqDTg2eeB — Whatuni (@Whatuni) February 1, 2022

Doing an A Level subject you can excel in

Were you good in a particular subject at GCSE? Chances are you can retain that excellence during A Levels. Knowing where your strength lies can help you decide which A Level subjects to choose.

Remember — your career and degree plans may change. Getting good grades however, could help keep your university and career options open, so it’s best to pursue something you know you’ll excel in.

Zimbabwean🇿🇼 kids nailing Advanced level fam. It is the most difficult part of high school and not all countries in Africa have A level. Ideally you choose three subjects from the nine or more you did at secondary school but some students choose more. I salute these ones below🙌🏽 pic.twitter.com/FQzVJcgg9w — 🕯 Mitchell ‘Maliqeto Mhlanga 🇨🇳🇷🇺🇰🇵🇻🇪 (@MimiReeds) January 16, 2022

Get to know the syllabus

Go to your local library or the bookstore, flip through some A Level textbooks or course materials and see if they fit your niche or interest.

This can help you decide which A Level subjects are suitable for you in the long run.

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• Understanding A-Level Essay Questions

Last Updated: 8th April 2021

Author: Rob Needleman

Table of Contents

Are you confused about the different types of essay questions and unsure of what the examiners are looking for? 

There is nothing worse than spending 45 minutes writing an incredible essay that does not answer the exam question. This is a  common mistake examiners see every year when marking students’ exam papers. To avoid making this easy mistake yourself, keep on reading. 

What are A-level essays and why are they used?

The majority of A-level subjects have an essay question in the exam or longer written style questions. Examiners include essays to test your ability to formulate arguments, write a clear and structured answer that is relevant to the question, demonstrate understanding of the subject and show evidence of wider reading and critical thinking. Discover our recommended university reading lists .

To do this, you need to be able to write concisely and manage exam time effectively.

Your A-levels are just one part of your Oxbridge application. Performing well in your Personal Statement, Admissions Tests and Interviews is key for offer success. 

Prepare effectively over the next few months with our expert Oxbridge guidance and structured learning. We help you craft the perfect Personal   Statement , achieve a highly competitive Admissions Test  score and teach you how to  Interview effectively – covering all areas of your Oxbridge application, from History to Medicine.

Discover our  Oxbridge Premium Programmes  by clicking the button below to  enrol and triple your chances of success.

How to analyse A-level essay questions

Before you rush off into planning your essays during the exam, make sure you fully understand what the question is asking.

Breaking Down Essay Questions

Analysing essay questions is a key skill. You can use the method below to break down questions into clear and separate elements to help you understand what the question is asking. These are taken from a 2018 AQA Past Paper .

Breaking Down Essay Mark Schemes

Below we have the mark scheme for the same question. It is clear what the examiners are looking for to award you top marks. The keywords highlighted show that to reach the 7-9 marks, you need to provide relevant information by actually evaluating and analysing the strategies and providing evidence to back up your points.  

It might sound obvious to answer the actual question but students still have issues with this every year, as seen in the Examiner Report below (which is for the same question). It is clear that lots of students do not understand what the question is asking and describe the success of strategies rather than evaluate the success of strategies.

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What are the different a-level essay question types?

We can break up the essay questions into two main styles, critical and descriptive.

Critical essay questions

To explain what critical questions are, we will look at the words used in the questions.

The examiner is expecting you to debate the topic of the question and provide plenty of evidence for each point. Critical thinking is key and your final conclusion should be your verdict to the extent of how much an argument is accurate or how much you agree or disagree with a hypothesis.

For example:

BBC Bitesize provides a good evaluate sample question: For a developed world city you have studied, evaluate the effectiveness of strategies used to manage traffic. (8 marks)

Pedestrianisation of CBD roads increases safety and makes these areas more appealing to shoppers. Fewer cars in pedestrian zones lead to lower emissions and improved air quality. However, shops may see reductions in business activity as shoppers could feel less inclined to park outside of the CBD and walk or take public transport in.

The examiner expects you to demonstrate your reasoning skills with relevant evidence to back up your arguments. A conclusion must be reached with the advantages and disadvantages of the given context and different perspectives can be considered.

Discuss  the effects of land degradation on either a named rainforest or semi-arid area you have studied. (6 marks)

Crop failures and livestock loss have led to a diminished food supply causing malnutrition and famine for people in countries like Ethiopia. Moreover, this has caused large-scale rural-urban migration into overcrowded areas in the south, which is increasing the population size of shantytowns.

Descriptive Essay Questions

Descriptive questions are very different from critical questions.

The examiner usually expects you to write a detailed explanation of how and why something occurs. Your writing should be objective and outline rather than examine. It is also a good opportunity to draw a diagram to support your explanation.

Describe factors that affect the amount of energy received at the Earth’s surface. (6 marks).

Snow and ice at the North and South Poles cause the albedo effect which means they reflect more radiation, whereas dark forests absorb more radiation from the sun.

This is different to describe because you need to give reasons for your answer. The examiner expects you to demonstrate your understanding and knowledge of the subject. Keep thinking of ‘who’, ‘what’, ‘where’, ‘why’, ‘when’ and ‘how’. A good way to pick up marks is by providing definitions of more technical or specialised terms.

Explain  the stages and process involved in the formation of a stack. (10 marks)

The rocks on a headland have lines of weaknesses. Waves from the sea erode the weaker lines. Hydraulic action is the force of waves crashing against the shoreline and surrounding cliffs. The waves force air into weaknesses in the rocks such as cracks which compress and blows the rock apart as pressure is released.

Final A-level essay tips to answer questions effectively

• Be relevant and answer the question
• Provide logical and well-structured arguments
• Apply knowledge from the specification, wider reading and demonstrate independent thought
• Use critical thinking to explore arguments and provide relevant evidence to support your points
• Manage time effectively

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• Subjects You Are Ruling Out with your GCSE and A-level Options

Making the right choice of GCSEs and A-levels is essential, but it’s rarely an easy decision.

To make your decision even harder, you ideally need to be thinking years ahead to what you want to study at university. Some subjects open doors, and by not taking them, you could be limiting your options. If you’re not sure what it is that you want to do in future, ruling out possible options is best avoided. That’s why we’ve put together a guide to help you know which subjects you’ll be ruling out by not taking certain subjects at GCSE and A-level.

Your subject choices at GCSE will have a bearing on what A-levels are open to you, and this usually means that you need the GCSE in a particular subject to carry it on to A-level (this isn’t always the case, though, as there are some A-levels you can do without having the GCSE, such as Psychology or Law ). But GCSE choice can occasionally also have a bearing on what universities are open to you, even though offers are based on A-levels. Modern languages are tremendously helpful in the real world, as well as developing certain academic skills that you won’t pick up from other subjects. This is reflected in the fact that if you don’t take a language at GCSE, certain doors may close for you, or at least be made more difficult. For instance, UCL has a language GCSE requirement for all its degrees; applicants for any of its degrees are required to hold a language GCSE or to take extra classes while alongside their degrees. It’s worth checking the university’s general entrance requirements in addition to those for specific courses, to see whether or not you’re required to have a language GCSE for admission. To make life easier, it’s strongly recommended to take a language at GCSE.

Your choice of A-levels is much more important than your choice of GCSEs, because these are the subjects with which you’ll apply to university. For many subjects – particularly the sciences – most universities have strict entrance requirements when it comes to the A-level subjects they require you to have studied before they’ll accept you onto a particular course.

A general note about science subjects

Scientific degrees will usually require at least two science subjects at A-level, often the same subject as the degree plus at least one other science subject. While you’ll need the specific knowledge from studying the subject at A-level that you’re aiming to do at university, the scientific skills and mindset you’ll develop from additional science subjects will stand you in good stead. This doesn’t mean, however, that you necessarily have to do all science subjects at A-level if you want to study a science at university; a humanities subject as one of your options would add balance, as it’s an essay-based subject that develops different skills, demonstrating that you’re talented in many areas of academia.

If you don’t take Chemistry at A-level, it’s not just Chemistry degree courses that you’ll probably not be able to get onto. Without A-level Chemistry, you’re also going to find it much harder (if not impossible) to get onto a Medicine or Medicine-related course (such as Dentistry or Biomedical Sciences), for which you’re probably going to need to pair Chemistry with Biology at A-level. A-level Chemistry is also essential if you want to study Biochemistry or Chemical Engineering, and many universities may require it in order for you to study Biology. Some Geography, Geology or Earth Sciences degree courses may require a mix of science subjects, and Chemistry can be one of them.

• Mathematics and Further Mathematics

As well as being vital for studying a Mathematics degree (or variations thereupon), Mathematics is frequently considered highly desirable if not essential for virtually all science subjects, including Chemistry, Medicine, Dentistry, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Computing, Geology, Earth Sciences and Engineering . It’s also often essential for Economics, or Business -related degrees, while some science degrees, such as Geography or Psychology, may require additional science subjects, and Mathematics can be one of them. Further Mathematics is, to all intents and purposes, essential for Physics, Mathematics and sometimes Chemistry degrees, and if you don’t have it, you’d likely struggle doing these subjects at university and may end up having to take additional maths classes while you’re there (if you manage to get a place without it). It’s also highly recommended for many Engineering and Computing degrees.

By not taking Physics at A-level, it goes without saying that you’re not going to be able to take this subject at degree level. You’re also effectively ruling out Engineering, and Materials Science. Furthermore, Physics is very useful for Earth Sciences and Mathematics degree courses. Some courses ask for additional science subjects, such as Geography, Biomedical Sciences, Medicine, Dentistry and so on; Physics is an acceptable A-level to take to prove your scientific credentials for these subjects.

Biology (and Human Biology)

As a science, A-level Biology is a good qualification to have as one of a range of science subjects for scientific degree courses. As well as being essential for Biology degrees (which will likely accept either Biology or Human Biology A-levels), it’s highly desirable for Medicine, Dentistry and all Biology-related subjects (such as Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences). Its ideal partner is Chemistry, and many universities are likely to require both for the aforementioned courses. Other science-based degree courses, such as Geography, may require additional science subjects, and this can be one of them; Psychology degrees also have a Biology component, for which Biology at A-level would be useful (it’s unlikely to be a requirement, though).

Most Geography degree courses require A-level Geography, but surprisingly, it’s not always essential. It’s also very useful for Geology and Earth Sciences degree courses, as A-level Geology isn’t usually taught in schools and the Geography course teaches you about the earth processes you’ll learn about at university.

A general note about humanities subjects

Beyond the fact that universities often require you to have studied the degree subject at A-level (for instance, A-level History for a history degree), the entrance requirements are generally less stringent when it comes to the A-level subjects required for humanities degrees. If you’re aiming to do a humanities subject at university, you’ll need a range of such subjects at A-level. The humanities subjects are generally more essay-based, cultivating a particular set of skills without which you’re not likely to succeed in applying for a university course in one of these subjects. Let’s take a look at the main humanities subjects individually to see what degree courses they’ll particularly help you with.

English Literature, English Language and English Language and Literature

These are three different A-levels, and it’s worth noting that for an English Literature degree, it’ll almost certainly be necessary to have A-level English Literature or A-level English Language and Literature rather than A-level English Language. While essential for English degrees, any of these A-levels will come in useful for other essay-based humanities subjects that involve analysis and interpretation, such as History, Classics and Classics-related subjects and Religious Studies. Any of these English A-levels will also be useful for Foreign Languages, as they all require the analysis of language.

Most History degree courses require History at A-level, but not all of them (Oxford University, for example, lists it as “Recommended” rather than “Essential”), so if you don’t take History at A-level, you’re not necessarily completely ruling it out as a degree option. It’s also useful – but not always essential – for other history-related subjects, such as Archaeology, Classical Studies, Music (for the History of Music element of this subject) and History of Art. History is an essay-based subject, so it’s also useful for any other essay-based degrees, such as English.

Foreign Languages

It’s essential to have at least one language at A-level if you want to study any foreign language at university, but they come in useful for other subjects even if they’re not required. If you’re looking to study part of your course abroad, you may also be required to have an A-level in the language spoken in that country. Modern Languages are also helpful for English Language and/or Literature degrees, and, though not a requirement, they can come in useful for a number of other degrees simply because they give you access to scholarship in other languages, which often isn’t available in translation.

Classical Civilisations

Not many schools offer this subject, so you’re not required to have studied it in order to get onto a course in a related subject, such as Ancient and Modern History, Classics or Classical Archaeology. However, if your school does offer it, and you’re thinking of doing one of these subjects, it would certainly provide a useful foundation upon which to build at university. It would also be a relevant A-level to have if you want to study any History degree, though it wouldn’t be essential. As an essay-based subject, it will stand you in good stead for any humanities degree.

Latin and/or Greek

Again, not all schools offer these subjects, so they probably won’t be essential to get onto a Classics course of some kind at university; most will offer ab initio courses for those without them. However, if you don’t have either of these subjects and you intend to pursue one or other of these languages as part of a Classics course at university, you might have to attend a Latin or Greek summer school the summer before you go to university to get you up to speed. Latin or Greek would also be a useful additional language for those wishing to study English or Modern Languages, and it may also prove useful background to History or Ancient History degrees.

A-level art is either essential or highly recommended for studying an Art-based degree, such as Fine Art, History of Art or Art and Design. It’s a subject that involves making use of your creativity, so you may also find the skills you learn in A-level Art useful for other creative degree subjects, such as Music or Drama.

A-level Music is essential if you want to do a Music degree, and you’ll also need to be proficient in at least one musical instrument. Grade VII would be an absolute minimum, but you’re likely to be competing with students who play at Grade VIII level and above. If piano isn’t your main instrument, it will also be very useful to have Grade V or above in piano in addition to your other instrument.

If you’re not sure what you want to study at university yet

Up to now, this article has more or less assumed that you have a rough idea of what you’re going to be studying in the long term. We’ll end with a few words of advice for those of you who currently have no idea what you might want to study at university, so that you can ensure you don’t rule out too many potential choices. In cases like these, your best bet is to keep your options open by taking a mix of humanities and science A-level subjects. If possible, choose at least two ‘facilitating subjects’, as these are the subjects most often required, and are the most widely respected. They’re summarised here as:

• English Literature
• Languages (Classical and Modern)

To demonstrate as many skills as possible, and keep as many possible course options available to you as you can, try to choose A-levels that each demonstrate different talents rather than choosing two or more that are closely related, such as Maths and Physics. To give you an example, you could choose English Literature, a Foreign Language and Chemistry at A-level with an AS-level in Mathematics. This would demonstrate your essay-writing and linguistic abilities as well as giving you strong scientific skills with two subjects that are frequently required for science degrees. It’s also advisable to pick subjects towards which you feel a natural interest, as you’ll find it easier to succeed in subjects you’re genuinely curious about.

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How to choose A levels or high school subjects

Are you 14 years old, or older, and starting to think about university? We‘re here to help you choose the subjects you should study at school to prepare for studying at Cambridge.

A level and International Baccalaureate (IB) subject combinations you choose to study at high school, sixth form or college could have an impact on what you can study at university.

How many A levels or IB subjects should you take

You should take at least 3 A levels or 6 IB subjects. These are standard entry requirements for most undergraduate courses in the UK.

If you aren’t taking A levels or IB, find out more about the other qualifications that we accept .

If you know which course you'd like to study

Find the course you’re interested in. Take a look at the entry requirements section to see which high school subjects are recommended and which you need to have. You should also check to see what grades we expect you to achieve.

If you aren’t taking A levels or IB, the subject requirements for your course will still apply. For example, if Mathematics is a required subject for your course, we would expect you to be taking an appropriate Mathematics qualification.

If you're not sure which course you want to study

If you want to keep your options open, we recommend that you take A levels and IB Higher level subjects that go well together. Choose subjects that you’re passionate about, and which interest you the most.

It’s good to have some idea of the subject or area you’d like to study at university. This is because arts and humanities courses have different entry requirements to maths and science ones.

Best A level subjects and combinations if you’re interested in arts, social science or humanities courses at Cambridge

Arts, social science and humanities courses at Cambridge include Archaeology , Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic , History , Modern and Medieval Languages , Economics , Education , Music , Human, Social, and Political Sciences , and Law . You can find a full list of courses on our courses page .

We recommend that you choose 2 of these A levels:

• English Literature
• a language, such as French, German, Spanish or Latin 
• Mathematics, which is useful for many courses at Cambridge, including Law

Below are some examples of other relevant A level subjects you could take. Some of these are very important for particular courses at Cambridge.

• An extra language
• Ancient History
• Classical Civilisation       
• Further Mathematics (if you are interested in Economics )
• History of Art
• Government and Politics
• Religious Studies

Best A level subjects and combinations if you’re interested in Maths or Science courses at Cambridge

Maths and science courses at Cambridge include Mathematics , Natural Sciences (Physics, Biology, Chemistry), Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology , Engineering ,  Medicine  and Veterinary Medicine . You can find a full list of courses on our courses page .

We strongly recommend that you choose 3 of these A levels:

• Chemistry, which is useful if you want to study Chemical Engineering, Biological Sciences or Medical Sciences
• Mathematics
• Further Mathematics, which is essential if you want to study Mathematics or Computer Science and very useful if you want to study Engineering, Economics, Chemical Engineering, or Natural Sciences (if you want to specialise in Physics). If your school doesn’t offer Further Mathematics and you live in England, you can join the Further Mathematics Support Programme.

Less helpful A levels and IB subjects

Undergraduate courses at Cambridge are more academic than vocational. Vocational courses are more practical and hands on, while academic courses are more traditional and focus on theory.

If you want to study at Cambridge it’s less useful to choose:

• Vocational A levels and IB subjects related to a specific profession or career, such as Business, Health, Photography, Performing Arts, Travel and Tourism, and Media Studies.
• A level Critical Thinking and Key Skills. We don’t count these subjects as an A level, but you could take it as your fourth subject.

If you're not taking A levels or IB

Find out more about the different qualifications that we accept, combining qualifications, and any requirements that you may need to meet.

Check our entry requirements .

Other things to consider

We don’t just look at which A levels or subjects you’ve studied. We look at other things you’ve been doing too, such as extra reading about the subject you’re interested in or taking part in activities related to it.

Find out how to make a great application to Cambridge .

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10 top tips on choosing the best A-level subjects for you

One of the most difficult decisions students have to make to achieve their place at a top university is which subjects they should study at A-level.

Every student is an individual. Whilst there is no single recipe for success, it's sensible to choose subjects that demonstrate your ability and develop both your subject knowledge and transferable skills.

Kings personal tutors and UCAS advisors are highly experienced in putting together tailored study plans that ensure a genuinely satisfying academic journey and successful outcomes. Whether you are taking A-levels for the first time, resitting subjects or revising your study plan, we can help you achieve your ambitions.

Here are ten top tips when it comes to making your final subject choices.

1. Do your research

Research which course best matches your interests and the subjects the universities require. If, like many students, you are not certain of your plans for degree, think about which subjects you don't wish to pursue and check which doors that would close.

2. Don't limit your options

It is important to consider both the specific knowledge that you will gain and the skills that you will develop in each subject. The skills are often transferable across multiple disciplines and can therefore keep your options open for degree progression.

Some of the subjects which are requested most often and provide greatest flexibility have been referred to as ‘facilitating subjects’: Mathematics and Further Mathematics, English Literature, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Geography, History, Languages (Classical and Modern). It is worth considering the inclusion of one or more of these subjects within your choices.

The prestigious Russell Group of universities provide a useful website guide Informed Choices which provides guidance on specific pre-requisite subjects for individual degrees and also which degrees students might consider based on the subjects they enjoy and study at A-level.

3. Breadth of subjects is good

It can often be beneficial to avoid significant overlap — for example, taking Economics alongside Business Studies — unless of course you have a specific interest in that area.

4. Follow your interests

Students tend to be better at the subjects they enjoy and this should lead to a more fulfilling future career, but remember that two years is a long time and you might change your mind.

5. Play to your strengths

If you enjoy essay writing and research, then essay-based subjects demonstrate your communication and analytical skills and critical thinking. Science subjects demonstrate logical thinking and reasoning as well as building familiarity with scientific principles.

6. Consider studying a new subject

A-levels open up new subject possibilities, you may find a new area of study you find intellectually stimulating and enjoyable.

7. Know what the A-level course entails

Find out what exactly what you will be studying over the next two years and how the course is structured. Kings will provide advice and guidance but are also flexible, it's possible to change your mind if you start a subject and find it really isn’t the right fit for you.

8. Maths can be a winning choice

Universities value Maths and it is a pre-requisite subject for many degrees. Mathematical and statistical problem solving, data analysis and interpretation skills are used in a broad range of subject areas. If you are capable of achieving good grades it is well-worth considering.

9. Bear in mind that A-levels are more difficult than GCSEs

This may seem obvious but be prepared for a big jump in the focus, level of difficulty and possibly the effort required for each subject.

10. Get advice from the experts

Every potential A-level student should receive tailored advice from their current school, but we are always happy to discuss your subject choices. Our team are experts at helping students achieve their full potential and win their place at a leading university. Our students' results and destinations illustrate our students' success.

Find out more about A-levels at Kings

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Choosing A-levels

Choosing A-levels can feel daunting. From how many A-levels to take to how to choose them, we've got the answers to your questions. 

See what you could study at uni

What are a-levels, what a-level subjects should you choose, what grades do you need to do a-levels, why are a-levels important, can you change your a-level subjects, can you study btecs and a-levels.

A-levels are subject-based qualifications taken in sixth form by students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. A-levels take two years and can lead to further study at university, apprenticeships, training or work. 

Most students choose three subjects to study at A-level, although you can do up to five. When you apply to university, most will give you an offer based on three subjects. Many universities exclude general studies, so check the course entry requirements for courses you’re interested in if you’re thinking of taking general studies. 

Talk to your teachers before deciding how many A-levels to take. Bear in mind what you can handle. It’s better to study fewer A-levels and get fantastic grades than to study many A-levels but achieve lower grades. 

Think about your strengths, but also consider what you enjoy studying and what you want to do longer-term when choosing your A-level subjects. If you're not sure what you want to do longer-term, our Career Matcher tool will help suggest some careers that suit your interests. A-levels come with a bigger workload and harder exams than GCSEs, so make sure you’re happy with your choices. 

Use our Career Matcher to find your match now!

Below, we cover the different departments your school might have along with the university courses or career paths these could lead to. Try to pick a variety of subjects to keep your options open and demonstrate your skillset to university admissions tutors and potential employers. 

Sciences  

Sciences don’t just include biology, physics and chemistry, but also mathematics and computer science. Many of them will be familiar to you from GCSEs but there might be some new subjects on offer like sports science, as not all colleges offer this at GCSE. 

If you’re interested in studying medicine, becoming an accountant or pursuing a career in engineering, these subjects will be useful to you. Having these subjects as your A-levels helps to demonstrate your logical thinking skills. 

Humanities  

Humanities include English literature and language, as well as classics, history and geography (though some branches of geography fall under sciences). Some other subjects that fall under humanities include religious studies and philosophy. While at GCSE you’ll have studied both English language and English literature, at A-level these subjects are often taught separately. These are essay-based subjects so be prepared for a lot of writing if you pick one of these. 

Studying humanities at A-level can lead you to a career in journalism, education, marketing and much more. You’ll likely find a bit of overlap between social sciences and humanities, particularly at university level. These subjects are also perfect for demonstrating your critical-thinking ability. 

Languages  

While most colleges and sixth forms will offer language A-levels such as French and German, some schools might also offer courses in languages including Latin and Japanese. Picking up languages at A-level can be difficult and many schools will need you to have a GCSE or an understanding of the language to study it at A-level. 

Being multilingual or having an A-level qualification in another language is very helpful if you’re hoping for a career in the corporate world and opens opportunities to work as a translator. People who speak multiple languages are associated with having skills such as better problem-solving, and these subjects also demonstrate you have a good memory. 

Social sciences  

The social sciences department usually introduces a lot of subjects that weren’t available at GCSE. This includes economics, psychology, sociology and politics. If you’re thinking about studying international relations at university or if you’re interested in a career in government, then some of these subjects are good choices. 

Social sciences is a very diverse department so these topics are also popular choices for students interested in working in mental health or even something like accounting. Like humanities, these subjects develop your critical thinking, but it wouldn’t be social sciences without needing some logical and rational thinking as well.  

At A-level, arts subjects are often assessed by portfolios, with a smaller focus on exams. Your college may offer art subjects such as graphics, photography, textiles and food tech, as well as art. Many art subjects are more vocational, so they have a clearer path towards careers. 

For example, if you want to be a chef or work in a kitchen, you should definitely consider food tech. These are also good subjects to study if you want to pursue a career in the creative industries, such as working in film or television, as they demonstrate your creativity. 

Of course, this isn’t a complete list of the subjects on offer at A-level, as every school will have different things available. Your school might have subjects such as business, media or drama as well as a mixture of the above. If you know what you want to study at university, or have a career goal in mind, it might be easier for you to pick your subjects. If you’re not sure what you want to do after your A-levels, focus on keeping your options open with a mix of subjects while making sure you play to your strengths. 

Most schools will want you to have achieved five GCSEs with a minimum grade C/4 for each. Your school might have additional requirements to do certain subjects at A-level, for example they may have a minimum GCSE grade in maths if you want to continue studying it at A-level. 

Your school may also accept BTECs or other vocational qualifications. 

Check with your school (or the sixth form you want to attend if you’re changing schools) and make sure you know exactly what grades you need. 

Choosing the right A-levels lets you apply for the university courses you’re interested in. Choose the wrong subjects and you could be losing out on a potential place at uni. While you can go to university no matter which subjects you study provided you get good enough grades, it might affect which courses you can do.  

This may sound daunting but don’t feel overwhelmed. Research universities you might want to study at before you make your final A-level choices. For example, if you want to study a science degree, a university will expect to see some sort of science A-level among your grades. Speak to your parents and teachers at school if you want extra support and advice in choosing your A-level subjects. 

In some circumstances you can change your A-level subjects. Many schools and sixth form colleges will support students to change their A-levels in the first few weeks of Year 12, but this is up to your teachers. The sooner you speak to a teacher about changing your subjects, the more likely it’ll be. 

If you’re studying four subjects in Year 12, you’ll usually be able to drop one of your subjects at the end of the year without worrying about still getting university offers.  

If you decide in Year 13 that there’s a subject you wish you’d taken, it’ll be up to your teachers and the school to decide if you can study it.   

Yes, you can study both BTECs and A-levels and still get into most universities. If you study a 12-unit BTEC, some universities may also want you to have an A-level. 

It’s always worth checking a course’s entry requirements to make sure you can get enough UCAS points to be considered. 

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The 10 Easiest A-Level Subjects – Ranked for 2024

In A-Level by Think Student Editor May 19, 2019 34 Comments

As a step up from GCSEs, A-Levels can be entirely different from them. This can make it hard to figure out how well a subject might suit you, even if you’ve studied it at GCSE. Seeing how other students have found the course can be a great way of learning more about the courses you can study without having to experience them for yourself.

Continue reading to learn which A-Level subjects students consider the easiest. This article will take you through the rankings and give you some insight into why students may feel that this course is easy.

Be advised. The ranking of the A-Level subjects in this list is not definitive. Every student will have individual strengths and weaknesses, and so will find some subjects more challenging than others. Additionally, judgements about the hardest A-Levels depend on the criteria that it is based on. In this article we have tried to take into account many different factors that make certain A-Level subjects challenging, but still, keep in mind that the list here is formed of opinions which are based on polling. Although you may want to take them into account when choosing your A-Level subject, you should also think about what your specific skills are and what it is that interests you when choosing your A-Level subjects.

Easiest A-Levels: Student Perception vs Pass Attainment Rates

Below you can find the visualisation A-Level subject difficulty rankings (top – easiest, bottom – 11ᵗʰ easiest). Displayed on the chart are both our own internal polling results and our analysis of pass attainment rates (a grade C or above) for the 2022 cohort.

Click a chart legend (colour key) to filter the ranking by specific metric.

(*) Difficulty perception represents the proportion of students who voted that specific subject as the easiest A-Level during our polling. You can learn more about how we collected this data at the end of this article. (**) Pass attainment rates refer to the proportion of students in 2022 who achieved a C or above. This data was collected from both here on Ofqual’s website and the this page from JCQ.

Walkthrough of the A-Level difficulty rankings

This section will explain if there’s a relationship between the easiest subjects and the pass rates as well as explain why students may feel these subjects are the easiest. If you want to have your say, please vote in the poll at the end of this article.

10. A-Level Maths

2.12% of the poll considered A-Level Maths as the easiest A-Level, putting it in 10th place. In 2022, 78.5% of students achieved a grade C or above and 22.8% of students achieved an A*. As the average for all subjects was 14.5% achieving an A*, it would seem that A-Level Maths, really is one of the easiest A-Level subjects as it allows students to do so well.

However, A-Level Maths is also considered one of the hardest A-Levels and on our ranking is in 4th place for the most difficult. As this doesn’t quite add up, it’s important to note that how different students perceive A-Level difficulty is entirely personal and can vary greatly, as shown with this subject.

Students may consider A-Level Maths easy due to there often being restriction on who can take it. This means that students will generally already have very good mathematical skills before even beginning the A-Level.

Due to this, students are quite likely to take other subjects that are considered difficult, such as A-Level Chemistry, A-Level Physics or even A-Level Further Maths. This may mean that they consider it easy in comparison to their other subjects, which are considered difficult . For more on this, check out our article on the most difficult A-Level subjects.

9. A-Level ICT

2.54% of the poll considered A-Level ICT as the easiest A-Level, putting it in 9th place. In 2022, 80.5% of students achieved a grade C or above and 9.6% of students achieved an A*.

The proportion of students getting above a grade C suggests that A-Level ICT is easier than A-Level Maths. However, it is still slightly lower than the average of all subjects, which has 82.1% of students gaining a grade C or above.

Students will often find A-Level ICT easy as a large portion of the course will be coursework. This means that students will have the chance to work towards part of their assessment rather than having to do it all through exams. This can make it easier as students have the opportunity to improve their work and make sure it’s their best.

During A-Level ICT, students learn about presenting information, networks, how ICT is used, database systems and more. While it will be in-depth and complex than at GCSE, students may find this easier as it is still quite straightforward . For more on this, check out this guide by WJEC.

8. A-Level Business

4.66% of the poll considered A-Level Business as the easiest A-Level, putting it in 8th place. In 2022, 83.2% of students achieved a grade C or above and 7.3% of students achieved an A*. This suggests that A-Level Business is one of the easiest A-Levels as the proportion of students who received a C or above is higher than the average.

In A-Level Business, students learn about different business-related areas, such as management, marketing, operations, finance, HR and business strategy. While this includes some theories and calculations, this content is fairly straightforward and easy to apply.

As an A-Level Business student myself, I find that similarly to at GCSE, A-Level Business is largely down to common sense and reasoning in order to answer questions, which makes it a lot easier than other subjects. Also, the exams come with a range of questions and so even if essays aren’t your strong point, you may still be able to bank enough marks on the shorter questions to still get a good grade. To learn more about how A-Level Business is, check out this Think Student article .

7. A-Level Religious Studies

6.78% of the poll considered A-Level Religious Studies as the easiest A-Level, putting it in 7th place. In 2022, 87.6% of students achieved a grade C or above and 12.5% of students achieved an A*. This suggests that A-Level Religious Studies is easier than A-Level Business as more students were able to achieve a grade C or above.

In A-Level Religious Students, students will learn about both a specific religion and the philosophy of religion as well as ethics. Due to this content, students may find A-Level Religious Studies easy as it is straightforward and easy to understand . To learn more about A-Level Religious Studies, check out this page by AQA.

6. A-Level Art and Design Subjects

8.47% of the poll considered A-Level Art and Design as the easiest A-Level, putting it in 6th place. In 2022, 90.3% of students achieved a grade C or above and 18.7% of students achieved an A*. This suggests that A-Level Art, in particular, is an easy subject that allows students to get the top grades as well.

This is likely due to the fact that students who choose A-Level Art or similar subjects are likely to be serious about this subject and very interested in it. This is especially as creating the art portfolio throughout your coursework will take a lot of time and effort.

Due to being something that students enjoy and even find easy themselves, A-Level Art and Design can be considered as one of the easiest subjects as there isn’t any actual content to learn or anything difficult except the actual application of your artistic skills. To learn more about what is studied, check out this page by AQA.

5. A-Level Law

8.69% of the poll considered A-Level Law as the easiest A-Level, putting it in 5th place. In 2022, 71.3% of students achieved a grade C or above and 8% of students achieved an A*.

As these figures are relatively low, it could suggest that A-Level Law is actual more difficult than students perceive it to be. The reasoning for this is unclear, which suggests that it may be a subject that some consider easy and other consider hard.

In A-Level Law, students learn about how the law works, and will study topics including the legal system in the UK, human rights and criminal law. Students may consider A-Level Law easy if they find the content of this straightforward. To learn more about A-Level Law’s content, check out this guide by AQA.

4. A-Level Geography

11.44% of the poll considered A-Level Geography as the easiest A-Level, putting it in 4th place. In 2022, 85.6% of students achieved a grade C or above and 11% of students achieved an A*.

This suggests that it is one of the easiest A-Levels as students performed much better than with A-Level Law and achieved above the average for all subjects. However, as the percentage of students that got an A* is slightly lower than it is for all subjects, it may suggest that getting the top grades is more difficult.

In A-Level Geography, students learn about both physical and human geography, focusing on topics, such as the water cycle, ecosystems and resource security. Due to this, students may find A-Level Geography easy as the content is often quite straightforward and easy to understand . Also, compared to other subjects, there isn’t that much of it, allowing it to be studied in greater depth and in more of a paced way.

Also, like with many humanities A-Levels, part of the course is examined with an NEA. This can make it easier for students as it means that not everything is relying on their final exams .

To learn more about A-Level Geography, check out this guide by AQA. For more information about the A-Level Geography NEA, check out this Think Student article .

3. A-Level Drama

12.50% of the poll considered A-Level Drama as the easiest A-Level, putting it in 3rd place. In 2022, 91% of students achieved a grade C or above and 14.9% of students achieved an A*. This suggests that A-Level Drama is an easy A-Level as so many students were able to do so well in it.

This is likely due to the fact that students who take A-Level Drama already have the basic skills needed to put together performances and to study different pieces, making it easier for them to access the new A-Level content .

Also, A-Level Drama may be considered easy due to the nature of the exams. This is because instead of their only being written exams as there are with most A-Levels, A-Level Drama also has practical exams, which make up large percentages of the assessment.

This may make students feel that A-Level Drama is easy as these students would have picked it due to their interest in the subject and so will likely also be good at the practical side of A-Level Drama . To learn more about how A-Level Drama is assessed, check out this page by AQA.

2. A-Level Film/Media/TV Studies

20.13% of the poll considered A-Level Film/ Media/ TV Studies as the easiest A-Level, putting it in 2nd place. In 2022, 87.5% of students achieved a grade C or above and 6.3% of students achieved an A*. While it is slightly lower than A-Level Drama, A-Level Film/ Media/ TV Studies still has a very high rate of students achieving a C or above, suggesting that it is one of the easiest A-Level subjects.

In A-Level Film/ Media/ TV Studies, students learn about different aspects of media or film/ TV content. This may include learning about the industries these exist in and studying specific aspects in depth, such as magazines or social media in A-Level Media, or studying specific films or TV shows in A-Level Film/ TV Studies.

Due to this, students may consider these A-Levels easy due to the content being straightforward. Also, as students may already be familiar with some of this content due to their wider world knowledge, this can make it even easier.

For more on what is studied in A-Level Media, check out this guide by AQA. For more on what is studied in A-Level Film Studies, check out this guide by OCR.

1. A-Level Sociology

20.76% of the poll considered A-Level Sociology as the easiest A-Level, putting it in 1st place. In 2022, 82.1% of students achieved a grade C or above and 9% of students achieved an A*.

While the figures for the proportion of students that achieved a grade C or above is high, suggesting that it is one of the easiest subjects. The proportion of students that received a grade A* is quite low, especially in comparison to the average of all subject being 14.5%.

This is likely due to students’ perception of A-Level Sociology being easy . This is because if they view it in this way, which clearly many do from even this ranking, some students may not realise how much effort they still need to put in to get the top grades.

In A-Level Sociology students learn about different aspects of society, such as education, crime, culture, poverty, the media and health. While students learn about this with some theory, the rest will be key elements, some of which they may already be aware of.

Due to this, students may feel that A-Level Sociology is easy due to the uncomplicated content. To learn more about A-Level Sociology, check out this page by AQA.

It is important to remember for A-Level Sociology and the rest of these subjects that students may find them easy for different reasons and that the ones suggested here may not apply to all students.

How were these rankings decided?

For each A-Level subject on this list, we discuss both of the following factors:

• Our findings through student polling (ranking factor)
• Our research on pass rates (based of Ofqual’s data release)

To prevent the complexity of attempting to combine these, we rank each subject by solely its student polling results. As stated, it isn’t perfect, and students should absolutely be taking these rankings with a pinch of salt.

How was the polling data collected?

Between January 2021 and January 2023, we displayed a poll on this page which prompted readers to vote on which A-Level subject was the easiest. Within this timeframe, we collect 472 votes, excluding submissions that were disregarded from the data set due to formatting issues or other errors.

Listed below are some key limitations of our polling methods that could’ve swayed results:

• Static ordering of subjects on voting form: A previous iteration of our survey form listed A-Level subjects in the same order each time. It could be argued that this would favour the subjects that were listed at the top. This issue has been fixed in our updated voting form below.
• Voting form displayed only a subset of A-Level subjects: Previously, only a small selection of A-Level subjects was displayed on the survey. We have since expanded the size of this selection on the voting form.
• Potential bad actors:  Despite having anti-spam software in place, it is possible repeated entries were made by single individuals. With respect to privacy, we don’t ask for more information than we need and as a result, it is almost impossible to identify submission users to check if they are unique.

This article is a member of a series of A-Level ranking articles listed on this site. If you find our data and analysis within this article helpful, you may also wish to take a look at this Think Student article to find out which A-Level subjects are considered the hardest.

• Health and Social Care
• Physical Education
• Classical Subjects
• Media/Film/TV Studies
• Design and Technology
• Art and Design Subjects
• Further Maths
• English Language
• English Literature
• English Language & Literature
• Computer Science
• Foreign Languages
• Religious Studies
• Performing/Expressive Arts

Are these list of subjects under Cambridge or ial edexcel?

I’m sorry but I do OCR philosophy and ethics (religious studies) and it is not easy. Its 80% for an A, there is tonnes of content to learn (depending on your desired grade) and your own opinion gets you nowhere unless you have strong analytic skills (AO2) and good, extensive knowledge and even extra ‘nuanced’ knowledge to reach high grades (AO1). It is laughable to say religious studies is easier than art, film, drama etc.

Hope you are doing well. The problem we have is that there are many other people who contact us with the opposite opinion saying the same things as you, just for different subjects. Therefore, this article is ONLY based off what we have observed from interviewing students. Due to this being an “opinion piece” article, many people will disagree with it and others will agree with it.

That being said, your opinion has been logged and if enough people share your opinion, these rankings will change accordingly.

I completely agree, I do AQA RE and I can assure anyone that it is the hardest humanities subject out there. I do Geography (which is in fact fairly easy), History, Psychology and RE. And this is not me being dumb, I am predicted A*s for all my subjects, but RE is BY FAR the hardest.

Oh gosh no! Geography a-level is very difficult! You have to be able to write and argue multiple different opinions and facts, write under time pressure, learns lots of content!

Writing under time pressure and learning lots of content is something all essay-based subjects require

Definitely the easiest course I took. It may be difficult to get the highest grade but it’s equally difficult to fail.

For A level RS you need at least a 45/50 in each of the three two hour papers to get an A star, usually even higher. For example, I believe the 2018 new testament paper had a 47/50 grade boundary for an A star

Yep an A* is just over 90%

The grade boundaries are adjusted based off of how many people get that many marks, meaning that easier subjects have higher grade boundaries, and harder ones have lower grade boundaries. It takes more marks to get the grade because it’s easier to get marks. This isn’t based on the content, it’s based off of how well people actually do.

I think that these grade boundaries and opinions may be formed based on the old modualr specifications which, by admission, were relatively easy. The current grade boundary for an A is around 55% and a pass is 17%. Linear A-Level is a challenging A-Level.

Well James that is utter nonsense, RS is an extremely challenging subject, the content is difficult to grasp and there is a shed tonne of it, unless you have studied it you have no right to comment

I think the problem here is there are different exam boards and different courses for RS. Friends from other schools took other ones from me and they definitely found it easy – and when looking at my course (Edexcel modules: Philosophy of religion, Religion and Ethics, New Testatment), they couldn’t believe how intellectually difficult it was on top of the amount of content and theories etc you have to comprehend – including Kant’s categorical imperative, Hume, Aristotle. I have done a Philosophy degree and can factually say they new A level RS from Edexcel with above modules is like the …  Read more »

its not but alr

how many minimum sujects we need to take to complete A level. how British council can help in teaching the subject? can we give exam from BC without enrolling in any accademic institutions? what is the minimum time we need to study for sitting for exam after enrole ment of name

I am Head of Year 13 at a Sixth Form. This list is potentially very misleading, since many of the subjects it features are much more demanding than the impression given by the author. While it is certainly true that some A levels are easier than others, this list goes against not only the opinions of any student I can think of who has been through our sixth form in the last decade (many of whom struggled greatly with RS in particular), but also with the views of such colleges as Trinity College, Cambridge University, who publish a list of …  Read more »

sorry to bother you but i just wanted to ask how difficult alevel law is?

In my opinion, a-level religious studies should not be ranked as number one for easiest subject. I strongly feel as though the course is filled with many complex and intelligent ideas that you have to know and understand enough to enable you even a average grade.

I don’t think your assessments are accurate

I agree, they are very much incorrect

I had to smile when I saw your number one easy A Level – RE. I never took any A levels, but one of the O levels I took (and failed) was RE. Am I just a dumbo? Well, I got good passes in Maths, Physics, French and English, so maybe not that dumb. I also failed another one of your ‘easy’ subjects at O level – Geography. So I’m going to give you a C- for this list. Ciao.

As an RS teacher I can inform you that it is definitely not the easiest A Level. If only, my job would be far easier but as others have suggested getting 92% on any exam to get an A* is incredibly difficult. This is actually laughable and likely based on some sort of bias by the author, as opposed to actual evidence. If only any subject was based on someone’s opinion alone and a couple of theories. How about more than 100, if done correctly? Thank you though for adding to the nonsense already assumed by students when they take …  Read more »

I see a lot of people quoting high grade boundaries as a reason why a subject is hard; it is, in fact, the opposite. The grade boundaries are adjusted based off of how many people get that many marks, meaning that easier subjects have higher grade boundaries, and harder ones have lower grade boundaries. It takes more marks to get the grade because it’s easier to get marks. This isn’t based on the content, it’s based off of how well people actually do.

Yes, that may be true but by that logic an E in RS can be achieved with 18%, which is good bit lower than quite a few subjects, such as history, geography, psychology, etc. and around the same as Bio. Thus indicating it is difficult by your standards, particularly for weaker or lazy students. So, even by your logic you ultimately are still refuted. Grade boundaries act to level the playing field between subjects to some extent, so at the end of the day just work hard to achieve a good grade in a subject you love.

Yeah no, I do Law and trust me it isn’t easy, this is biased and you have no proof whatsoever if these A levels are easy since I doubt you actually took them all and don’t even get me started on how some other learn. Depending on the person it could be hard or easy deciding on their rank of learning like one person might find religious studies easy but the other won’t (might I also add religions are associated with ethics and philosophy but I dont see them on the list so it doesnt add up). Everyone has their …  Read more »

As an RS and Geography A-Level teacher I suspect there must be some bias from the author. It is misleading to suggest that all you need in RS is ‘an opinion’. I’m not sure whether they have actually looked at the extensive specification, or the extremely low grade boundaries (indicative of a difficult subject). I suspect that they may be referring to the old modular exam which was, by admission, relatively easy.

I agree with you. As another RS teacher I think the author must be referrring to the old specification. The new one is demanding, the subject is less than easy.

Your claim does not seem to have any supporting evidence as you point out. The Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring at Durham University stated that the old RS spec was ‘in the middle difficulty range, similar to Geography and more demanding than English’. This was replaced in 2016 with a more robust course which many students find challenging. I am just asking for fairness here as you are simply wrong. Have you studied the A level yourself?

Very insightful comment, thank you

‘Most of A-Level Religious Studies is your own opinion and ability to voice that opinion’ I think youre confusing A level with GCSE, have you looked at the A level Spec? Good luck trying to blag your way through comparing and critically analysing the strengths and weaknesses of various philosophical and theological thinkers such as Aristotle, Aquinas, Kant, Descartes, Fletcher, etc, armed only with your own opinion!

this is so true!!!!!! don’t forget about GE Moore, John Locke, Irenaeus, Skinner, Jeremy Bentham, Freud, Hume, William James, Augustine and so many more!!!

If anyone just so happens to read this comment please don’t use this article as a reason to do A level Geography!!! As someone who does A level geography, maths and biology I can say without a doubt that Geography is my most difficult by far! There’s about 16 case studies in total (which in an exam you’re expected to be able to write 3+ sides in 18mins) and the whole exam is extremely rushed compared to any other exam I’ve ever done. The case studies don’t even form half of the exam 🙁

A Level Drama easy? You have got to be kidding. 3 Hour written exam – yes, you can take in the scripts, but they must be clean copies, so no notes. Two 3000 word pieces of coursework/exam work One devised performance in the style of a recognised practitioner, who’s socio-economic and historical background you need to know and techniques you need to apply. One scripted performance with the same demands. You also have to negotiate your way through all the group work. So if you are a performing Psychologist/Sociologist with an understanding of economics and history, with the innate ability …  Read more »

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Choosing A Levels

Choosing your a level subjects is a big decision. read our advice on how to decide, whether you know what you want to study at university or not..

What are A Levels?

Which subjects should you choose, university courses with specific requirements, looking for clearing advice.

The Clearing concierge has the answers

A Levels (Advanced Levels) and AS Levels (Advanced Subsidiary) are courses that students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland take after GCSEs. They're the most common qualifications for university admission. Other qualifications include Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers and other alternatives to A Levels .

A Levels are two-year qualifications that give students a chance to study an existing GCSE subject in greater depth or try a completely new subject like Law, Drama or Economics. 

What to expect from A Levels

• An increase in difficulty compared to GCSEs
• Differences in the way you’re taught and what's expected from you 
• More independent study time – you'll only have between three and five subjects to study as opposed to ten or more at GCSE, meaning less time in the classroom

How many A Levels can you take?

Students can take up to five A Levels but you generally choose three A Levels to study for a two-year course. You can decide to work towards AS qualifications or combine the two. Discuss your options with your school or college and find out whether they'll offer both AS and A Levels so you can decide the best route for you. The vast majority of schools and colleges now focus on A Levels, with the one-year AS Level less popular and available.

If you already know what you’d like to study, you can contact the university admissions office and ask about entry requirements for the course(s) you’re interested in.

How many GCSEs do you need to do A Levels?

Most schools and colleges will expect you to have gained at least five 9–4 (A*–C) grades in your GCSEs. However, other pathways are available including BTEC and other vocational courses.

Requirements can vary from four to six passes, so you should check with your school or college. Often you'll need a GCSE at grade 5–6 (B) or above in a subject if you want to continue it at A Level.

GCSEs have also changed in recent years, with most students in England now getting new numerical grades (9–1) and changes to exams, coursework and specifications.

Take advice from your school careers advisor and university admissions departments so you can make an informed decision based on accurate and up-to-date information. It’s worth asking questions and researching entry requirements for courses at various universities to get a good idea of the subjects you should take.

Things to consider when choosing your A Levels

If you want to go to university, the main question to ask yourself is: 'Do I know what I want to study at university?'. Your answer will dictate which subjects you should choose for A Levels.

It’s perfectly normal not to know what you want to do for a career, or what you want to study at university. Many graduates go on to work in fields unrelated to their chosen degree. However, if you have aspirations for a certain career, you'll need to take a related degree. For example, subjects such as Law, Medicine, Architecture and Veterinary Science will all need specific qualifications.

If you already know what you want to study at university

Knowing what you want to study at university puts you in a good position when choosing your A Levels. Your first step should be to check entry requirements on university websites for your chosen course.

A lot of courses will specify at least one subject you'll need to have studied at A Level. For example, Medicine, Veterinary Science and certain Engineering courses may need three specific subjects. Also some universities publish a list of preferred A Level subjects that are acceptable for general admission, as well as specific requirements for individual courses.

If you don't know what you want to study at university

You may not be sure what you want to study at university, or if you want to go at all. Don’t worry, as it means you can choose whichever subjects you want (within reason) and let that dictate your degree choice should you go on to study at university.

There are eight 'facilitating' subjects listed by Russell Group universities to help you keep your degree options open until you decide which course to take:

• English Literature
• Maths and Further Maths
• Modern and Classical Languages

Generally speaking, taking two facilitating subjects will keep a wide range of degrees open to you. Make sure you still choose subjects you like – you'll be studying them for the next two years.

If you’re still uncertain, phone or email the university admissions or schools liaison team for their advice before finalising your choices.

Other factors to consider when choosing A Levels

• What you're good at – your career or degree plans may change so make sure you choose subjects you can do well in
• What you enjoy – if you don’t enjoy a subject at A Level but need it for a specific university course, you might want to reconsider your degree preference
• Your subject combination – if you're taking a science A Level, for example, you should consider whether you need to look at taking another science or maths subject
• The syllabus – knowing the course content should tell you whether a particular A Level is the right option for you
• The workload you can handle – for example, some courses may involve a lot of essay writing, so be realistic about how much work you can do

Course entry requirements are used to help admissions staff at universities pick students for their courses. Many courses will have more applicants than places so they'll set an entry requirement to allow them to reduce the number of students to consider.

Specific course requirements (e.g. Chemistry and Biology for a Biochemistry course) are there to make sure students can cope with the pressures of the course content itself. The majority of university courses look for at least Cs in GCSE English and Maths. Some courses go further and list specific subjects and grades they expect you to have.

Remember that some courses may only consider certain A Level qualifications or accept certain qualifications when taken with another. This will depend on what the university department is looking for.

For example, a History department may be looking for students who can write essays and handle exams, and so might have a preference for A Level or Highers students. If you’re a BTEC student, look out for courses that name specific units you need to pass with specific grades.

Check our subject guides to see if a course might need specific A Level subjects (or equivalent).

Keep in mind

• Some universities discourage students from taking certain combinations of A Levels – this tends to be for very similar subjects such as Business Studies and Economics, or Maths and Further Maths
• Core Maths generally isn't a suitable substitute for AS or A Level Maths or Further Maths
• If you do too many practical or vocational subjects (such as PE, Music Technology, Media Studies, Textiles or Drama), it may limit what you can study at university – some universities include these in lists of 'non-preferred' subjects
• Highly selective courses such as Medicine may state that A Levels should be taken in the same sitting after no more than two years of study – this can affect you if you're looking to repeat some exams after sixth form or if you’ve taken some exams early

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Secondary education

Connect with other parents whose children are starting secondary school on this forum.

A Level subjects - too essay based?

Dancergirl · 28/09/2016 09:12

Dd is in Year 11 and has to choose her A Level Choices by February. We had a very informative meeting at school recently where pupils and parents attended talks on the subjects they are interested in. Dd is thinking of English Literature, History, Government and Politics and Psychology. I'm just a bit worried about the amount of essay writing involved in these subjects but there isn't really anything else she wants to do. She did consider Spanish briefly but isn't really a natural linguist and not too keen.

They are essay based, but if she chooses to go on to University anything she goes for will have a large written component so its good to get used to it. Those are an extremely good fit as each will look for her to construct and present coherent arguments and analyse evidence. There will be a number of overlaps in contextual materials and theories.

Does she need to do 4 or would she be ok with dropping to 3? a lot of colleges now strongly discourage 4.

She would do 4 in Year 12, then choose to one AS at the end of that year, then continue with the other 3 for A Level.

Is that normal, they really HAVE to choose by Feb of yr11?

One of DD's friends is in year 12 and doing those subjects, and is massively struggling with the workload.

That's LATE to be choosing ime! Mine had to choose when they submitted their sixth form applications at the end of year 10! Obviously there is a bit of wiggle room to change the choices should GCSEs go pear shaped.

YeOldeTrout - yes, that's normal to have chosen their preferences by then. There is some movement after GCSE reults come out, but schools need to know which courses they can run, who they have to teach which subjects etc. Dancergirl - it's a pretty normal combination for ASs (not that all schools will choose to do ASs under the new spec). If they are leaning towards humanities subjects then there will be lots of essays. However, they won't need lab time or practicals time like some other subjects. People should always choose subjects they enjoy for A-level. They are a big jump from GCSE and the pupils need to want to be there.

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"That's LATE to be choosing ime! Mine had to choose when they submitted their sixth form applications at the end of year 10!" That's way too early. It is usual to apply for 6th form in year 11. The 6th form open evenings are held in November round here and applications have to be in by around February, but I can't remember exactly when.

Same here Nick

Oh FFS :(. You guys aren't crazy. Although I know plenty of local kids apply quite late, Our local 6th form likes applications from 1 Sept of yr11, so it's not too early for me to get yr10 DD looking. Problem is she's currently full of angst about it all, so I hope she doesn't implode at having to make decisions. Argh. Still, I guess there are opportunities in this.

I think your DD should do Maths rather than Psychology.

There's NO WAY she will consider Maths! She can't wait to drop it.

Psychology isn't essay based.

I think your DD should do Maths rather than Psychology. Entirely different aptitude! Like saying do Art instead of PE..... Don't worry too much about selections now anyway - that's mainly for the school to forward plan. She can change her mind when she gets her results.

It really depends on your teachers- how many essays they decide to give you- and also of course how long it generally takes you to do an essay! We do History and English Literature, with French and Mathematic and for me I know I would struggle with another essay subject! I suppose you could count French as an essay subject but they're only small essay! (In you case it's Spanish) For English Literature advice good article essmart.org/art-essay/ For History you really have to be commited so if you'd be prepared to switch it with Government and Politics then maybe it doesn't mean that much to you. If you're interested enough in the history then you should be fine.

Does she have any idea what she might want to study at university? If it there's any chance it might be psychology, she might want to think about studying another science subject instead of Government & Politics, as some universities have this as an admissions requirement. It also depends on where she might be aiming but Cambridge has both Government & Politics and Psychology on a B list of subjects that they consider less suitable university preparation,( www.trin.cam.ac.uk/undergraduate/applying/a-level-subject-combinations/ ) and some Russell Group unis also look slightly less favourably on them.

Dancergirl what does she want to do post A level? Choosing A levels should be an iterative process: she may need to go a few times round the loop looking at post A level, revising possible A level choices and back round the loop again. This should be a fun activity, visualising the future, imagining being at this or that uni. Do I like the look of the course/location? Can I imagine myself doing this? DD now in Y12 does this a lot with her sixth form friends - they call it 'the future game'. Do encourage her to read the A level specifications in detail. These are easily googleable. This is important. One of my DCs dropped plans for History A level when she found out the major theme was the Russian Revolution. All three of my DCs reported that their friends were finding psychology both different from and harder than their expectations. History and Eng Lit are facilitating subjects. RG unis will be looking for these. The other 2 will be hard work but some unis may not want them.

Pyschology is a Science subject (the new specification is more Science based) but there are essays. If your dd really doesn't like Maths, your dd may need to rethink this one - there is quite a lot of maths (mostly statistics) in Pyschology. My dd (now Y12) considered this A level subject and had a "taster" session where the teacher confirmed this. Provided your dd takes both English Lit and History in Y13 she should be OK even for RG unis (2 out of 3 facilitating subjects is fine).

If she were a better linguist taking a language along with humanities is not a bad idea. In general there is less competition for English or history plus a language at good Universities , than there is for the single honours. Plus having a language does no harm when subsequently looking for a job.

I totally agreed, needmoresleep. Languages are a facilitating subject and can result in a lower offer from a university if continued with a highly popular subject to degree level. However, History and English Lit are facilitating and together with Government and Politics will be essay intensive. However, all are good preparation for university and if two out of three A levels are fascilitating, that is just fine. Therefore definitely do English Lit and History. One thing I would say though, is that two of these subjects are, presumably, new for her. Mostly schools do not study Psychology or Govt and Politics at GCSE. Sometimes there is a steep learning curve to get up to speed in new subjects. Is she ok with this? Would continuing a subject be easier?

I'm a natural essay writer and did three of those subjects plus another essay based one, and loved it. Helped me out during my degree too. If she likes writing essays I'm sure that's fine. Psychology isn't particularly essay based anyway. If you're naturally good at writing based subjects, English is a breeze and history is equally easy once you've figured out how to write an essay for it, plus a bit of fact learning.

I think these looks like a pretty good set to me, and although there will be lots of essays, if she prefers essay-based subjects to maths, sciences and languages, she'll still find that easier I expect. IME government and politics is fairly easy if she likes and is good at history. Psychology might be a bit different though, it's worth checking out how scientific the curriculum is as it's technically a science I think. If she wants to do an essay-based subject at a competitive university they will look favourably on a strong set of essay-based subjects and the skills she develops will work well across the whole set.

It's pretty much what my DD does (Art instead of Psychology for AS). She finds them a good fit in that lots of the skills, and even some of the content, are transferrable; for example she has used some of her history knowledge when writing about a novel's context in English Lit. Lots of degree options too.

I think it very much depends on what History syllabus you have studied at GCSE as to whether you get on with Govt and Politics and find it easy. G and P tends to be sold as a very up to date subject where pupils can debate the politics of the day - sadly it is not really like this and it is quite formulaic regarding content and not particularly exciting for young people with lively political views. You do need to learn quite a lot of political processes - DD found it surprisingly boring with no room for putting forward your views, however well argued.

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Arts Sciences

• Preferred A Levels

Preferred UK GCE A Levels for Arts and Sciences

• Subjects marked with an asterisk (*) will only be counted as an essay-based subject if there is a minimum 50% essay-based or written response assessment as part of the overall award. This may vary by exam board so please contact us if you have any queries about this.
• Mathematics and Further Mathematics can be considered as two separate A Levels.
• If a student takes an A Level in their native language, it is at the discretion of UCL as to whether this will be considered as a 'humanities' A Level for the purposes of Arts and Sciences (BASc). Please contact us if you have a specific query.

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2025 Essay Preparation for A Level Biology AQA

Subject: Biology

Age range: 16+

Resource type: Lesson (complete)

Last updated

22 August 2024

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This is the latest version, recently updated with the 2024 accessible essays.

CONTEXT: Every year, at least one Biology essay is very accessible, usually both are. This resource is to practise and revise for the accessible essay(s). It makes the preparation SPECIFIC, and EASY.

Included is + key revision of the 14 common topic areas (AO1) to learn. + written importance examples (AO2) to learn, from the 14 common topics. + a figure on how often each topic has appeared on essay mark schemes from 2017-2024. + a list of the accessible titles in the essays (from 2017-2024) + an easy-to-understand essay mark scheme

TEACHERS, use as a lesson resource, throughout upper 6, and as a preparation session before Paper 3. STUDENTS use for focussed revision and to practise writing essay paragraphs. You can even memorise paragraphs to rewrite.

All my students using this resource scored in double figures, with many scoring over 19/25.

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AS and A-level Biology

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Specification at a glance

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• 3.3 Organisms exchange substances with their environment
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• 3.6 Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments (A-level only)
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• 3.8 The control of gene expression (A-level only)
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These qualifications are linear. Linear means that students will sit all the AS exams at the end of their AS course and all the A-level exams at the end of their A-level course.

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• 4 Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms
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• 7 Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems (A-level only)
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Guide to AS and A level results for England, summer 2024

Grading has continued as normal in summer 2024, following the return to pre-pandemic standards last year. Overall A level results are similar to summer 2023.

More than 800,000 A level results are being issued to students in England today. Students’ grades have been determined by their performance in their exams and assessments.  

Grading has continued as normal this summer, following the return to pre-pandemic standards last year. It is important that grades reflect what students know, understand and can do, to support students in making the right choices about their next steps.

Sir Ian Bauckham, Chief Regulator, said: 

Congratulations to all students receiving their results today. This is the culmination of a lot of hard work for them and everyone who supported them on the way.   A levels are highly trusted qualifications. Students can be confident their results will be valued and understood by employers and universities for years to come.

Grading has continued as normal this summer and standards have been maintained from summer 2023.  

Overall A level results in England are similar to 2023. Outcomes at grade A and above are 27.6% compared with 26.5% in 2023, and outcomes at grade C and above are 76.0% compared with 75.4% in 2023. Every year there are small fluctuations in results. This can be due to changes in the cohort of students and changes in course choices over time. 

Overall AS results in England are similar to 2023. Outcomes at grade A are 23.0% compared with 21.8% in 2023. Entries for AS have fluctuated in recent years, making it much more difficult to interpret any changes.

Today (15 August 2024) we are publishing: 

a summary of results (below) 

infographics about this year’s A level results

interactive visualisations of  outcomes by centre type, variability in school and college A level results, A level outcomes in England, A level grade combinations, and an interactive map of England showing A level results in different subjects by grade and county

As normal, the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) has published results in England for AS and A level, overall and by subject. These results are also shown in our  interactive visualisation .

Centre type results

Ofqual has updated its interactive visualisation to show  A level results for different types of school and college compared with previous years, overall and by subject. The centre type categories are based on the  national centre number (NCN) register  and are self-reported by schools and colleges. Our interactive visualisations only include those schools or colleges that have entries for a particular subject in every year from 2018 to 2024.

Overall results for all types of schools and colleges are, in general, broadly similar to 2023 at grade A and above. When students take exams, the same assessment arrangements apply to everyone. Any differences in outcomes are therefore likely to reflect longstanding trends in the pattern of results for different centre types, and any changes compared to 2023 will reflect changes in attainment.

Cumulative percentage outcomes by centre type – grade A and above 

Percentage of candidates awarded grade A and above in all subjects combined by centre type, 2019, 2023 and 2024

Centre variability 

Ofqual’s interactive visualisation shows  the level of variation  in schools’ and colleges’ A level results compared with 2023. We know that, in any year, individual schools and colleges may see variation in the proportion of students achieving particular grades compared with previous years. This can be due to many different factors, including differences in the mix of students entered for particular qualifications, different teaching approaches, changes in teaching staff or teaching time, and changes to qualifications.  

Our interactive visualisation allows users to explore variation in centres’ results for different age groups and sizes of centres.

Equalities analyses 

As well as the results breakdowns published today, Ofqual will be repeating the equalities analyses that we have published since 2020. Ofqual makes this information available so that the whole sector can understand qualification results and use this to inform policy making and practice. These detailed analyses consider whether the gaps between results for different groups of students have changed compared with previous years, while controlling for a range of student characteristics. It is important that these analyses control for as many student characteristics as possible, to ensure that meaningful conclusions can be drawn from the results. This does mean, however, that it is not possible for us to complete these analyses ahead of results being issued, because final data from exams is only available very close to results days. We will publish our equalities analyses as soon as we can, in the autumn.

When students take exams, the same assessment arrangements apply to everyone – students’ grades are solely determined by the number of marks they achieve in the assessments, and the same rules apply to everyone taking the same qualification. The gaps between results for different groups of students are therefore likely to reflect long-standing trends in attainment, and any changes this year will reflect changes in attainment. Differential patterns of achievement in qualifications reveal, rather than create, educational disparities. They are an important part of the evidence needed for addressing those disparities.

Grade boundaries 

Exam boards have set grade boundaries this summer based on a combination of data and qualitative evidence. As in any year, there has been an important role for examiner judgement. Expert examiners have reviewed the quality of students’ work compared with previous years. 

Grade boundaries typically change each exam series and are often different between exam boards. This reflects any differences in the difficulty of the assessments. If an exam paper is harder the grade boundaries will be lower, and if an exam paper is easier the grade boundaries will be higher. This is important to ensure that students are not advantaged or disadvantaged based on the exam paper that they sit. This means that some grade boundaries are lower than 2023, while others are higher.

Grading has taken place as normal this summer and standards have been maintained from summer 2023. Students can therefore be confident in the grades they receive, irrespective of the grade boundaries or how they compare to last year.

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What A levels are essay - based subjects?

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