Good combinations of A Levels

What makes a good A Level combination?

Before we get into specific combinations, it’s worth thinking about what makes subjects a good match.

A strong combination usually does at least one of these things:

• Supports your chosen university course or career
• Develops complementary skills
• Includes subjects you enjoy and are good at
• Gives you plenty of options for your next step
• Allows you to manage your workload realistically

For example, maths and physics naturally complement each other because both involve problem-solving and mathematical thinking. Biology and chemistry also work well together if you’re considering healthcare or science-based careers.

However, you don’t always need three subjects that are closely related. Combining subjects from different areas can give you a broader skill set too.

But remember: the best A Level combination is one you can perform well in. There’s little benefit in choosing subjects simply because they sound impressive if you’re unlikely to enjoy studying them.

Popular A Level combinations

One of the easiest ways to choose your subjects is to start with where you want your A Levels to take you.

If you already have a career or university course in mind, check its entry requirements before making your final choices. Some degrees have specific A Level requirements, so it’s important to know what you need before you enrol.

Chemistry, biology, and maths

If you’re aiming for medicine, dentistry, pharmacy or another science-based healthcare career, chemistry, biology and maths is one of the strongest combinations to consider.

Chemistry is required by many UK medical schools, while Biology is commonly required or recommended. For a closer look at the subjects you need and the entry requirements for medicine, read our in-depth guide on what A Levels you need for medicine.

Your third A Level is often more flexible, so this is where you can choose a subject that suits your interests and strengths.

Maths can be a useful choice because it develops strong numerical and analytical skills, which can be valuable in science and healthcare. It also keeps other maths and science-related degree options open if your plans change.

Useful for: Doctor, dentistry, pharmacist, biomedical scientist, veterinary surgeon, and other healthcare and science-based careers.

Our A Level Medicine Pathway Bundle course includes the A Level courses you’ll need for this combination, all available to study online.

Maths, further maths, and physics

If you’re thinking about going into engineering, these three A Levels are worth considering. Engineering is a very maths-heavy field, and these subjects give you a strong mix of mathematical, analytical and problem-solving skills.

There is a catch, though: this is a demanding combination. Further maths is not something to choose just because you think it will look good on an application. You’ll want to be confident with maths and genuinely enjoy problem-solving.

Useful for: Civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, physics, mathematics, and other technical careers.

Our A Level Engineering Pathway Bundle brings the relevant A Level courses together, giving you the flexibility to study them online.

Physics, chemistry, and maths

If you’re interested in STEM but don’t want to narrow your options too early, physics, chemistry and maths can be a great combination to consider.

The three subjects give you a broad mix of scientific and mathematical skills, which can be useful for a range of university courses. They can also meet the subject requirements for many engineering degrees, while keeping options open across the physical sciences and other STEM subjects.

Useful for: Engineering, physics, chemistry, physical sciences, robotics, and other STEM careers.

Our A Level STEM Pathway Bundle brings these three A Level courses together, all available to study online.

Psychology, sociology, and biology

A combination of psychology, sociology and biology can give you a fascinating mix of biological, psychological, and social perspectives.

It could be worth considering if you’re interested in areas such as psychology, social work, counselling, criminology or behavioural science.

Useful for: Psychology, social work, counselling, criminology, behavioural science and related university courses and careers.

Our A Level Psychology & Behavioural Sciences Pathway Bundle brings these A Level courses together, all available to study online.

Business studies, economics, and maths

If you’re interested in a future in finance, economics, management or related areas, this combination can give you a broad foundation for a range of careers.

Business Studies looks at how businesses work, Economics explores the wider economy, and Maths gives you useful numerical and analytical skills. Together, they give you a broad foundation without narrowing you down to one particular career.

If you’re particularly interested in accounting, you could also consider A Level Accounting as an alternative. However, Maths can be a more versatile choice if you want to keep a wider range of quantitative, finance and economics-related options open.

Useful for: Business management, economics, finance, investment, accounting and other business-related careers.

Our A Level Business & Economics Pathway Bundle brings these A Level courses together, all available to study online. Or, if you're more interested in becoming an accountant, check out our A Level Accounting & Finance Pathway Bundle!

Law, politics, and sociology

If you’re thinking about studying law at university, law, politics, and sociology can be a strong combination to consider. It gives you a good mix of skills that can be useful for a law degree, while also keeping the door open to other social science subjects.

You’ll develop skills in analysing arguments, understanding how laws and political systems work, and exploring wider society, all useful when it comes to studying law.

The good news is that law degrees tend to be fairly flexible when it comes to A Level choices. Unlike medicine, you generally won’t need specific A Levels to get onto a law degree, so you can choose subjects that interest you and help prepare you for the course.

For more guidance, read our in-depth guide on what A Levels you need to study law.

Useful for: Law, politics, sociology, criminology, public services, and other social science careers.

Our A Level Law, Politics & Sociology Pathway Bundle brings these A Level courses together, all available to study online.

What if you don’t know what career you want yet?

You absolutely don’t need your entire career mapped out before choosing your A Levels.

In fact, plenty of students are still exploring their options when they make their subject choices.

If you’re undecided, think about choosing subjects that:

• You genuinely enjoy
• You know you can perform well in
• Develop useful academic skills
• Keep several potential degree or career routes open

It can also help to look at university entry requirements for courses you might be interested in. Even if you’re not sure what you want to study, this can show you which subjects are commonly required.

Ready to choose your A Levels? Explore Open Study College’s full range of online A Levels and career pathway bundles to help you choose what combination might be right for you.