A Level

The best A-level combinations

7 min read · updated 2026-10-13

Most students take three A Levels, and the right three depend on the degree. Some courses require specific subjects; others care more about grades. Start from the degrees you might apply for and check their requirements before choosing.

Combinations by degree

Requirements at the University of Cambridge, as an example; most selective universities are similar:

✓ Medicine: Chemistry, plus one or two of Biology, Physics, Maths and Further Maths, depending on the college; colleges usually ask for an A* in Chemistry
✓ Engineering: Maths and Physics, plus Further Maths if your school offers it
✓ Computer Science: Maths, plus Further Maths if your school offers it
✓ Economics: Maths, with Further Maths helpful where available
✓ Natural Sciences: Maths and sciences, chosen for the area you plan to study
✓ Law, history and English: no required subjects, but essay-based A Levels such as History or English Literature prepare you well

Flexible combinations

✓ Maths, Physics and Chemistry: keeps engineering, physical sciences and medicine open
✓ Biology, Chemistry and Maths or Psychology: medicine, life sciences and psychology
✓ Maths, Economics and a humanity: economics, business and social sciences
✓ History, English Literature and a language or politics: law, humanities and social sciences

How to choose

✓ List required subjects for the courses you might apply to, at two or three universities
✓ Choose subjects you can get top grades in: offers are made on grades
✓ Take Further Maths if you're aiming for maths-heavy degrees and your school offers it
✓ Avoid three subjects with heavy overlap if you're unsure of your direction

FAQs

What A Levels do you need for medicine?＋

Chemistry, usually with Biology and often Maths or Physics. Cambridge asks for Chemistry plus one or two of Biology, Physics and Maths, depending on the college.

What A Levels do you need for engineering?＋

Maths and Physics, with Further Maths if your school offers it.

Do you need A-level Maths for economics?＋

For most selective economics degrees, yes; Cambridge requires it.

How many A Levels should I take?＋

Three is standard. A fourth, such as Further Maths, helps for some maths-heavy courses.