Understanding A-Levels: Your Pathway to a UK University

Studying at a leading UK university is a dream for many students around the world. A-levels are the first and arguably most important step towards making that dream a reality. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain what A-levels are, how to select the right subjects, how to prepare for exams, and how to boost your chances of admission to a top university in the UK.

Table of Contents: 

What are A-levels?

• Overview of the programme
• Course structure
• Assessment format
• Exam boards
• How does it differ from the IB?

How to choose your A-level subjects?

• Why subject choice matters?
• Popular subject combinations for different degree paths
• Checking specific university requirements
• Example: University of Cambridge entry guidelines

Preparing for A-level exams

• Traditional options: schools, colleges, online learning
• Self-study strategies
• Time management & smart memorisation 
• Practice makes perfect

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What if I can't decide which A-level subjects to choose?
• Can I go straight to university after school, without A-levels?
• Are AS-level grades important?
• What if I don’t get the A-level results I expected?
• Do I need to take IELTS or TOEFL?
• Where else can I apply with A-levels besides the UK?

What Are A-levels?

A-levels (Advanced Level qualifications) are a two-year academic programme typically taken in the final years of secondary school in the UK. Upon completion, students receive the General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level — the standard qualification required for university entry.

A-levels are considered the “gold standard” for university preparation in the UK — and are recognised by top universities in many other countries as well. So, if you’re aiming for higher education abroad, especially at prestigious institutions like Cambridge or Oxford, A-levels will likely be a critical step in your journey.

Programme Overview

A-levels form the final stage of the UK’s secondary education system and are usually taken by students aged 16 to 18.

One of the key features of the A-level programme is specialisation. Students typically choose three to four subjects to focus on, depending on their intended field of study at university. As of 2025, there are over 60 subjects to choose from — ranging from core academic disciplines like mathematics, physics, biology, history, and economics, to more specialised areas such as accounting, journalism, nutrition, religious studies, and even Ancient Greek.

What sets A-levels apart is the academic depth: students study their chosen subjects in much greater detail than is typical in many national education systems. This level of focus also means that students are expected to have a fairly clear idea of their future academic path, in order to choose the right subjects from the outset.

Course Structure

The A-level programme typically takes two years to complete:

• Year 1 – AS Level (Advanced Subsidiary): This is the foundation year, covering the basics of each chosen subject. Students often take internal or external exams at the end of this year — though in some schools these are used mainly for progress tracking.
• Year 2 – A2 Level: This is the advanced year, where students dive deeper into their subjects. At the end of Year 2, students sit final exams in three (sometimes four) subjects. These final grades are what universities take into account during the admissions process.

Assessment Format

A-levels are graded on a scale from A* (highest) to E (minimum pass). Each subject is assessed individually, and students receive a separate grade for each — A*, A, B, C, D, or E. A grade of U (unclassified) means the result is below the passing threshold.

Final grades are primarily based on exam performance, but in some subjects — such as Art or Media Studies — coursework or project work also contributes to the overall result.

Universities specify their entry requirements in terms of A-level grades — for example, AAA or A*AA — depending on the course and the institution’s competitiveness.

Exam Boards

When preparing for A-levels, you’ll come across names like AQA, Edexcel, or OCR. These are exam boards — independent organisations responsible for developing syllabuses, setting exam papers, and awarding grades. Each board offers slightly different content and assessment styles, so it’s important to know which board your school or course follows.

Some of the major A-level exam boards include:

• AQA (Assessment and Qualifications Alliance)
• Edexcel (also known as Pearson Edexcel)
• OCR (Oxford, Cambridge and RSA Examinations)
• CAIE (Cambridge International Examinations) — commonly used in international schools

Before you begin preparing, make sure you know which exam board you’ll be sitting your exams with — and study using their materials.

How does it differ from the IB?

Compared to other qualifications such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), A-levels focus on depth over breadth. While IB students take six subjects across various disciplines, A-level students typically study just three or four — but in much greater detail. This makes A-levels especially suited for students who already have a clear idea of their academic interests.

Both qualifications are accepted by UK universities. However, A-levels remain the most widely taken and traditional route for UK university admission.

How to Choose Your A-level Subjects

Choosing your A-level subjects isn’t just about personal interest. Of course, it’s important to enjoy what you’re studying — but it’s just as crucial to assess your strengths realistically and match your choices with university requirements. The right subject combination can directly affect your eligibility for your dream course at your dream university.

Why Subject Choice Matters?

Many top universities — including Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, and LSE — expect applicants to choose academically rigorous subjects. In particular, they value what are known as Facilitating Subjects. These are subjects that are frequently required or preferred across a wide range of degree programmes and are a strong signal that you’re prepared for serious academic study.

Facilitating Subjects include:

• Mathematics
• Physics
• Biology
• Chemistry
• History
• Geography
• English Literature
• Modern and Classical Languages (e.g. French, Spanish, German, Latin)

The Russell Group (a consortium of leading UK research universities) recommends choosing at least one or two of these if you’re unsure what you want to study later on.

Subject Combinations for Different Degree Paths

Universities often list required or recommended subjects for specific courses on their websites. Here are some typical examples:

• Medicine: Biology, Chemistry, Maths (sometimes Physics). Chemistry is almost always essential.
• Engineering: Maths, Physics, and optionally Further Maths. Chemistry is sometimes recommended, especially for chemical engineering.
• Economics / Business: Maths is a must; Economics is often recommended. Business Studies can be taken, but it’s not always considered a “strong” subject on its own.
• Humanities: English Literature, History, Politics, Philosophy, and Languages — the combination depends on the specific course.

Note: Some subjects — like Travel & Tourism or Media Studies — are less commonly accepted by top universities as academically rigorous. It’s usually best to choose them only as a third or fourth option. Business Studies can be helpful, but it should not replace Maths or Economics for competitive courses like Economics or Management.

Checking Specific University Requirements

Before finalising your subject choices, it's crucial to check the entry requirements of the universities you’re aiming for. University websites usually specify which A-level subjects are required for each course. For example:

• Oxford (Medicine): Chemistry and Biology are mandatory
• LSE (Economics): A-level Mathematics is required; Further Mathematics is highly recommended

Important: If you're planning to apply to Oxford or Cambridge, keep in mind that these universities often have stricter expectations when it comes to subject choices, as well as additional entrance exams and academic interviews. For instance, the University of Cambridge clearly states which A-level subjects are not accepted as part of an application, and advises students accordingly.

Always double-check official university guidance — and don’t hesitate to reach out to admissions teams directly if you're unsure.

Example: Cambridge University Requirements

Cambridge publishes subject-specific advice for those planning to study Arts, Social Sciences, or Humanities. Applicants are generally encouraged to take two subjects from the following list:

• English Literature
• A foreign language (French, German, Spanish, or Latin)
• History
• Mathematics

Depending on your intended course, additional recommended subjects include:

• A second language
• Ancient History
• Classical Civilisation
• Economics
• Further Mathematics (especially for Economics)
• Geography
• Politics
• History of Art, and more

Preparing for A-level Exams

A-levels are a marathon, not a sprint. Success depends not only on your natural ability but also on how well your preparation is structured. The good news: there are many resources and study formats available to help make the process as efficient as possible.

Traditional options: Schools, Colleges, Online Learning

You can prepare for A-levels in several ways:

• UK schools and colleges: The traditional option. Students follow the two-year programme with support from qualified teachers, coursework, and regular assessments.
• International schools and colleges abroad that follow the British curriculum — a great option for students living outside the UK.
• Online learning: Ideal for students who need a flexible schedule or live in different countries. There are specialised online schools offering full A-level programmes with tutor support and exam guidance.

We’ll explore these options in more detail in an upcoming article — stay tuned!

Self-Study Strategies

Many students supplement their school or college studies with self-directed learning. Here’s what you can use:

• Online platforms with topic summaries, quizzes, and practice papers
• Interactive online courses with videos and exercises
• Textbooks and exam board materials (AQA, Edexcel, OCR)
• YouTube channels and tutorials explaining exam tasks, theory, and tips

Tip: Always use study materials that align with the specific exam board you're registered with.

Time Management & Smart Memorisation

Here are a few strategies to help you stay on track with your revision:

• Break content into small, manageable chunks and study consistently — not just the night before.
• Use the Pomodoro technique (short sessions with breaks) to maintain focus.
• Apply active recall methods: flashcards, mind maps, teaching the material aloud — these work better than just re-reading notes.
• Plan your week ahead of time: allocate days for theory, practice, and revision.

Practice Makes Perfect

Learning theory is essential — but not enough on its own. Like any exam, A-levels require repeated practice with real-style questions. Useful tools include:

• Mock exams: Great for simulating real test conditions and managing exam stress.
• Past papers: One of the best ways to familiarise yourself with question formats, identify gaps in knowledge, and learn how to manage time. Regular practice helps you feel confident on exam day.

A-level success takes planning, consistency, and motivation. Whichever preparation route you choose, discipline and dedication will be your greatest assets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

— What if I can’t decide which A-level subjects to choose?

If you're still unsure about your future degree, it's a good idea to focus on facilitating subjects — academically strong and versatile options like Mathematics, Biology, English Literature, History, and Chemistry. These open the door to a wide range of university courses and give you more time to decide. You can also explore online career guidance platforms and browse university requirements on UCAS.

— Can I go straight to university after school, without A-levels?

In most cases, no — undergraduate degrees in the UK usually require A-levels, IB, or an equivalent qualification. However, for international students, there are alternative pathways such as Foundation courses or international A-level equivalents, which can be completed in one year. Another option might be International Year One, which combines academic preparation with the first year of university.

— Are AS-level grades important?

AS-level is the qualification gained after the first year of A-level study. While not always required in university applications, it can still be relevant:

• It helps predict final A-level grades
• It’s included in the student’s academic record
• It can demonstrate academic ability if a subject is dropped after Year 1

Some universities do consider AS-level results, but most focus on predicted and final A-level grades.

— What if I don’t get the A-level results I expected?

You still have several options:

• Appeal: Request a review or re-mark of your exams
• Retake: Resit the subject in the next exam session (usually the following year)
• Foundation year: Join a university foundation programme to prepare for a degree
• Change course or university: Some universities accept lower grades through Clearing — an alternative admissions process in August

— Do I need to take IELTS or TOEFL?

Yes — if English is not your first language, you’ll almost always need to prove your proficiency. Most universities require IELTS scores between 6.5 and 7.5, depending on the course. Some also accept TOEFL, Cambridge English, or internal language tests. If you attend an English-speaking school following the British curriculum, you may be exempt — but this depends on the institution, so check directly with the university.

— Where else can I apply with A-levels besides the UK?

A-level qualifications are recognised by universities in many countries, including:

• Australia
• Canada
• Hong Kong
• Singapore
• The Netherlands
• Germany (for select programmes)
• USA (A-levels can sometimes count as course credits, but don’t replace SAT/ACT)

A-levels are also accepted in Ireland and some EU countries. However, you should always check specific subject and grade requirements for the course you're interested in.

We hope this guide has been helpful! Don’t miss our upcoming articles — we’ll explore the best schools and online platforms for A-level preparation, and highlight alternative pathways to UK universities.