Choosing A-Level subjects for university

What some degrees ask for: one university's published rules

The University of Cambridge's requirements for 2027 entry, as published on its course pages. Other universities differ, often asking for less, so check every course on the list.

Source: University of Cambridge undergraduate course pages, checked October 2026.

Step one: work backwards from possible degrees

List every degree your child is seriously considering, even loosely, and look up the subject requirements for two or three universities for each. The pattern becomes clear quickly. Medicine, dentistry and veterinary courses almost always need chemistry, usually with biology or another science. Engineering and physics need maths and usually physics. Economics, computer science and many science degrees need maths. Law, history and English rarely require specific A-Levels but favour essay subjects.

Where the IB version of an offer differs, note it. Cambridge asks IB students for Maths Analysis and Approaches for engineering and economics, which is a useful reminder that subject level, not just subject name, can matter.

Step two: play to strengths

Offers are made in grades, so a subject your child does well in is worth more than a prestigious one they struggle with. The best evidence is IGCSE performance and how your child feels about the subject in Year 11: sixth forms usually set a minimum IGCSE grade, often 6 or 7, for subjects like maths and the sciences because the jump to A-Level is steep.

Be honest about maths. A-Level Maths is a large step up from IGCSE, and students who scraped a 6 at IGCSE often find the first term hard. It is still the most widely useful A-Level, but it needs secure algebra from day one.

Common combinations and where they lead

Step three: if undecided, keep doors open

The Russell Group's Informed Choices guidance advises students who do not yet know their degree to choose A-Levels that keep as many options open as possible. In practice that usually means including maths or a science, because those are the subjects most often required, alongside one or two subjects the student enjoys and does well in.

Avoid choosing three subjects that are all closely related unless they match a clear plan. Three essay-heavy subjects or three sciences both narrow the field.

Gulf-specific points

Most Gulf sixth forms teach Cambridge International A Levels or Pearson Edexcel International A Levels, and some use UK boards such as AQA. All are accepted by UK universities. Edexcel International A Levels are modular, with exams in January, May to June and October, while Cambridge sits exams in June and November.

If your child may study at a UAE university, the Ministry of Education's equivalency is needed. Its rules ask for at least one A-Level or two AS Levels at grade E or above plus five IGCSE or GCSE subjects at E or 3 or above, not counting Arabic or Islamic Studies. Requirements for specific UAE or Saudi programmes are set by each university, so check them directly.

How one-to-one lessons help with A-Level choices

A few lessons in Year 11 can test a choice before it is made: a tutor can work through the first topics of A-Level Maths or Chemistry and show whether your child is ready, or what to fix over the summer. Once A-Levels start, lessons follow the exact Cambridge, Edexcel or AQA specification, with past papers marked against the official mark schemes.

LiveTutor lessons are one to one, 60 minutes, online, with tutors who teach the A-Level subjects your child is taking.