By: Dr Artin Backtash-Rad
Edurium’s founder, director and chief educator
Choosing A-Level subjects is one of the most important academic decisions a student makes. The right choices can unlock opportunities at top universities, while the wrong ones may limit future options.
At Edurium, we guide students through this decision and provide expert A-Level tuition in London across Maths, English, and Science. In this article, we’ll share practical tips on how to choose wisely — and how to maximise success once subjects are chosen.
Step 1: Think About University and Career Goals
Different university courses require specific A-Level subjects. For example:
- Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science – Chemistry and Biology (plus Maths/Physics preferred).
- Engineering – Maths and Physics are essential.
- Economics – Maths is highly recommended.
- Law – No fixed requirements, but essay-based subjects like English or History are valued.
👉 If a student isn’t sure yet, choosing “facilitating subjects” (Maths, English, Sciences, History, Geography, Languages) keeps doors open.
Step 2: Balance Passion with Practicality
While it’s important to study subjects a student enjoys, universities look for both academic strength and relevance.
- Passion leads to motivation and better results.
- But at least two subjects should be academically rigorous and respected by universities.
- “Soft” subjects (e.g., Media Studies, Photography) can be great alongside strong core A-Levels, but not as the majority.
Step 3: Avoid Overloading
Ambitious students often want to take four A-Levels, but quality matters more than quantity.
- For most students, three strong A-Levels with top grades are better than four average results.
- Only consider four if the student is highly capable and prepared for the workload.
At Edurium, we help students manage workload effectively with structured revision plans and expert guidance.
Step 4: Get Strong Foundations in GCSE First
A-Level success builds on GCSE knowledge. Students should consider:
- Do they enjoy and excel in the subject at GCSE?
- Do they have the grades to continue at A-Level?
- Are they ready for the step up in complexity?
For example, a student aiming for A-Level Science should already be strong in GCSE Maths and Science.
Step 5: Seek Expert Guidance
Choosing the right subjects isn’t just about ticking boxes — it’s about setting the stage for Oxbridge, other Russell Group universities, or other top institutions.
At Edurium, we provide:
- Personalised guidance on subject choices.
- A-Level tuition in Maths, English, and Science to help students achieve A*–A grades.
- Specialist preparation for Olympiads and competitions to strengthen UCAS applications.
- A proven track record: students progressing to Oxford, Cambridge, and other Russell Group universities.
