Choosing your A Level subjects may seem like one of the most important decisions that you will make in your education, and while this is true, it does set the stage for what comes next in your academic journey. Whatever your intention may be, either to go to university, take an apprenticeship, or just to grow your skills, the subjects you choose can have a considerable impact on your future career.
Here comes the good news. You have the liberty to select subjects that really fit your personal goals, interests, and time if you are doing A Levels online. This guide will provide you with updated information and steps to help you make the right decision when choosing the right A-level subjects.
Step 1: Understand What You Want to Achieve
Before you begin reviewing the subjects, consider your future goals and career path. Some of the questions you could ask yourself are:
- Do I intend to attend university?
- Do I have a specific career path I intend to pursue?
- Do I have any specific requirements in mind to meet, or am I just studying to enhance my personal growth?
If attending university is your primary goal, ensure that you read the course entry requirements on UCAS as early as possible. Just take a look at these examples:
- Medicine or Dentistry: Chemistry and Biology are the required core subjects.
- Engineering: Maths and Physics are the primary subjects’ requirement.
- Law or Politics: History, English, or Sociology are core subjects required.
- Business and Economics: Mathematics or Economics would give you a strong foundation.
If you have a clear goal, it will be easier for you to determine how to properly combine your subjects.
Step 2: Choose Subjects You Genuinely Enjoy
This might sound quite funny, but the truth is that enjoyment is critical in becoming successful in your chosen subject. Most of the time, when you study something that you find captivating, you automatically become motivated and inspired to always be at your best, which is crucial, particularly for distance learners.
A Levels demand dedication, resilience and self-study, which means that you must choose subjects that fascinate you, especially for online study mode. This will make you more committed, improve your ability to keep and manage your schedule and eventually enable you to obtain higher grades.
Making the right choices now, will avoid mistakes later on and you can ensure that you make the right career choices.
Step 3: Balance Challenge and Strengths
Some people believe that A Levels are challenging. The truth is that the programme curriculum is designed to be challenging and time-demanding by default. What is essential is to find a good balance between those subjects that pose some challenges to you and the ones that perfectly align with your strengths.
Let’s take, for example, if you are good at logical reasoning and numbers, then it would be great if you combined Mathematics with Economics. On the other hand, if your interests align with analysis and writing, then English Literature and History would be an excellent fit for you.
Also, keep in mind that universities most of the time require three strong grades from you, so it is often better to choose subjects in which you can do well rather than to overburden yourself with four complex subjects.
Step 4: Think About How You Like to Learn
Although the flexibility of online AS or A Levels cannot be overemphasised, you will need to plan your time and schedule accordingly. Few subjects, such as Psychology or Law, may require you to write essays, while subjects like Physics or Chemistry may require problem-solving and in-depth practice.
Think about your study style:
- Are you more into reading and writing detailed answers?
- Are you more at ease working with numbers, formulas, and structured tasks?
Your study will be more fun and result-oriented when you can match your learning interests to the specific subject type.
Step 5: Take Advantage of Online Flexibility
Freedom is perhaps the most significant advantage when it comes to A Levels. You can:
- Decide when you want to start your course at any specific time of the year
- Work at your pace and track your progress
- Manage pressure from work, family and travel
The main advantage of this flexibility is that you are not required to follow a school timetable or study the same subjects as others. All you need to do is take one A Level to meet the entry requirement of the university or take three A Levels to be qualified for higher education.
Step 6: Get Advice from a Qualified Tutor
Even though online study is independent, it doesn’t mean that you are on your own without help. At Learn Now Distance Learning College, every student is supported by an experienced tutor who can help with anything that you do not understand.
Not being able to figure out the best combination for you to achieve your goals? Then, consulting an expert may be the best approach to save your time and avoid mistakes that could cost you later in the future. That is where Tutor Support comes in as they are. what it says on the tin. They are there to help with course choices, booking exams, anything admin related and they support the Tutors.
Example A Level Combinations
The following are some of the most chosen combinations of subjects based on interests and career directions:
| Pathway | Recommended Subjects |
| Medicine or Veterinary | Biology, Chemistry, Maths |
| Engineering or Computer Science | Maths, Physics, Further Maths |
| Law or Politics | Law, History, English |
| Business or Economics | Economics, Business Studies, Maths |
| Psychology or Sociology | Psychology, Sociology, Biology |
| Humanities | English Literature, History, Religious Studies |
These are presented as examples only; your preference will be determined based on your career path and favourite subjects.
Build Your Future with Learn Now
Your A-Level subject choice is the first step in creating a brighter future. Whether you want to enrol at a university, make progress in your career path, or add significant value to yourself, online A Levels offer you the support and freedom that you need to be successful.
At Learn Now Distance Learning College, you are free to take accredited A Level courses from the comfort of your home, at your own pace, and with the guidance of a qualified tutor all the way.
Explore our hand-picked Online A-level courses and start achieving your goals for outstanding success today.
How to Choose the Right Online A Level Subjects for You — FAQ
Q1. How many A Levels should I take?
Most students are advised to take three subjects; however, if you have enough time, four subjects can be selected. Most of the time, universities require grades from three subjects.
Q2. What’s the best way to decide which subjects to study?
To decide on subjects, consider your interests, strengths, and potential college degree/career. Also, read and understand the course requirements of the universities you want to attend and reach out to the course coordinator for guidance.
Q3. Can I mix science, arts and business subjects?
The answer is yes. Having broad knowledge in different fields will make your skill set more comprehensive. The combination should help you achieve your long-term goals.
Q4. Are online A Levels accepted by universities?
Yes, they are accepted. Provided that the online A Level provider is accredited (like Learn Now), the recognition and value of classroom-based learning is the same as that of online A-Levels.
