Which A-Levels Should I Choose?

The Ultimate Guide Based on Career Goals

Unsure about which A-Levels to pick? Whether you already have a career goal or are still figuring things out, the subjects you choose play a crucial role. They impact your university opportunities, affect your future career options, and help build the essential skills you’ll carry forward in life.

At The Bedford Sixth Form, we offer a wide range of A-Level and AAQ subjects across sciences, humanities, social sciences, business, and the arts. In this guide, we’ll help you match your A-Level choices to your long-term career goals or keep your options open if you’re undecided.

Why A-Level Subject Choices Are So Important

Choosing your A-Level subjects isn’t just about what you enjoy, it’s about where you want your qualifications to take you. Some careers, such as medicine or engineering, require specific subjects. Others value certain skills, like essay writing or data analysis, which you’ll develop through particular A-Level combinations.

Before you choose, ask yourself:

What careers or university courses interest me?
Are there specific A-Level requirements?
Am I better with essays, numbers, or practical work?
Do I want to keep my options open?

A-Levels for Medicine, Dentistry, or Healthcare Careers

If you’re aiming for a career in the NHS, medicine, veterinary science, or life sciences, your A-Level choices are crucial. Most UK medical schools have strict subject requirements.

Best A-Level combination:

Biology (required)
Chemistry (required)
Maths or Psychology (strongly recommended)

This science-based combination will help you stand out in competitive applications and prepare you for rigorous university study.

A-Levels for Engineering, Computing, or Data Science

Thinking of becoming an engineer, software developer, or working in AI or tech? These fields require strong numerical and problem-solving skills which start with your A-Levels.

Best A-Level combination:

Maths (essential for all engineering disciplines)
Physics (highly recommended)
Computer Science (where available)

These subjects open doors to degrees in mechanical, electrical, civil, and software engineering.

A-Levels for Business, Finance, or Economics Careers

For careers in banking, finance, economics, or entrepreneurship, it’s important to combine commercial understanding with analytical thinking.

Best A-Level combination:

These A-Levels are a great launchpad for business degrees, financial services roles, and apprenticeships.

A-Levels for Law, Politics, or Journalism

Law, politics, and media careers all require strong communication, research, and critical thinking. You’ll need to be confident writing essays and making persuasive arguments.

Best A-Level combination:

These subjects build the analytical and evaluative skills valued by top law and humanities degrees.

A-Levels for Psychology, Education, or Social Sciences

A-Levels for Psychology, Education, or Social Sciences

If you’re fascinated by how people think, learn, or behave, social science subjects can open up pathways in teaching, psychology, criminology, or social work.

Best A-Level combination:

Psychology
Sociology or Biology
Maths or English Language & Literature

These courses develop a mix of scientific and written communication skills — perfect for a broad range of university courses.

A-Levels for Creative Arts, Design, or Media Careers

Creative industries value originality, storytelling, and visual communication. If you’re a visual thinker, designer, or content creator, these A-Levels help you express and develop your ideas.

Best A-Level combination:

You’ll also start building a creative portfolio, which many university and college art courses require for entry.

male and female students looking at a text book

Want to Keep Your Options Open?

Not sure what you want to do after sixth form? Choose A-Levels that are respected by universities and keep your career doors wide open. These are often referred to as facilitating subjects.

Great generalist A-Level choices:

This approach gives you flexibility and prepares you for a broad range of degree subjects.

How The Bedford Sixth Form Helps You Choose the Right A-Levels

At The Bedford Sixth Form, we know that your A-Level decisions are personal and often overwhelming so we offer the guidance you need. From subject tasters and open evenings to personalised careers advice, we’ll help you choose subjects that reflect both your interests and your ambitions.

With over 30 A-Level subjects available and small, specialist classes, we’re committed to helping you thrive academically and plan for the future whether that’s university, higher apprenticeships, or employment.

Final A-Level Choosing Tips

Before you finalise your subjects, remember these key points:

Check university entry requirements via UCAS or individual course pages.
Play to your strengths — choose subjects you enjoy and perform well in.
Balance your choices — mix science, essay, and practical subjects if you’re unsure.
Speak to teachers and careers advisers — their insight is invaluable.

Attend open days and taster sessions at The Bedford Sixth Form to experience subjects first-hand.

Your Future Starts with the Right A-Levels

The A-Levels you choose today will help shape the future you want tomorrow. Whether you’re planning for medicine, business, creative industries, or still figuring it out, The Bedford Sixth Form has the subjects, support, and expertise to help you take that next step.

👉 Explore our A-Level subjects
👉 Apply to The Bedford Sixth Form
👉 Book an open event

Let’s talk at GCSE Advice Day

Which A-Levels Should I Choose?

The Ultimate Guide Based on Career Goals

Why A-Level Subject Choices Are So Important

Let’s explore the best A-Level subject combinations based on career goals using courses available right here at The Bedford Sixth Form.

Want to Keep Your Options Open?

How The Bedford Sixth Form Helps You Choose the Right A-Levels

Final A-Level Choosing Tips

Your Future Starts with the Right A-Levels