IGCSE and A Level are two of the best international qualification programs, and they complement each other. You can use them to apply to universities in countries such as the United Kingdom, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Australia, and Canada. A Level courses start every September and run for 2 years. You take 3 or 4 A Level courses. The recommended program is 3 courses if you are working on EPQ, and 4 if you are not.
A Level is one of the most comprehensive curricula in the world. You can build your own program by combining dozens of courses, such as physics, chemistry, biology, psychology, sociology, business, foreign languages, social sciences, and mathematics. With so many courses to choose from, deciding which combination leads to the university program you want can be challenging.
The universities you apply to will expect you to have studied specific A Level combinations for certain programs. High grades in these courses, especially once converted into UCAS points, keep your admission process moving smoothly. This matters most if you aim to study in the United Kingdom.
For professions like Engineering, Computer Science, and Data Science;
- Mathematics + Physics + Advanced Mathematics
- Mathematics + Advanced Mathematics + Physics + Computer Science
- Mathematics + Advanced Mathematics + Physics + Information Technology
Mathematics is a highly respected A-Level course, and it gives you access to a wide range of university programs. If you are a strong math student, consider Advanced Maths as well when you are targeting top-ranking universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, and LSE.
Combining Mathematics and Advanced Mathematics with subjects like Physics, Computer Science and/or Information Technology shows that you have numerical and logical skills. They also show that you are ready to study fields like engineering, computer science or data science at top universities.
Adding a science project to the Mathematics, Advanced Mathematics, and Physics group makes you a highly competitive candidate at these universities. Did you know that you could work with scientists from institutions and research centers such as CERN, MPG, INFN, CEA, and CNRS? You can contact us for details.
For professions like Medicine and Dentistry;
- Mathematics + Chemistry + Biology
The core course group for medical and dental education at universities in the United Kingdom.
- Mathematics + Physics + Chemistry + Biology
- Mathematics + Chemistry + Biology + EPQ
Chemistry and Biology courses are essential for careers in medicine, dentistry and similar fields. Other essential courses may vary from university to university, but they are likely to be other science-related subjects. Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics and Physics can open the door to almost any medical school in the UK.
Remember that even if you do not take math or physics, you still need Chemistry and Biology. Also, Medicine is one of the most competitive courses for international students at UK universities. You will probably need at least A grades in all your A-Level subjects to be accepted into a place.
For professions like Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Biochemical Engineering;
- Mathematics + Physics + Chemistry
- Mathematics + Advanced Mathematics + Physics + Chemistry
- Mathematics + Chemistry + Physics + EPQ
If Biology does not appeal to you, take Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry together, and consider Advanced Mathematics for some programs. This group gives you a diverse range of knowledge and skills in the natural sciences. Adding a computer science course, for example, opens the door to process engineering and related programs at university. Including a chemistry course in this group gives you access to undergraduate degrees in chemical engineering and petrochemical engineering. It also keeps the path to a science-related undergraduate degree open.
For professions like Architecture, Interior Architecture, and Landscape Architecture;
- Mathematics + Physics + Art & Design
- Math + Physics + Graphics + 3D Design
- Mathematics + Physics + Fine Arts + History
These combinations suit students who want to study architecture. As a prospective architect, you need to excel in mathematics and physics. They show that you understand the fundamental principles of architecture. These principles include how forces affect buildings, how to estimate the material a structure needs, and how to work on and manage construction budgets. You must also match practical skills with creative thinking, an understanding of various architectural styles, periods and processes, and skills such as drawing.
For professions in fields like Finance and Management, Political Science, Law, etc.;
- History + Economics + Mathematics + Foreign Language
- History + Law + Mathematics + Philosophy
- History + Law + Mathematics + Economics
- History + Law + English Literature + EPQ
Defining a standard A Level course group for law programs is not easy. Choose courses that build the fundamental knowledge and skills law programs look for, and that let you demonstrate those skills. The best advice we can give is to choose the most challenging and traditional courses in terms of content. Competition in law programs is high, so choose the subjects you excel in and keep your grades high. We recommend the Law course, but you are not obliged to take A Level Law to apply to law programs at universities.
For professions in the fields of Economics, Finance and Business;
- Mathematics + Economics + Business
- Mathematics + Advanced Mathematics + Economics + Foreign Language
- Mathematics + Economics + Business + Physics
- Mathematics + Economics + Law + EPQ
Courses related to economics and finance naturally focus on mathematics, so A-level mathematics is a recommended choice in this category. Advanced Mathematics will make your application more competitive and support it further. Economics is not among the easiest courses, but it can give you an advantage when you apply to programs in this professional field. Courses that develop a good level of analysis and evaluation skills will also benefit you. The A Level curriculum is so comprehensive that deciding on the right course groups is certainly a challenging task.
The course groups mentioned here are oriented towards basic educational programs. The most important thing to remember is that each individual is unique. Choose your course groups according to your own inclinations, abilities, and skills.
