Subjects by degree
| Degree | Usually required | Also useful |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine, dentistry, pharmacy | Chemistry and Biology | Mathematics or Physics as the third |
| Engineering | Mathematics and Physics | Further Mathematics, Chemistry |
| Computer science | Mathematics | Further Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science |
| Economics | Mathematics at most leading universities | Economics |
| Accounting and finance | Often Mathematics | Accounting, Economics, Business |
| Business and management | Usually nothing specific | Mathematics, Economics, Business, Accounting |
| Law | Usually nothing specific | Essay subjects, such as History or English |
| Architecture | Often Mathematics; some ask for Art | Physics, Art |
These are typical requirements at universities in the UK and many international universities. Individual universities can differ.
If you don't know what to study yet
Choose subjects you are good at that keep the most doors open. Mathematics is the most widely useful A Level: it is required or preferred for engineering, computer science, economics and many business and finance degrees. Chemistry keeps medicine and most science degrees open.
How many A Levels?
Most students take three A Levels, and some take four. Universities usually make offers based on three, so three strong grades are worth more than four weaker ones.
AS Level and A Level
Cambridge A Levels can be taken in stages, with AS Level at the end of the first year and the rest of the A Level at the end of the second, or all at the end of the course. AS Level is also a qualification in its own right.
Studying in Saudi Arabia or abroad
Saudi universities and medical colleges set their own admission rules for students with British-curriculum certificates. If you plan to study in Saudi Arabia, check each university's admissions requirements early, as well as any certificate equivalency needed.
Your IGCSE grades matter too
Schools usually expect a good IGCSE or O Level grade, often B or above, in any subject you want to take at A Level, and higher for Mathematics and the sciences. Not sure about IGCSE or O Level? Read IGCSE vs O Level.