List of core and recommended A-Level Subjects for various professions
- LEO School
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
Choosing the right A-Level subjects is a crucial decision for students as it can significantly impact their future career prospects. This article outlines the core and recommended A-Level subjects for various professions, from accounting and finance to zoology.

Before diving into the specific subjects, it's essential to understand the core subjects that provide a strong foundation for any career path.
These include:
Mathematics: A solid understanding of mathematics is vital for many professions, including engineering, physics, and computer science.
English: Strong communication skills are crucial in any career, and a good grasp of the English language is essential for effective writing and speaking.
Science: Depending on the profession, one or more science subjects, such as biology, chemistry, or physics, may be required.
Languages: Modern languages can be beneficial for careers in international business, diplomacy, and tourism.
Now, let's look at the recommended A-Level subjects for specific professions:
Accounting and Finance
Core subjects: Mathematics, Business Studies
Recommended subjects: Economics, Accounting
Aerospace Engineering
Core subjects: Mathematics, Physics
Recommended subjects: Further Mathematics, Design and Technology
Agriculture
Core subjects: Biology, Chemistry
Recommended subjects: Geography, Business Studies
Animal Science and Management
Core subjects: Biology, Chemistry
Recommended subjects: Mathematics, Business Studies
Animation
Core subjects: Art and Design, Mathematics
Recommended subjects: Computing, Physics
Anthropology
Core subjects: English, History
Recommended subjects: Sociology, Government and Politics
Archaeology
Core subjects: History, Geography
Recommended subjects: Ancient Languages, Art and Design
Architecture
Core subjects: Mathematics, Art and Design
Recommended subjects: Physics, Technology
Biochemistry
Core subjects: Chemistry, Biology
Recommended subjects: Mathematics, Physics
Biology
Core subjects: Chemistry, Mathematics
Recommended subjects: Biology, Physics
Biomedical Sciences
Core subjects: Chemistry, Biology
Recommended subjects: Mathematics, Physics
Building and Construction Management
Core subjects: Mathematics, Physics
Recommended subjects: Design and Technology, Business Studies
Business Management
Core subjects: Mathematics, Business Studies
Recommended subjects: Economics, Government and Politics
Chemical Engineering
Core subjects: Mathematics, Chemistry
Recommended subjects: Physics, Further Mathematics
Chemistry
Core subjects: Mathematics, Physics
Recommended subjects: Chemistry, Further Mathematics
Civil Engineering
Core subjects: Mathematics, Physics
Recommended subjects: Further Mathematics, Design and Technology
Classics
Core subjects: English, History
Recommended subjects: Ancient Languages, Art and Design
Computer Science
Core subjects: Mathematics
Recommended subjects: Further Mathematics, Physics
Creative Writing
Core subjects: English
Recommended subjects: Media Studies, Drama
Criminology
Core subjects: English, Psychology
Recommended subjects: Sociology, Law
Dentistry
Core subjects: Chemistry, Biology
Recommended subjects: Mathematics, Physics
Early Childhood Studies
Core subjects: Psychology, Sociology
Recommended subjects: English, Art and Design
Economics
Core subjects: Mathematics
Recommended subjects: Business Studies, Government and Politics
Education
Core subjects: Psychology, Sociology
Recommended subjects: English, Art and Design
Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Core subjects: Mathematics, Physics
Recommended subjects: Further Mathematics, Design and Technology
Environmental Science
Core subjects: Biology, Chemistry
Recommended subjects: Geography, Physics
Events Management
Core subjects: Business Studies
Recommended subjects: Marketing, Hospitality Management
Fashion
Core subjects: Art and Design, Business Studies
Recommended subjects: Textiles, Mathematics
Film Production
Core subjects: Art and Design, Media Studies
Recommended subjects: Physics, Music
Film Studies
Core subjects: English, Media Studies
Recommended subjects: Art and Design, History
Fine Art
Core subjects: Art and Design
Recommended subjects: History of Art, Music
Food Science
Core subjects: Chemistry, Biology
Recommended subjects: Mathematics, Physics
Forensic Science
Core subjects: Chemistry, Biology
Recommended subjects: Mathematics, Physics
Games Design
Core subjects: Art and Design, Mathematics
Recommended subjects: Computing, Physics
Genetics
Core subjects: Biology, Chemistry
Recommended subjects: Mathematics, Physics
Geography
Core subjects: N/A
Recommended subjects: Geology, Environmental Science
Geology
Core subjects: Mathematics, Physics
Recommended subjects: Chemistry, Geography
Graphic Design
Core subjects: Art and Design
Recommended subjects: Computing, Physics
Health and Social Care
Core subjects: Psychology, Sociology
Recommended subjects: Biology, English
Health Studies
Core subjects: Psychology, Sociology
Recommended subjects: Biology, English
History
Core subjects: N/A
Recommended subjects: Government and Politics, Modern Languages
History of Art
Core subjects: Art and Design
Recommended subjects: English, History
Hospitality Management
Core subjects: Business Studies
Recommended subjects: Marketing, Tourism
Human Resource Management
Core subjects: Business Studies
Recommended subjects: Psychology, Sociology
Illustration
Core subjects: Art and Design
Recommended subjects: Computing, Physics
Information Systems
Core subjects: Mathematics, Computing
Recommended subjects: Physics, Business Studies
Interior Design
Core subjects: Art and Design
Recommended subjects: Design and Technology, Mathematics
International Business
Core subjects: Business Studies
Recommended subjects: Modern Languages, Economics
International Relations
Core subjects: History, Government and Politics
Recommended subjects: Modern Languages, Economics
Journalism
Core subjects: English
Recommended subjects: Media Studies, Government and Politics
Landscape and Garden Design
Core subjects: Art and Design
Recommended subjects: Geography, Biology
Law
Core subjects: English
Recommended subjects: Government and Politics, History
Linguistics
Core subjects: English
Recommended subjects: Modern Languages, History
Marketing
Core subjects: Business Studies
Recommended subjects: Psychology, Sociology
Materials Science and Engineering
Core subjects: Mathematics, Physics
Recommended subjects: Chemistry, Design and Technology
Mechanical Engineering
Core subjects: Mathematics, Physics
Recommended subjects: Further Mathematics, Design and Technology
Media Studies
Core subjects: English
Recommended subjects: Media Studies, Drama
Medical Sciences
Core subjects: Chemistry, Biology
Recommended subjects: Mathematics, Physics
Medicine
Core subjects: Chemistry, Biology
Recommended subjects: Mathematics, Physics
Microbiology
Core subjects: Chemistry, Biology
Recommended subjects: Mathematics, Physics
Nursing
Core subjects: Biology, Psychology
Recommended subjects: English, Sociology
Occupational Therapy
Core subjects: Biology, Psychology
Recommended subjects: Sociology, English
Pharmacology
Core subjects: Chemistry, Biology
Recommended subjects: Mathematics, Physics
Pharmacy
Core subjects: Chemistry, Biology
Recommended subjects: Mathematics, Physics
Philosophy
Core subjects: English
Recommended subjects: History, Government and Politics
Photography
Core subjects: Art and Design
Recommended subjects: Computing, Physics
Physics
Core subjects: Mathematics
Recommended subjects: Further Mathematics, Physics
Physiology
Core subjects: Chemistry, Biology
Recommended subjects: Mathematics, Physics
Physiotherapy
Core subjects: Biology, Physics
Recommended subjects: Mathematics, Psychology
Politics
Core subjects: English
Recommended subjects: Government and Politics, History
Psychology
Core subjects: N/A
Recommended subjects: Biology, Sociology
Public Relations
Core subjects: English
Recommended subjects: Media Studies, Business Studies
Real Estate
Core subjects: Mathematics, Business Studies
Recommended subjects: Economics, Law
Social Policy
Core subjects: Sociology, Government and Politics
Recommended subjects: Psychology, History
Social Work
Core subjects: Psychology, Sociology
Recommended subjects: English, Law
Sociology
Core subjects: Sociology
Recommended subjects: Psychology, Government and Politics
Software Engineering
Core subjects: Mathematics, Computing
Recommended subjects: Further Mathematics, Physics
Sport and Exercise Science
Core subjects: Biology, Physics
Recommended subjects: Mathematics, Psychology
Sport and Leisure Management
Core subjects: Business Studies
Recommended subjects: Psychology, Sociology
Sports Coaching
Core subjects: Biology, Physical Education
Recommended subjects: Psychology, Sociology
Statistics
Core subjects: Mathematics
Recommended subjects: Further Mathematics, Physics
Theology and Religious Studies
Core subjects: English
Recommended subjects: History, Government and Politics
Travel and Tourism
Core subjects: Geography, Business Studies
Recommended subjects: Modern Languages, Media Studies
Urban Planning
Core subjects: Geography, Mathematics
Recommended subjects: History
Veterinary Medicine
Core subjects: Chemistry, Biology
Recommended subjects: Mathematics, Physics
Web Design and Development
Core subjects: Computing, Art and Design
Recommended subjects: Mathematics, Physics
Youth and Community Work
Core subjects: Psychology, Sociology
Recommended subjects: English, History
Zoology
Core subjects: Chemistry, Biology
Recommended subjects: Mathematics, Physics
In conclusion, choosing the right A-Level subjects is an essential step towards a successful career. While the core subjects provide a strong foundation, the recommended subjects can help students gain a competitive edge in their chosen field.
It's important to note that this list is not exhaustive, and students should consult with their teachers and career counselors to make informed decisions based on their individual goals and interests.
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