Here is a structured, complete list of subjects available across the major exam boards (Cambridge International and Pearson Edexcel) for the AS and A2 Level curriculum.
Students typically select 3 to 4 subjects from these categories based on their university or career path.
Sciences & Technology Biology: Explores molecular biology, anatomy, genetics, and ecology. Chemistry: Covers physical, inorganic, and organic chemistry principles. Physics: Focuses on mechanics, fields, waves, and quantum physics. Computer Science: Teaches computational thinking, programming, and data structures. Information Technology: Deals with data management, software applications, and system life cycles. Design & Technology: Focuses on product design, materials engineering, and systems creation. Environmental Management: An AS-only subject analyzing ecosystems and environmental sustainability. Marine Science: Explores marine ecosystems and oceanography.
Mathematics Mathematics: Covers core pure mathematics, mechanics, and probability/statistics. Further Mathematics: An advanced course designed for students pursuing higher-level math or engineering at university. Pure Mathematics Only: Available as a focused option through select exam boards like Edexcel.
Business, Economics & Finance Accounting: Covers financial accounting, budgeting, and financial statements. Business / Business Studies: Focuses on marketing, human resources, operations, and business strategy. Economics: Covers microeconomics (market forces) and macroeconomics (global economics). Travel & Tourism: Explores management, marketing, and sustainability in the global tourism industry.
Humanities & Social Sciences History: Covers diverse international, European, or American historical periods. Geography: Examines physical environments and human socioeconomic landscapes. Psychology: Investigates human behavior, cognitive psychology, and clinical conditions. Sociology: Studies social structures, modern culture, family, and globalization. Law: Covers legal frameworks, structures, and judicial operations. Global Perspectives & Research: A skills-based course emphasizing critical thinking and international problem-solving. Classical Studies: Covers ancient civilizations, philosophies, and historical literature. Divinity / Islamic Studies: Academic exploration of major theological beliefs and history.
Arts & Creative Media Art & Design: Focuses on fine arts, graphic communication, or fashion design. Media Studies: Evaluates modern media production, industry contexts, and textual analysis. Music: Focuses on musical composition, performance, and historical musicology. Drama & Theatre: Explores theatrical production, performance, and dramatic texts. Digital Media & Design: Explores digital asset creation, moving images, and interactive design.
Languages & Literature English Language: Explores text analysis, advanced linguistics, and creative writing styles. Literature in English: Analyzes classic and contemporary poetry, prose, and plays. English General Paper: An AS-only subject emphasizing general essay writing and critical evaluation. Modern Foreign Languages: Includes French, Spanish, German, and Chinese. Classical Languages: Includes Latin and Classical Greek.
Popular Combinations by Career Path If you are unsure what to choose, universities generally look for these specific standard combinations: Medicine / Engineering: Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, and/or Biology. Business / Finance: Mathematics, Economics, and Business. Law / International Relations: History, English Literature, and Sociology/Politics.
Join 4M+ learners. Unlock unlimited quizzes, wrong-answer tracking, flashcards + reminders, study guides, and 1-on-1 challenges.