STEM Pathways
Which A Levels to take, and in what combination, for the degree you want. This page is about the choice rather than the sell. The combinations below are what universities actually require.
The Ten A Levels We Teach
Every one is taught live in small groups, on campus in London, fully online, or hybrid. Each course page names the awarding body and specification code.
| Subject | Awarding body and code | Minimum maths content | Practical or coursework |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | Pearson Edexcel 9MA0 | – | None |
| Further Mathematics | Pearson Edexcel 9FM0 | – | None |
| Statistics | Pearson Edexcel 9ST0 | – | None |
| Physics | Pearson Edexcel 9PH0 | 40% | Practical endorsement |
| Chemistry | AQA 7405 | 20% | Practical endorsement |
| Biology | AQA 7402 | 10% | Practical endorsement |
| Electronics | WJEC Eduqas A490QS | 30% | 20% non-exam assessment |
| Economics | AQA 7136 | 20% | None |
| Psychology | AQA 7182 | 10% | None |
| Business | AQA 7138 | 10% | None |
Minimum mathematical content is the proportion of marks assessing mathematics at Level 2 or above, set by the Department for Education and Ofqual. It applies to every specification in that subject, not just ours.
Combinations That Work
Universities care about combinations, not individual subjects. These are the ones that open the most doors, with the actual requirement stated.
Engineering
Take: Mathematics, Physics, and one of Further Mathematics, Chemistry or Electronics.
Mathematics is required essentially without exception, and most engineering courses require or strongly prefer Physics. Further Mathematics is a significant advantage at the most selective universities. Electronics is unusual and demonstrates practical capability. Admissions tutors and apprenticeship employers ask what you have built, and most applicants can only describe a school project.
Mathematics
Take: Mathematics, Further Mathematics, and a third subject.
Further Mathematics is a stated requirement, not a preference, at several universities: Cambridge requires it alongside STEP 2 and STEP 3; Imperial requires both Mathematics and Further Mathematics plus the TMUA; Warwick's MMath asks for A*A* in both. If your school does not offer Further Mathematics, selective universities do not penalise applicants, but where it is available it should be taken.
Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science
Take: Chemistry, plus Biology, plus a third.
The picture is genuinely mixed and worth checking individually. UCL and Imperial require both Chemistry and Biology. Oxford and Cambridge require Chemistry with Biology optional. Manchester accepts either. What is consistent is that Chemistry is the subject you cannot usually drop, and that a pass in the practical endorsement is a condition of the offer at UCL, Imperial, Manchester, King's and others.
Economics and Finance
Take: Mathematics, plus Economics, plus a third.
This is the combination most often got wrong. A Level Economics is not required for an Economics degree. A Level Mathematics is. LSE and UCL ask for A* in Mathematics; Cambridge requires it; Warwick asks for grade A. Cambridge notes that 93% of admitted students had studied Economics, though it is not a requirement. If you must choose one, choose Mathematics.
Computer Science and Data
Take: Mathematics, plus Further Mathematics or Physics, plus a third.
Mathematics is the near-universal requirement. Further Mathematics is a strong advantage at selective universities. Electronics suits embedded systems and robotics, and Statistics supports data-facing routes, though neither substitutes for Mathematics.
Psychology and the Behavioural Sciences
Take: Psychology, plus Biology or Mathematics, plus a third.
Psychology counts as the required science subject for a Psychology BSc at UCL, King's College London, Bristol, Manchester and Leeds. Watch the GCSE Mathematics requirement rather than the A Level one. Several of those departments set GCSE Mathematics at grade 6, which is the real barrier for many applicants. Statistics pairs unusually well, because research methods is the largest single block of marks in the qualification.
Three Things Worth Knowing Before You Choose
Statistics Is Not a Substitute for Mathematics
It is a strong third subject for psychology, geography, biology and business, and it signals genuine quantitative ability. But no selective university accepts it in place of A Level Mathematics, including Warwick’s own Department of Statistics. If you want a quantitative degree, take Mathematics as well, not instead.
Business and Economics Are Different Subjects
Business is about decisions inside an organisation. Economics is about markets and whole economies, and it is substantially more quantitative, at a 20% minimum mathematical content against 10%. Taking both is a common and sensible combination.
The Practical Endorsement Can Decide Whether a Science Is Available to You at All
Physics, Chemistry and Biology each carry it, and it cannot be obtained without a centre with laboratories that delivers the assessment. If you are a private candidate or studying online elsewhere, check this before you enrol anywhere. How the endorsement works.
Coming in at GCSE
If you need GCSE grades before starting A Levels, we teach Mathematics, English Language and Combined Science at four hours a week. The November series is available for Mathematics and English Language only, a restriction set by the awarding bodies. All GCSE options.
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