A-level subjects: a guide to every major subject
What each A-level covers, how AQA, OCR, Pearson Edexcel and the other boards examine it, how hard it is and where it can lead.
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A-level Biology: topics, exams, practicals and grades
27.8% got A* or A in 2026
The third most popular A-level. What you study, how AQA, OCR and Edexcel examine it, the practical endorsement and how hard it is to get an A.
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A-level Business: topics, exams and grades
16.2% got A* or A in 2026
What A-level Business (once called Business Studies) covers, how it is examined with case studies, and how it compares with Economics.
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A-level Chemistry: topics, exams and how hard it is
32.3% got A* or A in 2026
What A-level Chemistry covers in physical, inorganic and organic chemistry, how each board examines it, and which degrees require it.
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A-level Computer Science: programming, exams and the project
Exam boards: AQA, OCR
What A-level Computer Science covers, the on-screen and written exams, the 20% programming project, and how it differs from the old ICT and Computing.
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A-level Economics: content, exam boards and grades
30.2% got A* or A in 2026
What A-level Economics covers in micro and macroeconomics, how AQA, Edexcel and OCR examine it, and the maths you need.
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A-level English Literature: texts, coursework and exams
24.9% got A* or A in 2026
What you read in A-level English Literature, the 20% coursework, how each board examines it, and why it is valued for so many degrees.
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A-level Further Maths: is it worth it, and what does it involve?
58.9% got A* or A in 2026
Further Maths extends A-level Maths with complex numbers, matrices and more. Who should take it, how it is examined and why it has the most top grades.
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A-level Geography: topics, fieldwork and exams
24.7% got A* or A in 2026
What A-level Geography covers in physical and human geography, the four days of fieldwork and independent investigation, and how it is examined.
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A-level History: periods, coursework and exams
24.7% got A* or A in 2026
How A-level History works: a breadth study, a depth study and a coursework essay, the choice of periods, and how each board examines it.
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A-level Maths: what you study, exams and grades
42.5% got A* or A in 2026
The most popular A-level by far. What you study in pure maths, statistics and mechanics, how each exam board tests it, and how hard it really is.
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A-level Physics: content, exams and the maths you need
32.5% got A* or A in 2026
What A-level Physics covers, how AQA, OCR and Edexcel examine it, how much maths it involves and where it can lead.
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A-level Politics: UK and US government, ideas and exams
27.4% got A* or A in 2026
A-level Politics (formerly Government and Politics): UK and US government, political ideas and how AQA and Edexcel examine it.
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A-level Psychology: topics, exams, grades and careers
20.1% got A* or A in 2026
The second most popular A-level. What you study, how it is examined, how hard it is to get an A, and whether universities count it as a science.
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A-level Religious Studies: philosophy, ethics and religion
Exam boards: AQA, OCR, Pearson Edexcel, Eduqas
A-level Religious Studies covers philosophy of religion, ethics and the study of a religion. What you study and how AQA, OCR and Edexcel examine it.
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A-level Sociology: what you study and how it is assessed
19.0% got A* or A in 2026
How A-level Sociology examines education, families, crime and research methods, how it is assessed, and the grades students achieve.
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