A-Level subjects and careers are a crucial stepping stone in deciding the degree course you wish to pursue. Most universities have a set of prerequisites that students must fulfil at the time of applying. And A-Level subjects are often at the top of the list. Thus, career planning after A-Levels almost always starts with choosing the right subjects. Your choices now will directly impact the degree you get and how you begin your career.

Introduction

After IGCSE, a lot of students are confused and unsure when choosing A-Level subjects and careers and end up picking something at random. But what’s important to understand is that these subjects often directly shape the future university and career choices. The subjects you select will create the foundation for your degree. They’ll also be a major deciding factor in your university course. To understand the basics and how they impact career planning after A-Levels, continue reading our guide!

What Are A-Level Subjects?

Before we begin to understand the advantages and effects of A-Level subjects and careers, let’s take a quick detour and understand what they exactly mean. Advanced-level qualifications are exams based on the Cambridge curriculum. They’re taken between 16 and 18 years of age and are roughly equivalent to the 12th-grade exam in India. Students can choose three to four major subjects, based on what they want to pursue ahead. The most popular subjects are English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Social Studies, Psychology, Art, IT, French, German and Spanish.

On passing their A-Level exams, students receive the Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education, which is one of the most recognised and highly regarded curricula in the world. At VIS Chennai, students can prepare for and ace the A-Level exams with expert guidance and support.

Benefits of A-Level Subjects

A-Levels, gaining more traction these days, are a popular choice amongst many students. Here are some reasons why they are a well-suited choice:

• Flexibility: With A-Level subjects, students get more flexibility and freedom to choose what they want to study. There’s no stress of sticking to a rigid study plan. In fact, students can personalise their learning experience based on their interests and future plans.
• Advanced Curriculum: A-Level subjects, as evident in the name, offer in-depth knowledge. Students can prepare themselves well for future career streams because of this advantage.
• Prep for Universities: Students who want to create a stronger foundation for their university ventures will find A-Level subjects an apt choice. Their rigorous curriculum, level of knowledge and overall academic excellence make them a perfect choice.
• Global recognition: Most importantly, A-Levels are recognised and accepted internally by almost all colleges and universities. This gives them the best advantage possible, as it streamlines the future path.

How To Choose A-Level Subjects and Careers?

With so many flexible options available, choosing the right A-Level subjects can be confusing and downright daunting. To understand how to make this decision well, look at some of our quick tips:

• Consider your interests and strengths.
• Choose subjects that will not restrict your future options.
• Keep a backup subject if your plan A doesn’t work out.
• Consider the university/college requirements for your preferred degree.
• Choose realistic subjects that will actually help you down the line.
• Keep a good balance. Combine science with art or humanities subjects so you’re not laden with only one type of prep and assessment.
• Assess the workload and effort that each subject demands and ensure that you’re well-prepared to handle it.
• Talk to your parents, teachers, and guidance counsellors for advice.

Why Does Your Choice Matter?

Career planning after A-Levels does not start after passing the exams, but rather begins with your choice of subjects. It may seem like a minor decision, but choosing the right A-Level subjects and career options is incredibly crucial. (No pressure though!)

First and foremost, the subjects you choose now will directly impact the career options you have open. Each degree has a set of prerequisites, which include relevant subjects that create the student’s foundation for that respective degree. For instance, take a look at the table below to understand popular career streams and their respective common subjects.

Note that these are common subjects that most universities require. But the actual prerequisites might be much different. The Admissions Team may also ask you qualifications in other relevant subjects. Hence, it’s always prudent to research and read about these beforehand.

How Do A-Levels Affect Your Future?

Consider for a moment that you’ve casually picked your A-Level subjects and careers without much thought. It might not affect you immediately, but when you’re looking at your degree options, A-Levels will be the topmost criterion. Some subjects continue towards their degrees more naturally, like Biology and Chemistry to Medicine, or Math and Physics to Engineering.

However, if you pick art and humanities subjects only, you won’t be able to progress to any science-based courses at all. Similarly, some degrees require very specific subjects and skillsets, so you can’t really choose them at the last minute. Economics and Finance degrees, as an example, will almost always require Mathematics.

It’s also completely okay if you don’t want to make a big, life-altering decision so early. Your degree will, after all, affect how you start your career. In case you’re uncertain, it’s good to keep your options open. Select a balanced set of subjects – Mathematics, Chemistry, or Physics to show analytical thinking; arts/humanities subjects like English, Social Studies, or Design; and one subject that shows your best academic abilities and helps in creating a strong profile.

Be Realistic

Career planning after A-Levels isn’t the only thing that gets affected by your choice of subjects. You’re going to be undergoing rigorous preparation and a high-level curriculum with A-Level subjects and careers. Hence, it’s important to be practical and realistic when you choose your subjects.

Assess your strengths, interests, and areas of academic excellence before finalising anything. Consider the workload and effort that each subject demands and whether you’re absolutely prepared for it. At the end of the day, these are the subjects you’ll work with for a long time, and they will, most certainly, affect your day-to-day, overall schedule and mental health.

Choose The Best With Vellore International School, Chennai

Whether it’s choosing the right A-Level subjects and careers or career planning after A-Levels, VIS Chennai is the best guide. We aim to create a robust foundation for students through A-Levels to ensure that they’re prepared for their future. Not only do we practise a holistic approach to teaching and learning, but we also encourage students to explore more opportunities to supplement their futures.

Vellore International School is one of the best Cambridge boarding schools in Chennai, where students can choose from a range of A-Level subjects. Here, students have the freedom to ask questions, analyse different problems and ideas, work together, develop different skill sets, and learn how to manage priorities efficiently.

Learn more about why VIS is the best school for your children here.

Final Thoughts

Career planning after A-Levels at an early stage is not an easy task, yet it’s incredibly important. The A-Level subjects and careers you shortlist and finalise directly affect the degree courses that you can later pursue. Even if you’re not sure about what course you want to opt for, start by analysing your academic strengths and interests and then make a pick. Ultimately, Cambridge A-Levels are designed to ensure you get the flexibility and support to explore the career you want and build the future you dream of.

FAQs

Q1. What are the best A-Level subjects and careers for the future?

Ans: If you’re uncertain about what subjects to pick, you can select a balanced set. Pick a strong, analytical subject (Math, Physics, Chemistry, etc.), an arts/humanities subject, and a finance-based subject (economics, business, etc.). Work with your academic strengths and personal interests.

Q2. What is the toughest A-Level subject?

Ans: Typically, STEM subjects like Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, and Computer Science are considered the toughest A-Level subjects.

Q3. What are the best combinations of A-Levels for STEM?

Ans: For STEM, the best combinations of A-Level subjects are Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics; Physics, Chemistry and Biology; or Physics, Mathematics and Computer Science.

Q4. What A-Levels go well with Economics?

Ans: Mathematics, Business, Social Studies, and Finance go well with A-Level Economics.

Q5. Which is the easiest A-Level subject?

Ans: The difficulty of any A-Level subject is highly relative to each student. However, social studies, psychology, and business are considered slightly easier A-Level subjects because of the high pass rate.