Hear from the Best A Level Tutors About the Smartest Subject Combinations

Choosing A Level subjects can feel like standing at a crossroads with a hundred signposts pointing in different directions. Everyone’s giving you different advice, and you are terrified of committing to something you’ll regret.

At Eximus Education, we spend our days chatting with students who are brilliant but are often just a bit lost in the "subject combination" maze. We’ve asked our best A Level tutors, the ones who actually sit in the trenches with students every day, to share their insights on the smartest subject combinations to help you rank among the top applicants. Here’s what they say.

Why Does the "Combination" Even Matter?

We know what you are thinking, "If I get an A, does it really matter what the subject is?"

Well, yes and no. While a top grade is always fantastic, universities (especially the Russell Group) look for "synergy." They want to see that your subjects complement each other and build a specific skill set.

As online A Level tutoring specialists, we see this all the time. A student wanting to do Architecture might take Art and Maths, but then struggle because they didn't realise Physics would have tied the whole thing together.

That’s why getting help early can make a huge difference. Because it’s not about picking the hardest subjects, but more about choosing the right ones.

Best A Level Subject Combinations According to Expert A Level Tutors in UK

1. The "Medicine & Life Sciences" Trio

The combination: Biology, Chemistry, and Maths (or Physics/Psychology).

If you’re aiming for Medicine, Chemistry is usually your non-negotiable "anchor" subject. Most medical schools in the UK won't even look at your application without it.

"I often get asked, 'Can I swap Maths for Psychology?'" says Sarah, one of our lead DBS equivalent checked Science tutors. "And my answer is, you can, but you’re making life harder for yourself. Chemistry is about 20% maths. If you aren't doing A Level Maths, you're essentially learning two subjects' worth of calculations at once. A smart combination isn't just about university entry, but it's more about not burning out during revision."

So, if you're worried about the workload, don't just "power through." Our A Level prep services focus on breaking down these heavy STEM subjects so they feel manageable.

2. The "Future Tech" Engineer

The combination: Maths, Further Maths, and Physics.

For Computer Science or Engineering at Imperial or Cambridge, Further Maths is now a requirement, rather than just an extra course.

But wait, “Is further Maths really necessary?” Well, we know it sounds intense. And yet, it is intense. But look at it this way, the first year of a Computer Science degree is basically further maths. If you do it now with A Level tutor help, you’re making sure you don't fail once you get there. It’s just about building the right 'brain muscles' early."

Is it worth the risk? What if you take Further Maths and find it too hard? This is where getting a tutor early makes a difference. At Eximus Education, we only hire the top 2% of applicants, meaning our tutors have actually aced these specific exams themselves.

3. The "Humanities & Law"

The combination: History, English Literature, and a "wildcard" (Politics, Law, or Economics).

Law doesn't actually require you to study "Law" at A Level. In fact, many top universities prefer "facilitating" subjects like History or English because they prove you can write, argue, and handle massive amounts of reading.

As per our best A level tutors, the smartest thing a humanities student can do is pick subjects that overlap. If you’re studying the French Revolution in History and then reading Dickens in English, you’re double-dipping on your historical context. You’re working smarter. It’s like a buy-one-get-one-free deal for your brain.

4. The "Business & Finance" Trio

The combination: Economics, Finance, Accounting, and Management

This is a popular and practical mix designed for students who want to understand the mechanics of the global economy while developing the commercial awareness needed for the corporate world.

According to our best A level tutors in UK, Maths supports Economics beautifully by providing the logical framework for complex models. Business then adds the vital real-world context; which students often enjoy because they can see the theories playing out in current headlines.

Addressing the "Big Questions"

"But what if I don't know what I want to do yet?"

The Answer: Stick to the "Gold Standard" subjects. A combination like Maths, English Literature, and a Science keeps almost every door open. It shows you’re "all-round" capable.

"Are 'Soft' subjects a real thing? Will I be rejected for taking Media Studies?"

The Answer: Not necessarily, but it’s about balance. If you take three "creative" subjects, some high-tier universities might question your academic rigour. If you pair Media Studies with English and History, you’re showing a specialized interest.

Why Support Matters More at A Level

A Levels are a big step up from GCSEs. Content is deeper, exams are tougher, and expectations are higher.

Our tutors are:

• Affordable: Our prices are up to 60% lower than the market average.
• Reliable: We use professional teachers who know the mark schemes inside out.
• Available: With a pool of vetted tutors across STEM and the Arts, we never leave you waiting.
• The 2% Rule: Out of every 50 tutors who apply to work with us, only one makes the cut.
• Vetted & Safe: Every single one of our tutors is DBS equivalent checked.

So, if you are looking for tutors for high school students just starting their GCSEs or you're a Year 13 student panicking about UCAS, we have a pool of experts ready to help.

Final Thoughts: Don't Do It Alone

We know, picking the right subjects in A Levels can be confusing, and it’s perfectly okay to feel overwhelmed by the choices. At Eximus Education, we believe the smartest combination is one that balances your genuine passions with your future ambitions. That is why we were named ‘Tutoring Company of the Year’ at the UK Enterprise Awards; we go beyond standard lessons to provide "Personalised Tutoring" that treats you as an individual.

And we don’t just match you with a tutor, but connect you with a mentor who has successfully walked the path you are on. So, don’t wait until your mocks to find the clarity you need. Join the students behind our 97% 5-star rating. Book a trial lesson or enrol with our expert A Level tutors today to start building your future.