A-levels, explained
A-levels are the currency of UK university admission — the grades and subjects offers are built on. Here's how they work, and exactly what the G5 universities ask for, course by course.
What are A-levels?
A-levels (Advanced Level qualifications) are the main route from school to university in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, usually taken in Year 12 and Year 13 (ages 16–18). Most students take three A-levels, which become the heart of a UK university application.
Universities make offers in A-level grades — so your subjects and predicted grades shape which courses you can realistically apply to. For the most competitive courses, the specific subjects you take matter as much as the grades.
AS-level vs full A-level
An AS-level is a standalone qualification covering roughly the first year of A-level content. Since a 2015–2017 reform in England, AS results no longer count toward the final A-level grade — the full A-level is assessed by exams at the end of Year 13. Some students still sit an AS in a fourth subject to broaden their application.
Exam boards
Each subject is taken with one exam board. Syllabuses differ in emphasis and structure, but an A-level is an A-level wherever it's awarded.
Grading: A* to E
A-levels are graded A*, A, B, C, D, E, with A* the highest. Offers from selective universities typically sit between AAA and A*A*A, often with a specific grade required in a key subject — for example A* in Maths for many quantitative courses.
Subjects
These are the subjects we mentor most — the quantitative and science A-levels that the strongest university courses are built on:
- Mathematics
- Further Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Economics
- Computer Science
What A-levels do G5 courses require?
A searchable breakdown of the A-level subjects and typical offer grades for representative courses across the G5 — Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, UCL and LSE. Filter by university or subject area.
87 courses
- OxfordMedicine
Medicine (pre-clinical, A100)
Chemistry and at least one of Biology, Physics or Mathematics, each at grade A or above
UCAT admissions test required. If a practical component forms part of any science A-level taken, candidates must have taken and passed it. Must be 18 by 1 November of the entry year.
Typical offerA*AA - OxfordLife Sciences
Biology
Biology required; a second A-level in Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics; the A* must be in a science or mathematics subject
No admissions test. If a practical component forms part of any science A-level taken, candidates must pass it.
Typical offerA*AA - OxfordLife Sciences
Biomedical Sciences
Two from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics
ESAT admissions test required. Candidates must have taken and passed any practical component in their chosen science subjects.
Typical offerA*AA - OxfordEngineering
Engineering Science
Mathematics and Physics; the two A*s must be in Mathematics, Physics or Further Mathematics
ESAT admissions test required. If a practical component forms part of any science A-level used to meet the offer, candidates must pass it.
Typical offerA*A*A - OxfordMaths & Computer Science
Mathematics
Mathematics required; A* in Mathematics and in Further Mathematics (if available), and A in any third subject. Further Mathematics highly recommended
TMUA admissions test required (replaced the MAT from 2026 entry). If Further Mathematics is unavailable, the offer is A*AA with A* in Mathematics.
Typical offerA*A*A - OxfordMaths & Computer Science
Computer Science
Mathematics required; A*A in Mathematics and Further Mathematics if available (in any order). Further Mathematics strongly recommended
TMUA admissions test required (replaced the MAT from 2026 entry).
Typical offerA*AA - OxfordMaths & Computer Science
Mathematics and Computer Science
Mathematics required; the two A*s in Mathematics and Further Mathematics if available
TMUA admissions test required (replaced the MAT from 2026 entry).
Typical offerA*A*A - OxfordNatural Sciences
Physics
Physics and Mathematics required; the A* must be in Physics, Mathematics or Further Mathematics
ESAT admissions test required (replaced the PAT). If a practical component forms part of any science A-level used to meet the offer, candidates must pass it.
Typical offerA*AA - OxfordNatural Sciences
Chemistry
Chemistry and Mathematics required; both A*s must be in science or maths subjects; a further science subject or Further Mathematics strongly recommended
No admissions test. If a practical component forms part of any science A-level taken, candidates must pass it.
Typical offerA*A*A - OxfordEconomics & Finance
Economics and Management
Mathematics at grade A or above
TARA admissions test required.
Typical offerA*AA - OxfordEconomics & Finance
Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE)
No required subjects; Mathematics to A-level is an advantage for the Economics and Philosophy logic components
TARA admissions test required (replaced the TSA from 2027 entry).
Typical offerAAA - OxfordLaw
Law (Jurisprudence)
No required subjects (General Studies not accepted)
LNAT admissions test required.
Typical offerAAA - OxfordLaw
Law with Law Studies in Europe
No required A-level subjects; applicants must demonstrate competence in French, German, Italian or Spanish (B2 on the CEFR) for the relevant pathway (the Netherlands pathway is taught in English)
LNAT admissions test required.
Typical offerAAA - OxfordHumanities
English Language and Literature
Most students will have an A-level in English Literature, or in combined English Language and Literature
No admissions test (the ELAT was discontinued from 2026 entry). One piece of written work must be submitted.
Typical offerAAA - OxfordHumanities
History
No required subjects; candidates are strongly advised to take History but it is not an absolute requirement
No admissions test (the HAT was discontinued; no test from 2026 entry). Written work must be submitted.
Typical offerAAA - OxfordHumanities
Modern Languages
Usually a relevant language to A-level (for languages studied from scratch a beginners' pathway is offered)
No admissions test (the MLAT was discontinued from 2027 entry; linguistic ability is assessed at interview).
Typical offerAAA - OxfordSocial Sciences
Geography
No required subjects and no preferred A-level combinations; the A* may be in any subject (Geography A-level not required)
No admissions test.
Typical offerA*AA - OxfordSocial Sciences
Psychology (Experimental)
No required subjects; a Maths or Science subject (Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Psychology) to A-level is highly recommended, with a strong maths background (minimum A or grade 7 at GCSE)
TARA admissions test required (replaced the TSA from 2027 entry).
Typical offerA*AA - CambridgeMedicine
Medicine (MB, BChir)
Chemistry, plus one or two further science/mathematics subjects from Mathematics, Biology/Human Biology, Physics, Further Mathematics (the exact number depends on the College)
UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) also required. Some Colleges require an A* in Chemistry or another specified subject.
Typical offerA*A*A - CambridgeMedicine
Veterinary Medicine (VetMB)
Chemistry, plus at least one of Biology, Mathematics, Physics
ESAT (Engineering and Science Admissions Test) also required. Most applicants take three science/mathematics A levels; some Colleges set extra conditions.
Typical offerA*AA - CambridgeEngineering
Engineering (BA/MEng)
Mathematics, Physics, and Further Mathematics to AS or A level if your school offers it
ESAT also required (Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2 and Physics). Colleges usually require A* in Mathematics and/or Further Mathematics.
Typical offerA*A*A - CambridgeEngineering
Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology (BA/MEng)
Mathematics, Chemistry, and a third science/mathematics subject (Biology, Physics or Further Mathematics)
ESAT also required (Mathematics 1 compulsory, plus two further modules).
Typical offerA*A*A - CambridgeMaths & Computer Science
Computer Science (BA/MEng)
Mathematics, and Further Mathematics to AS or A level if your school offers it
TMUA also required; Peterhouse and Trinity additionally require the CSAT. Colleges usually require A* in Mathematics and/or Further Mathematics.
Typical offerA*A*A - CambridgeMaths & Computer Science
Mathematics (BA/MMath)
Mathematics, and Further Mathematics (A level only); if your school offers Further Mathematics to AS or A level you should take it
STEP required: Colleges usually require grade 1 in both STEP 2 and STEP 3 (a flexible offer of A*A*A* with grade 1 in one STEP paper is available at some Colleges).
Typical offerA*A*A - CambridgeNatural Sciences
Natural Sciences (BA/MSci)
Mathematics, plus 2 other science or mathematics subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and, for A level only, Further Mathematics)
ESAT also required. Single route at Cambridge into physical and biological sciences (physics, chemistry, materials, biology).
Typical offerA*A*A - CambridgeLife Sciences
Psychological and Behavioural Sciences (BA)
At least one of Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Physics
Admissions assessment at some Colleges (no advance registration). Some Colleges specify which science subject(s) they require.
Typical offerA*A*A - CambridgeEconomics & Finance
Economics (BA)
Mathematics
TMUA also required. Several Colleges additionally require Further Mathematics.
Typical offerA*A*A - CambridgeEconomics & Finance
Environment, Law, and Economics (BA) (formerly Land Economy)
No specific subjects required (Economics and Mathematics recommended)
No admissions test. Course renamed from Land Economy for 2027 entry. Some Colleges set higher offers or require an A* in a specified subject.
Typical offerA*AA - CambridgeLaw
Law (BA)
No specific subjects required (essay-based subjects such as English or History are good preparation)
LNAT (National Admissions Test for Law) also required. Some Colleges require submitted written work.
Typical offerA*AA - CambridgeHumanities
History (BA)
History
Submitted written work required; admissions assessment at some Colleges. If not taking History, contact the College for advice.
Typical offerA*AA - CambridgeHumanities
English (BA)
English Literature (or English Literature and Language)
Submitted written work required (2 pieces); no admissions assessment at most Colleges.
Typical offerA*AA - CambridgeHumanities
Modern and Medieval Languages (BA)
At least one of the languages you want to study; if you want to study French, you must have French
Admissions assessment at all Colleges (no advance registration); 2 pieces of written work required.
Typical offerA*AA - CambridgeSocial Sciences
Human, Social, and Political Sciences (BA)
No specific subjects required (English, History or Languages recommended)
Admissions assessment at some Colleges (no advance registration); 2 pieces of written work required.
Typical offerA*AA - CambridgeSocial Sciences
Geography (BA)
No specific subjects required at most Colleges; some Colleges require specific subjects
Admissions assessment at some Colleges (no advance registration). Some Colleges set extra subject conditions or higher offers.
Typical offerA*AA - ImperialMedicine
Medicine (MBBS/BSc)
To include: A* and A in Biology and Chemistry (A* in either), A in a third subject
UCAT admissions test required; all qualifications must be taken in the same sitting; General Studies and Critical Thinking not accepted
Typical offerA*AA - ImperialEngineering
Aeronautical Engineering (MEng)
A* in Mathematics, A/A* in Physics (A* required if three A-levels, A if four), A in a third subject
ESAT admissions test required (Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2, Physics); offer is A*A*A for three A-levels or A*AAA for four; General Studies and Critical Thinking not accepted
Typical offerA*A*A - ImperialEngineering
Mechanical Engineering (MEng)
A* in Mathematics, A/A* in Physics (A* required if three A-levels, A if four)
ESAT admissions test required (Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2, Physics); offer is A*A*A for three A-levels or A*AAA for four
Typical offerA*A*A - ImperialEngineering
Biomedical Engineering (MEng)
A* in Mathematics, A in Physics, A in a third subject (Biology, Chemistry or Further Mathematics preferred)
No admissions test (Department of Bioengineering does not use the ESAT); typical offer A*AA to A*A*A
Typical offerA*AA - ImperialMaths & Computer Science
Computing (MEng)
A* in Mathematics, plus A*A in two further subjects or AAA in three further subjects (Further Mathematics preferred)
TMUA admissions test required; ICT, Business Studies, General Studies and Critical Thinking not accepted
Typical offerA*A*A - ImperialMaths & Computer Science
Mathematics (MSci)
A* in Mathematics, A* in Further Mathematics, A in another subject
TMUA admissions test required (STEP may be required if TMUA not sat)
Typical offerA*A*A - ImperialMaths & Computer Science
Mathematics and Computer Science (MEng)
A* in Mathematics, A* in Further Mathematics, A in a useful subject
TMUA admissions test required; ICT, Business Studies, General Studies and Critical Thinking not accepted
Typical offerA*A*A - ImperialNatural Sciences
Physics (MSci)
A* in Mathematics, A* in Physics, A in another subject (Further Mathematics recommended, not essential)
ESAT admissions test required (Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2, Physics)
Typical offerA*A*A - ImperialNatural Sciences
Chemistry (MSci)
A in Chemistry, A in Mathematics, A in a third subject (Biology, Physics or Further Mathematics preferred)
No admissions test; minimum standard AAA, typical offer A*AA; guaranteed interview if predicted to meet the standard
Typical offerA*AA - ImperialNatural Sciences
Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)
A in Mathematics, A in Chemistry or Physics, A in a useful subject
No admissions test; minimum standard AAA, typical offer A*AA
Typical offerA*AA - ImperialNatural Sciences
Earth and Planetary Science (MSci)
A in Mathematics, A in Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Geology or Physics
No admissions test; General Studies and Critical Thinking not accepted
Typical offerAAA - ImperialNatural Sciences
Geophysics (MSci)
A in Mathematics, A in Physics
No admissions test; General Studies and Critical Thinking not accepted
Typical offerAAA - ImperialLife Sciences
Biochemistry (MSci)
A in Chemistry, A in Biology, Mathematics or Physics, A in a third subject
ESAT admissions test required (Mathematics 1, Chemistry, Biology)
Typical offerAAA - ImperialLife Sciences
Biological Sciences (BSc)
A in Biology, A in Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics, A in a third subject
ESAT admissions test required for 2027 entry (Mathematics 1, Chemistry, Biology)
Typical offerAAA - ImperialLife Sciences
Molecular Bioengineering (MEng)
A* in Mathematics, A in Chemistry, A in a third subject
No admissions test (Department of Bioengineering); typical offer A*AA to A*A*A
Typical offerA*AA - ImperialEconomics & Finance
Economics, Finance and Data Science (BSc)
A* in Mathematics, AA in two other subjects (Further Mathematics and/or Economics useful but not required)
TMUA admissions test required; Imperial Business School; General Studies and Critical Thinking not accepted
Typical offerA*AA - UCLMedicine
Medicine MBBS BSc
Biology and Chemistry required with either at grade A*.
UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) required in year of application; GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade B/6; resits not accepted.
Typical offerA*AA - UCLEngineering
Mechanical Engineering MEng
Mathematics and Physics required. A* must be in one of the required subjects. Design and Technology, Engineering, Economics, Geography, Chemistry and Biology preferred as third subject (in that order), but not essential.
GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade C/4.
Typical offerA*AA - UCLEngineering
Civil Engineering MEng
No specific subjects. At least two A level subjects should be taken from UCL's list of preferred A level subjects.
If Mathematics and/or Physics not taken at A-level, they must be at GCSE grade A/7; GCSE English Language at grade C/4.
Typical offerA*AA - UCLMaths & Computer Science
Mathematics BSc
A*A* in Mathematics and Further Mathematics for an A*A*A offer, or A*A in Mathematics and Further Mathematics (in any order) for an A*AA offer, plus a 2 in any STEP Paper or a Distinction in the Mathematics AEA.
STEP grade 2 or AEA Distinction required; GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade C/4; resits not accepted.
Typical offerA*A*A - UCLMaths & Computer Science
Computer Science MEng
A* in either Mathematics or Further Mathematics required.
TARA (Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions) required alongside the UCAS application; GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade C/4.
Typical offerA*A*A - UCLNatural Sciences
Physics MSci
A*A in Mathematics and Physics required (in any order).
Pass in the practical endorsement required if taking Physics A-level in England; GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade C/4.
Typical offerA*AA - UCLNatural Sciences
Chemistry MSci
Chemistry and at least one of Biology, Physics and Mathematics required. Biology, Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Computer Science or Psychology preferred as third subject.
GCSE English Language at grade C/4 and Mathematics at grade B/6.
Typical offerAAA - UCLLife Sciences
Biological Sciences BSc
Biology required plus one from Chemistry, Life and Health Sciences, Mathematics or Physics.
GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade B/6.
Typical offerAAA - UCLLife Sciences
Psychology BSc
To include A*A from two of the following subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics and Psychology.
GCSE requirements include English Language, Mathematics and two Sciences at grade B/6.
Typical offerA*AA - UCLEconomics & Finance
Economics BSc (Econ)
A* in Mathematics required, plus if Economics is offered it must be grade A.
TMUA (Test of Mathematics for University Admission) required alongside the UCAS application; GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade C/4; resits not accepted.
Typical offerA*AA - UCLEconomics & Finance
Statistics BSc
A* in Mathematics required. Further Mathematics preferred; if studying both then the A* can be in either subject. Other preferred subjects include Chemistry, Economics, Physics and Statistics.
GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade C/4.
Typical offerA*AA - UCLLaw
Law LLB
No specific subjects. At least two A level subjects should be taken from UCL's list of preferred A level subjects.
LNAT (Law National Aptitude Test) required before the application is considered; GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade B/6.
Typical offerA*AA - UCLHumanities
History BA
History required.
GCSE English Language at grade B/6 and Mathematics at grade C/4.
Typical offerAAA - UCLHumanities
English BA
English Literature (or combined Literature and Language) required.
GCSE English Language at grade B/6 and Mathematics at grade C/4; shortlisted candidates invited to interview and a critical commentary task.
Typical offerAAA - UCLHumanities
Philosophy BA
No specific subjects. At least two A level subjects should be taken from UCL's list of preferred A level subjects.
GCSE English Language at grade B/6 and Mathematics at grade C/4.
Typical offerAAA - UCLSocial Sciences
Anthropology BSc
No specific subjects. At least two A level subjects should be taken from UCL's list of preferred A level subjects.
GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade C/4, plus any Science at grade B/6.
Typical offerAAB - UCLSocial Sciences
Geography BSc
No specific subjects. At least two A level subjects should be taken from UCL's list of preferred A level subjects.
GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade C/4.
Typical offerAAA - UCLSocial Sciences
Politics and International Relations BSc
No specific subjects. An essay based subject is preferred but not required. At least two A level subjects should be taken from UCL's list of preferred A level subjects.
GCSE English Language at grade B/6 and Mathematics at grade C/4.
Typical offerAAA - LSEEconomics & Finance
BSc Economics
A-level Mathematics required (A* in Mathematics); Further Mathematics desirable, accepted with Mathematics and one other A-level
TMUA (Test of Mathematics for University Admission) is mandatory
Typical offerA*AA - LSEEconomics & Finance
BSc Finance
A-level Mathematics required (A* in Mathematics); Further Mathematics desirable
An A* in Further Mathematics with an A in Mathematics is an acceptable alternative; no admissions test required
Typical offerA*AA - LSEEconomics & Finance
BSc Accounting and Finance
A-level Mathematics required (A in Mathematics); a broad mix of traditional academic subjects preferred
Prior study of Accounting is not required
Typical offerAAA - LSEEconomics & Finance
BSc Actuarial Science
A-level Mathematics required (A* in Mathematics); Further Mathematics at AS or above highly desirable
TMUA encouraged but not mandatory; a good performance makes an application more competitive
Typical offerA*AA - LSEMaths & Computer Science
BSc Mathematics and Economics
A-level Mathematics required (A* in Mathematics); Further Mathematics expected where offered, grade A
An A* in Further Mathematics with an A in Mathematics is an acceptable alternative
Typical offerA*AA - LSEMaths & Computer Science
BSc Mathematics with Economics
A-level Mathematics required (A* in Mathematics); Further Mathematics expected where offered, grade A
TMUA encouraged but not mandatory; an A* in Further Maths with an A in Maths is an acceptable alternative
Typical offerA*AA - LSEMaths & Computer Science
BSc Data Science
A-level Mathematics required (A* in Mathematics); Further Mathematics expected where offered, grade A
TMUA encouraged but not mandatory
Typical offerA*AA - LSEMaths & Computer Science
BSc Economics and Data Science
A-level Mathematics required (A* in Mathematics); Further Mathematics expected where offered, grade A
TMUA encouraged but not mandatory
Typical offerA*AA - LSEMaths & Computer Science
BSc Financial Mathematics and Statistics
A-level Mathematics required (A* in Mathematics); Further Mathematics expected where offered, grade A
TMUA encouraged but not mandatory; an A* in Further Maths with an A in Maths is an acceptable alternative
Typical offerA*AA - LSELaw
LLB Bachelor of Laws
No set subject combination; a broad mix of traditional academic subjects, at least two full A-levels in such subjects
All applicants must sit the LNAT (Law National Admissions Test)
Typical offerA*AA - LSESocial Sciences
BSc International Relations
No set subject combination; at least two traditional academic subjects preferred (e.g. History, Economics, Politics, languages)
Typical offerAAA - LSESocial Sciences
BSc Politics
No set subject combination; broad mix of essay-based and quantitative subjects preferred over Maths/Further Maths plus one
Typical offerAAA - LSESocial Sciences
BSc Geography with Economics
A-level Mathematics required (A in Mathematics); A-level Economics not required
Typical offerAAA - LSESocial Sciences
BSc Psychological and Behavioural Science
At least one grade A in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics or Psychology
AS grades also considered if available
Typical offerA*AA - LSESocial Sciences
BSc Sociology
No set subject combination; good grades in English Language and/or English Literature highly desirable
Typical offerAAB - LSESocial Sciences
BSc Social Anthropology
No set subject combination; a broad and eclectic mix of subjects across arts and sciences
Typical offerAAB - LSESocial Sciences
BSc International Social and Public Policy
No set subject combination; at least two traditional academic subjects preferred
Typical offerAAB - LSEHumanities
BA History
No set subject combination; A-level History not mandatory; at least two traditional academic subjects expected
Typical offerAAA - LSEHumanities
BSc Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE)
A-level Mathematics required (A* in Mathematics), essential for the core economics courses; an A* in Further Maths with an A in Maths accepted as alternative
Typical offerA*AA
Representative courses for 2026/27 entry. Requirements change year to year — always confirm on each university's official course pages: Oxford · Cambridge · Imperial · UCL · LSE
Beyond A-levels: admissions tests
For many top courses, A-levels alone aren't the whole picture — maths, science, medicine and economics applicants often sit an admissions test too. If you're aiming that high, it's worth knowing the ESAT, TMUA, MAT, STEP and PAT early.
Common questions
How many A-levels do I need?
Three is the standard for almost all university courses. A fourth, or Further Maths alongside Maths, can strengthen an application to the most competitive quantitative courses — but three strong A-levels beat four stretched ones.
Which A-level subjects keep the most options open?
Maths is the single most enabling subject — it's required or preferred across engineering, the sciences, economics and computer science. Pairing it with two relevant sciences keeps almost every quantitative route open.
Do AS grades still matter?
Not for the final A-level grade in England, since AS was decoupled. Some students still take an AS to show breadth, but most focus on three full A-levels and any required admissions test.
How early do universities ask for admissions tests?
Tests like the ESAT, TMUA and MAT are usually sat in the October of your application year (Year 13). Preparation works best started in Year 12, alongside your A-level content.
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