Recommended A-levels subjects for 6 most popular university courses

Have a dream career in mind? Then let us help you choose your A-levels subjects wisely!

In Malaysia, the A Level qualification is offered with examinations conducted by Cambridge International Examinations (CIE). Some subjects are unique to Malaysia or have a format, curriculum, or syllabus that is unique to Malaysia. Students will usually choose a minimum of four AS-level subjects, one of which will be dropped at A2. General Studies is a compulsory fifth AS or even A2 subject at many schools, but will not usually count towards university admissions.

Universities typically differentiate between subjects that are essential for studying a particular course and subjects that are merely useful.

Law

Most universities welcome law applicants with a range of backgrounds, either in the sciences, humanities or both, but certainly in traditional subjects.

A-levels that rely on careful examination of evidence and thoughtful construction of arguments, or that offer useful background knowledge, will be useful indeed.

Useful subjects:

• English Literature/Language and Literature
• History
• Maths
• Government and Politics

Engineering

The study of engineering at universities typically requires A-levels in Mathematics and at least one other science, usually Physics. Further Mathematics although not required, is definitely highly desirable.

Technology subjects are also looked at favorably by many universities.

Essential subjects:

• Mathematics
• Physics

Useful subjects:

• Further Mathematics
• Chemistry
• Biology
• Environmental Science
• Geology
• Geography
• Computer Science
• Design and Technology
• Economics
• Statistics

Economics

Economists deal with a lot of numbers, so you will need Mathematics and ideally Further Mathematics to be able to study Economics at university.

Economics at A-level is useful preparation, but don't worry if your school doesn't offer it; Business Studies is also seen as a good relevant A-level.

Essential subject:

• Mathematics

Recommended subjects:

• Further Mathematics
• Economics

Useful subjects:

• Business Studies
• Government and Politics
• Statistics

Medicine

Chemistry is normally considered essential for those aiming to study medicine, with at least one other science subject (normally Biology or Physics).

In practice, the vast majority of applicants will have three or more science subjects, which will put them at an advantage over someone with only two sciences.

Essential subjects:

• Chemistry
• Biology/Human Biology
• Physics

Recommended subject:

• Mathematics

Useful subject:

• Psychology

Computer Science

Computer Science is an increasingly popular degree choice with good career prospects. You don't normally need to know any programming in order to take a Computer Science degree, but Mathematics is essential and Further Mathematics desirable.

Taking at least one other science subject would also be useful.

Essential subject:

• Mathematics

Recommended subject:

• Further Mathematics

Useful subjects:

• Physics
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Electronics
• Geology

Architecture

Architecture combines artistic skills with mathematical ones and doesn’t necessarily require specific A-levels A minority of Architecture courses also require Maths.

Some Architecture courses are more Art-orientated and others are more Maths or Physics-orientated.

Essential subjects:

• Mathematics
• Art

Recommended subjects:

• Design and Technology
• Further Mathematics

Useful subjects:

• Physics
• Chemistry
• History of Art
• Geology

Still unsure of which course to choose at a tertiary level? Keep your options open with these pre-university choices.