Best A-Level Subjects for Engineering

Engineering is a highly competitive and technical field, requiring strong problem-solving, mathematical, and analytical skills. If you’re aiming for top universities like Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, or other Russell Group institutions, your A-level subject choices are crucial.

This guide will break down the best A-level subject combinations depending on different engineering specialisations and university requirements.

A-Level Subjects for Engineering

Most top universities have strict subject requirements for engineering degrees. Taking these subjects will significantly strengthen your application:

Mathematics

Essential for all engineering disciplines.
Covers key topics like calculus, algebra, and mechanics, which are fundamental to engineering problem-solving.
Required by all top universities for engineering applicants.

Physics

Crucial for understanding mechanics, thermodynamics, and electrical circuits.
Required for most engineering courses, particularly mechanical, civil, and electrical engineering.
Develops practical problem-solving skills relevant to engineering applications.

Further Mathematics

Applicants of Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, and other top engineering programmes.
Covers advanced mathematical concepts such as complex numbers and differential equations, which are essential for more theoretical engineering courses.
Particularly useful for students considering electrical, aerospace, or mechanical engineering.

What A-Level Subjects to take for Engineering

These subjects can complement your core choices and make your application stand out:

Chemistry

Useful for chemical engineering and materials science.
Covers principles of thermodynamics, reaction kinetics, and material properties.
Some universities prefer Chemistry for bioengineering or environmental engineering courses.

Computer Science

Beneficial for software engineering, electrical engineering, and artificial intelligence fields.
Helps with coding, algorithm development, and logical problem-solving.
A good choice for students interested in robotics, automation, or data science.

Design and Technology (DT)

Useful for mechanical and civil engineering.
Develops practical skills in design, manufacturing, and materials selection.
This is not always a requirement, but can complement core subjects.

Best A-Level Combinations for Different Engineering Disciplines

If you already have a specialisation in mind, the right subject combination can strengthen your application:

Engineering Specialisation	Best A-Level Combinations
Mechanical/Aerospace	Mathematics, Physics, Further Mathematics
Electrical/Electronic	Mathematics, Physics, Further Mathematics, Computer Science
Civil	Mathematics, Physics, Further Mathematics, Design and Technology
Chemical	Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics
Software/Computer	Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Computer Science
Biomedical/Bioengineering	Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics
Environmental	Mathematics, Chemistry, Geography

A-Level Subjects to Approach with Caution

Some A-levels may not be as valuable for an engineering degree, especially if they do not provide strong analytical or problem-solving skills.

Business Studies

Lacks the technical depth needed for engineering.
While it can be useful for students interested in engineering management, but should not replace core science subjects.

Psychology

Contains some statistical content but is not directly relevant to engineering.
Not considered a strong academic subject for engineering courses.

Media Studies or Art

Not relevant for most engineering disciplines.
Can be useful for students pursuing product design or industrial design but should be taken alongside strong STEM subjects.

If you take one of these subjects, ensure it is balanced with strong Maths and Science A-levels to keep your application competitive.

How do Top Universities Weigh these Subjects?

Different universities have specific subject expectations for engineering applicants. Here’s what some of the top institutions prefer:

Oxford & Cambridge

Mathematics and Physics are required.
Further Mathematics is highly recommended, especially at Cambridge.
Chemistry may be required for chemical or bioengineering.

Imperial College London

Requires Mathematics and Physics.
Further Mathematics is strongly recommended.
Chemistry may be required for chemical engineering.

UCL

Mathematics and Physics are required.
Further Mathematics is preferred but not mandatory.
Computer Science can be useful for specific engineering fields.

Durham & Warwick

Mathematics and Physics are required.
Further Mathematics is recommended.
Chemistry can be useful for certain specialisations.

Bath, Bristol & Southampton

Mathematics and Physics are required.
Further Mathematics is recommended but not required.
Chemistry or Computer Science can be useful depending on the engineering field.

Things to Watch for in Different Types of Engineering

Different branches of engineering may have specific subject preferences beyond the core requirements of Maths and Physics. Here’s what to consider:

What A-Level Subjects to take for Mechanical & Civil Engineering

Further Mathematics is highly beneficial, as these fields involve advanced mechanics and structural analysis.
Design & Technology can be useful for practical understanding, it should not replace core science subjects.

What A-Level Subjects to take for Electrical & Electronic Engineering

Do consider Further Mathematics due to the heavy mathematical component.
Computer Science can be a good addition, especially for courses involving circuit design and programming.

What A-Level Subjects to do for Chemical Engineering

Chemistry is often required or highly recommended by top universities.
Biology can be useful for bioengineering or pharmaceutical-related fields, but it’s not a core requirement.

A-Level Subjects for Aerospace Engineering

Further Mathematics is very useful for understanding aerodynamics and control systems.
Chemistry can be helpful but is not essential unless applying for programmes with materials science elements.

A-Level Subjects for Computer & Software Engineering

Computer Science is useful but not a strict requirement. Maths and Further Maths are more important.
Physics remains essential for understanding hardware-related topics like microelectronics.

While all engineering courses value Maths and Physics, checking specific university requirements is crucial to ensure you’re meeting expectations for your chosen specialisation.

What A-levels do you need for Engineering?

If you’re aiming for an engineering degree at a top university, it’s best to prioritise:

- - - Mathematics and Physics – These are essential for all engineering courses.
    - Further Mathematics – Good for top universities and mathematical engineering disciplines.
    - A subject that complements your specialisation – Chemistry for chemical engineering, Computer Science for software engineering, or Design and Technology for mechanical and civil engineering.

Ultimately, your A-level choices should reflect your strengths, interests, and future ambitions. A strong foundation in Maths and Science will not only help with university applications, but also prepare you for the challenges of an engineering degree.

While subject choices can strengthen your application, top universities also consider strong grades, relevant extracurricular activities (such as engineering projects or coding competitions), and a well-written personal statement. Therefore, always check specific university requirements to ensure you’re making the best choices for your goals.