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What A-Levels Are Best for Engineering?
05/02/2025•22 minute read
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A-Levels Recommended for Engineering
Foundational A-Levels for Engineering
Additional A-Levels for Engineering
Subject Combinations for Engineering
Taking A Balanced Approach
A-Levels and Entry Requirements
Tailoring Subject Choices for Admissions
Engineering is a popular and competitive major, one in which having the right prerequisite knowledge is critical for success. This makes it important to choose A-Levels in the most relevant subjects, such as mathematics, physics, and computer science. In this guide we'll dig deeper into different A-Level choices for Engineering, exploring which A-Levels you need most as well many others suited to engineering. With insights from a senior UK admissions strategist, you'll also get recommendations that should help you gain a stronger foundation for admissions to a leading UK university as you also position yourself for ongoing engineering success.
Why Choosing the Right A-Levels Matters
As a gateway to highly rewarding careers across a wide range of sectors and jobs that should give you opportunities for driving innovation and earning excellent compensation, the engineering field is highly attractive — but it can be tremendously competitive for the same reasons.
And, earning an engineering degree also presents the challenge of mastering tough subjects that demand complex computational and analytical skills.
However, planning ahead and choosing the right A-Levels is a good way to set yourself up for greater success, with regards to meeting — or even exceeding — university entry requirements as you pursue admissions to a leading engineering school and equip yourself to thrive once you get there!
A-Level Subjects Recommended for Engineering
When deciding which A-Levels to take, think first in terms of foundational disciplines. Next, consider the subject combinations best aligned with the specific branches of engineering that most interest you.
Foundational disciplines are those at the core of all your future engineering studies, such as maths and physics, and as such are recommended regardless of the branch of engineering you plan to study.
In addition to these foundational subjects, taking other A-Levels is also recommended, but for these, you’ll want to choose the combinations that best align with the engineering discipline or course you're pursuing at your prospective university.
Foundational A-Levels Recommended for All Engineering Programmes
For any next steps you want to take in engineering, you'll need a strong foundation in math, first, and physics, next. Proficiency in these concepts will be your stepping stone to mastering additional subjects you'll need for your engineering future!
1. A-Level in Maths
Mathematics is essential for advancing in all engineering programmes and branches. So, as an aspiring engineering student you should strongly consider putting mathematics A-Levels at the top of your list. Understanding concepts in calculus, algebra, and mechanics are crucial in engineering studies.
The courses that prepare you for the Maths AS-/A-Level exam will help you build mastery and fluency in the mathematical equations and concepts that underpin future success in physics, chemistry, computer science, civil engineering, and other engineering fields.
In addition to intensive preparation in algebra, calculus, trigonometry, and mechanics, you'll gain exposure to foundational analytic, computational, and modeling skills that you'll apply regularly in your university engineering course.
2. A-Level in Physics
Next in line is physics. While a highly challenging subject for many students, take encouragement from the fact that your maths preparation will help you succeed in physics. However, physics will introduce new concepts as well — also crucial for engineering programmes — such as force, motion, and energy.
The combination of theoretical depth, complex analysis, and problem solving challenges make physics an excellent A-Level subject for almost all students interested in engineering.
Principal topics of study in your Physics A-Level include:
- Mechanics
- Electricity
- Magnetism
- Waves
- Nuclear and Quantum Physics
Additional A-Levels Recommended for Engineering
Beyond core subjects like maths and physics, there are several highly relevant A-Levels for future engineering students that you can consider, giving you more latitude to choose one over another.
But first, is it enough to just take maths and physics, or are more A-Levels necessary or recommended?
Preparing additional A-Levels, beyond the foundational ones, is almost certain to help you be more competitive when applying to leading universities and will prepare you for smoother sailing once you begin studying. For leading engineering programmes in the UK, for example, you'll typically need or want to have three or four relevant A-Levels under your belt before you're applying for entry.
With that in mind, here are additional A-Levels most likely to prove valuable for admissions and for your longer term success in a rigorous university engineering course:
A-Level in Further Mathematics
Building on your standard A-Level in Maths, Further Maths will help you become familiar with more advanced mathematical concepts like complex numbers, matrices, differential equations, and advanced calculus. This effort will give you superior credentials for admission to a leading university engineering programme, and it will help you to enjoy a strong head start academically when you do get in!
Further maths can be an excellent choice for students interested in computer engineering, but it's also recommended as an outstanding foundation for virtually all engineering domains.
A-Level in Chemistry
Another A-Level subject that requires strong problem-solving methods, complex critical thinking abilities, and robust mathematical calculations is chemistry.
From the study of chemical reactions to practical laboratory experimentation and analysis skills, what you learn in A-Level Chemistry will be widely respected and something you'll apply in many branches of engineering.
As such, many aspiring engineering students choose A-Level Chemistry, especially those on track to study chemical engineering, materials science, or biomedical engineering.
How To Choose the Best A-Levels
Beyond core subjects like maths and physics, other A-Level subjects are also highly relevant for engineering. But which should you choose?
While all have merit and applications, it makes sense to choose the subject that’s best aligned with the branch of engineering you plan to study at university.
That said, some students may also want to consider the specific engineering career roles they’re most interested in. For example, do you want to do cutting-edge laboratory research, inform public policy, or manage a research facility?
You may also want to ask yourself which relevant A-Levels best complement related subjects you’ve already studied.
Design and Technology
An A-Level in Design and Technology emphasises creative design, technical aspects of design and manufacturing processes, and concepts related to prototyping, user interface, product or equipment testing and evaluation, and creative problem solving.
This subject is a bit less traditional for aspiring engineering students, but complements subjects related to materials science and mechanical and electrical engineering.
It also could be an ideal choice if you have your sights set on Imperial’s Design and Engineering degree, or a similar course at another university.
Computer Science
If you’re interested in computer engineering as such, or in careers related to computer hardware design and software development, or robotics, for example, or you want to develop CS expertise for using digital tools in engineering applications, then an A-Level in Computer Science is a good choice.
“In addition to Further Maths, other suitable subjects for your third A Level include (in alphabetical order) Chemistry, Computing, Design Technology, and Electronics.”
- Engineering Requirements, University of Cambridge
Subject Combinations for Specific Engineering Fields
Engineering is a vast terrain that encompasses many branches and specialisations. Some A-Level subject combinations are designed to prepare students for specific engineering sectors, such as civil, mechanical, aerospace, electrical, software, or chemistry.
Hear is a list a of popular engineering concentrations along with corresponding A-Level subjects you'll want to consider:
- Mechanical and Civil Engineering: Mathematics, Physics, and Further Mathematics
- Chemical Engineering: Mathematics, Chemistry, and Physics
- Electrical and Computer Engineering: Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science
- Aerospace Engineering: Mathematics, Physics, and Further Mathematics or Chemistry
As you can see, a thoughtful approach to choosing A-Levels for engineering presents you with a scaffolded approach — starting with maths and in most cases physics — and using this foundational learning to pursue one or two more subjects, if possible, from several that are highly relevant.
Taking a Balanced and Realistic Approach
Now that you have a clearer roadmap, you still have to decide not only which A-Levels to take, but how many you can take advantage of — not to mention when you'll take them!
Wouldn’t it be great if there were no limit to the A-Levels subjects you could take on your personal runway to your top-choice university? Just think, with all of the expertise you gain, you’d not only be a top candidate in selective admissions, but you’d be ready to rocket through many of your university engineering courses!...
While such aspirations and ambitions are laudable, taking on too many A-Levels in demanding subjects like math, physics, and chemistry, could ultimately prove exhausting and overwhelming.
And, you need to consider opportunity costs, since you'll want to maintain strong marks across all your subjects along the way.
Choosing How Many A-Levels To Take
Being academically ambitious is great, but over-reaching can quickly lead to burnout and frustration. To avoid these, consider how many A-Levels you need vs. how many you could take in total, and set realistic goals.
This means taking only what’s realistic. This way you’re nurturing the flame of motivation and intellectual curiosity by performing well and by giving yourself time to experience the rewards of what you're accomplishing — as opposed to performing poorly, experiencing overwhelming frustration, and potentially burning out.
It also makes sense to look at your choices through the lens of admissions requirements at your top-choice universities. For example, if you were applying to the University of Cambridge, you’d find some official guidance for which A-Levels to include and also how many to take:
“Excelling in three A Levels relevant to Engineering is almost always preferable to performing well but not as highly in more than three A Levels. It is worth noting, however, that there is a high level of synergy between Maths, Further Maths and Physics. This means that, for students who are taking this combination, offering a fourth A Level allows an applicant to demonstrate both high achievement in Maths and the ability to cope with a demanding workload.”
- Engineering Requirements, University of Cambridge
A-Levels for Engineering and Entry Requirements at Leading UK Universities
As we’ve just seen, researching the A-Level requirements for specific engineering courses at leading institutions can also shine light on which A-Levels to pursue, how many, and maybe even when.
To help you, here are key entrance requirements for leading universities in the UK.
1. University of Cambridge
- High marks in A-Level Maths and A-Level Physics (Required)
- A-Level in Chemistry required for Chemical Engineering (if via Engineering as opposed to the Natural Sciences pathway)
- A third engineering-related A Level, such as Further Maths, is very strongly recommended
2. Imperial College London
- A* A* A or A* A A A overall
- A/A* in Physics (A* if applying with only three A-levels instead of four)
- A in a third and/or fourth subject (such as biology, chemistry, CS, D&T, Electronics, Further Maths)
3. ETH Zurich
- Strong grades in mathematics, physics, and chemistry
For International students:
- Without a Swiss matriculation certificate, need to pass the ETH Zurich entrance exam (topics in math, physics, chemistry, and biology)
- Need a certificate of proficiency in German at the C1 level
4. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA
SAT/ACT Scores Required (avg. SAT = 1550; avg. ACT = 35)
MIT does not have a strict minimum GPA requirement for undergraduate admissions (avg. GPA is around 3.96)
MIT’s holistic admissions process has additional components:
- MIT also requires two teacher letters of recommendation and one counsellor letter
- MIT evaluates students’ extracurriculars
- MIT looks for foundational and rigorous preparatory coursework, such as AP-level courses and exams in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and computer science (no credit is given for AP Environmental Science exams or AP Statistics exams)
“MIT grants credit for a score of 5 on some College Board Advanced Placement (AP) exams. It does not grant credit for secondary school courses teaching AP curricula, or partial credit for lower scores. If you take an AP exam more than once, only your higher score will be counted.”
- MIT Admissions Office
Admissions Testing
In addition to A-Level or AP requirements and expectations, it’s important for prospective applicants to consider and prepare for consequential entrance examinations used by leading UK institutions.
For example, the ESAT (for Cambridge and Imperial) and the PAT (for Oxford) play a prominent role in the selection of candidates.
Examples of Successful Students' Entrance Qualifications
1. Cambridge University
- Most Engineering students (who had studied A levels and started at Cambridge in 2018, 2019 and 2023) achieved at least AAA* (89% of entrants)
- All had studied Mathematics and Physics and most had also taken: Further Mathematics (96%), Chemistry (62%)
2. Imperial College London — Mechanical Engineering
Typical offers (made to at least 80% of 2023 A-Level Applicants):
- A* A* A–A* A* A* (for applicants studying three A-levels)
- A* A* A A (for applicants studying four A-levels)
Tailoring Subject Choices and Admissions
When preparing for a selective admissions process, you’ll also want to consider important points of comparison between engineering programmes:
- the course(s) offered
- the academic foundations that schools look for among the applicants to these various engineering courses
Cambridge University has one broad engineering course, for example.
Imperial College London, on the other hand, offers numerous tracks for undergraduates, including aeronautics, bioengineering, chemical, civil and environmental, mechanical, computing, design engineering, and more.
While choosing Further Maths may make lots of sense for the broad subject matter approach at Cambridge, it’s easy to see how Computer Science, Chemistry, or Design & Technology subjects might be highly relevant choices if you’re aiming for one of those more specific engineering subjects at Imperial.
Course-Specific Considerations
Selection criteria or preferences may vary based on the engineering course you’re applying for.
For example, Further Maths may be an excellent subject choice for the broad approach to engineering at Cambridge, but it’s easy to see how Computer Science, Chemistry, or Design & Technology subjects might be highly relevant choices if you’re aiming for one of those more specific courses at Imperial.
As you can see, it makes sense to do some research into the schools you’re applying to before making strategic choices about which A-Level courses and examinations — or which AP subjects and which entrance examinations — are most essential and relevant.
Finally, you’ll also need to think about how you'll prepare for these various subjects and examinations, whether or not specific subjects aligned with your goals are offered at your preparatory institution, if you look for online A-Level courses, and where to find the best A-Levels tutoring support when needed.
Other Considerations for Admissions
Depending on individual circumstances, some other factors may be relevant when charting your pathway to a leading university engineering programme. Below are a few considerations I discuss with Crimson students that you may find helpful for planning your next steps.
- Maintaining high grades. Achieving top grades (A or A*) in core STEM subjects like mathematics, physics, and chemistry is crucial for competitive engineering programmes. Because these subjects form the foundation of engineering knowledge, course marks are closely scrutinised during the admissions process.
- Understanding when non-traditional A-Levels may be relevant. While traditional STEM A-Levels are critical, less traditional subjects can also play a role in demonstrating versatility and focus. For example, Art and Design can showcase creativity for design-oriented engineering disciplines, while Economics may highlight skills relevant to management roles in the engineering field.
- Navigating alternative qualifications. Universities accept a range of qualifications other than the A Level, which may be particularly pertinent for international students and IB students, for example. Depending on the subject you’re preparing and the school, however, requirements and score equivalents, such as IB to A-Level score conversions, can vary. This means you should check the policies and requirements at your prospective schools.
- Boosting your academic profile with academic enrichment. Engaging in extracurriculars or supercurriculars, such as robotics clubs, engineering competitions, online coding courses, or Crimson’s more comprehensive Academic Enrichment Programme, can help showcase your passion for engineering. Relevant research projects offer another approach, such as the programmes at Indigo Research, enabling you to pursue real-life research activities, develop your own research paper, or do hands-on field or lab work.
- Developing specialized technical skills. Many top engineering programmes value hands-on technical expertise. Gaining experience with software tools like MATLAB, CAD, or programming languages such as Python can give you an edge. Participating in maker spaces, hackathons, or internships can also demonstrate practical abilities and problem-solving skills.
By taking deliberate steps to build a strong holistic profile in addition to earning excellent marks in core subjects, you’ll enhance your chances of admission and benefit from subject matter mastery that will propel you forward once you start your engineering course.
FAQs
1. What are the minimum A Levels required for engineering?
For leading universities, getting strong marks in A-Level Maths and A-Level Physics is typically essential. Leading universities are likely to prefer applicants with three relevant A-Levels, if not four.
2. Can I study engineering without A-Levels?
You’ll need A-Levels or an equivalent certification to satisfy entry requirements. Some universities accept students with an International Baccalaureate, BTEC, or an Access to Higher Education Diploma. In such cases, options and requirements may vary by subject and concentration and by school, so you’ll want to check with any school you plan to apply to.
3. Do I need Further Mathematics for engineering?
While Maths and Physics are the essential subjects, the concepts in A-Level Further Mathematics are almost certain to be very relevant and useful, not only boosting your chances for selection but also helping you be well prepared for your university course! The university of Cambridge tells prospective applicants “If your school or college is able to offer it, or you can access it through the Further Mathematics Support Programme, you are very strongly encouraged to study this (though other subjects, such as Chemistry, Computing, Design Technology, and Electronics are also relevant).”
4. Can I study engineering without Physics?
Specific courses like computer engineering, software engineering, or some design-focused ones may place less emphasis on physics, but physics may be expected, if not required, for most engineering programs, so be sure to check the requirements of your chosen program.
5. How can extracurriculars enhance myd application?
Extracurriculars can help you demonstrate personal growth, unique skills, and personal values, such as a strong work ethic or commitment to community service. Relevant academic extracurriculars may help you show additional learning beyond the classroom while highlighting your motivation for studying engineering. While emphasised less in a UK admissions setting, extracurriculars are typically an essential component for holistic admissions at leading US universities.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right A-Level subjects is a crucial step in shaping your pathway to a successful engineering career. Core subjects like mathematics and physics are foundational, but by tailoring your subject choices to align with your specific engineering aspirations and prospective university program, you can give your application an edge.
Adding complementary subjects or pursuing academic enrichment opportunities can further highlight your intellectual curiosity, subject matter interests, and your ability to manage a rigorous academic workload, giving you an additional edge when applying to top universities.
Navigating these decisions, finding support for the A-Levels most aligned with your goals, and preparing for consequential entrance examinations, can feel overwhelming (we know), but you don’t have to do it all alone.
At Crimson Education, our expert advisors and academic tutors cover a range of academic specialisations — A-Levels, AP exams, and UK admissions tests — and they’re keen to meet you and create personalised academic plans that align with your unique goals, aspirations, and challenges.
Ready to take the next step? Book a free consultation today and discover how we can help you reach your engineering dreams.
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