A level options - what do you think?

9

Hi guys, I’m still doing GCSEs but I was curious about the a levels I’m thinking of doing. Currently I want to do: French, Psychology and Econ. Also considering sociology and English lit but ik I don’t want to do 4 a levels (unnecessary and I’d rather focus on extra curriculars) and if you have done any of these then let me know what u think and spill the tea. Is it hard? Coursework? Did u enjoy it? I want to know it all. If u do any similar a levels that aren’t in this list then u can also talk abt that but i know that i dont want to do any of these: maths, further maths, computing, bio, chem, physics, thanks if u respond I js thought this would be fun to ask :smile:

Btw guys im rlly good at maths (predicted grade8/9) and i like it sometimes but I’m js not that passionate to take it for a level so I can handle the maths in psych and econ and stuff

EDIT: THOSE UNIS TRYNA PROMOTE THEMSELVES GO AWAY IM STILL DOING GCSES

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 1

dak123

8

Original post

by Jffjdb

Hi guys, I’m still doing GCSEs but I was curious about the a levels I’m thinking of doing. Currently I want to do: French, Psychology and Econ. Also considering sociology and English lit but ik I don’t want to do 4 a levels (unnecessary and I’d rather focus on extra curriculars) and if you have done any of these then let me know what u think and spill the tea. Is it hard? Coursework? Did u enjoy it? I want to know it all. If u do any similar a levels that aren’t in this list then u can also talk abt that but i know that i dont want to do any of these: maths, further maths, computing, bio, chem, physics, thanks if u respond I js thought this would be fun to ask :smile:

I love French sm it's a lot more interesting than in GCSEs. You get to study a book and a film, and learn about the culture and history of France too instead of just boring vocab lists. It's definitely a jump up at the start of the year but it's manageable, I started watching French shows and movies and it helped my comprehension so much. You will also generally have quite a small class for it which is nice! I can't help with any of the others you're interested in but it sounds like if you're interested in english and sociology you're good at essay based subjects and French involves this a bit in A Levels which may be an advantage?

Reply 2

Jffjdb

OP

9

Original post

by dak123

I love French sm it's a lot more interesting than in GCSEs. You get to study a book and a film, and learn about the culture and history of France too instead of just boring vocab lists. It's definitely a jump up at the start of the year but it's manageable, I started watching French shows and movies and it helped my comprehension so much. You will also generally have quite a small class for it which is nice! I can't help with any of the others you're interested in but it sounds like if you're interested in english and sociology you're good at essay based subjects and French involves this a bit in A Levels which may be an advantage?

I’ve heard that at the beginning of the a level u will hate the subject but then grow to love it, is this true? Also how as the coursework

Reply 3

DerDracologe

Study Forum Helper

20

Original post

by Jffjdb

Hi guys, I’m still doing GCSEs but I was curious about the a levels I’m thinking of doing. Currently I want to do: French, Psychology and Econ. Also considering sociology and English lit but ik I don’t want to do 4 a levels (unnecessary and I’d rather focus on extra curriculars) and if you have done any of these then let me know what u think and spill the tea. Is it hard? Coursework? Did u enjoy it? I want to know it all. If u do any similar a levels that aren’t in this list then u can also talk abt that but i know that i dont want to do any of these: maths, further maths, computing, bio, chem, physics, thanks if u respond I js thought this would be fun to ask :smile:

Any ideas what you wanna do after a levels?
Do you work better with exams or coursework?
Have you had a look at the content or texts for each subject?
The best option is picking subjects you enjoy 🙂

Reply 4

dak123

8

Original post

by Jffjdb

I’ve heard that at the beginning of the a level u will hate the subject but then grow to love it, is this true? Also how as the coursework

I'm only in y12 so haven't done coursework yet it sounds interesting though and its good because you can do it on basically what you want (this is the IRP right?). I honestly loved it from the start but people in the year above told me they did really badly at first and didn't like it then they grew to love it. So i was kind of waiting for the awful grades and to hate it but to be fair I haven't really had that, I've been doing well pretty much from the start fo the year.

Reply 5

Jffjdb

OP

9

Original post

by dak123

I'm only in y12 so haven't done coursework yet it sounds interesting though and its good because you can do it on basically what you want (this is the IRP right?). I honestly loved it from the start but people in the year above told me they did really badly at first and didn't like it then they grew to love it. So i was kind of waiting for the awful grades and to hate it but to be fair I haven't really had that, I've been doing well pretty much from the start fo the year.

Ohh ok fair enough I love french and the way ur describing it, it sounds like a lot of fun :smile:

Reply 6

tttiff_27

6

Original post

by Jffjdb

Hi guys, I’m still doing GCSEs but I was curious about the a levels I’m thinking of doing. Currently I want to do: French, Psychology and Econ. Also considering sociology and English lit but ik I don’t want to do 4 a levels (unnecessary and I’d rather focus on extra curriculars) and if you have done any of these then let me know what u think and spill the tea. Is it hard? Coursework? Did u enjoy it? I want to know it all. If u do any similar a levels that aren’t in this list then u can also talk abt that but i know that i dont want to do any of these: maths, further maths, computing, bio, chem, physics, thanks if u respond I js thought this would be fun to ask :smile:

Hi, personally I am loving A Level Psych! 🙂 Be prepared that there's a lot of research methods, statistics and such, so you can't 100% avoid maths, but seeing as you take econ that shouldn't be a problem? There are also bits of biology such as revisiting synapses from GCSE biology and building on top of that when looking at antipsychotics/SSRIs as drug therapy for mental illnesses as well as hormones, nervous systems, and structure of the brain. I personally found it interesting but that could be something to consider seeing that you do not want to do maths and biology.

Reply 7

Jffjdb

OP

9

Original post

by tttiff_27

Hi, personally I am loving A Level Psych! 🙂 Be prepared that there's a lot of research methods, statistics and such, so you can't 100% avoid maths, but seeing as you take econ that shouldn't be a problem? There are also bits of biology such as revisiting synapses from GCSE biology and building on top of that when looking at antipsychotics/SSRIs as drug therapy for mental illnesses as well as hormones, nervous systems, and structure of the brain. I personally found it interesting but that could be something to consider seeing that you do not want to do maths and biology.

I like maths and I’m pretty good at it so i wouldn’t mind doing a bit of it in psych its js that I’m not rlly that passionate to take is as an a level. As for biology I don’t hate it but it’s sometimes kinda boring so ye but again if theres a little bit in psych I wouldn’t mind. I’m rlly interested in psych thp

Reply 8

LSBU

Official Rep

11

Original post

by Jffjdb

Hi guys, I’m still doing GCSEs but I was curious about the a levels I’m thinking of doing. Currently I want to do: French, Psychology and Econ. Also considering sociology and English lit but ik I don’t want to do 4 a levels (unnecessary and I’d rather focus on extra curriculars) and if you have done any of these then let me know what u think and spill the tea. Is it hard? Coursework? Did u enjoy it? I want to know it all. If u do any similar a levels that aren’t in this list then u can also talk abt that but i know that i dont want to do any of these: maths, further maths, computing, bio, chem, physics, thanks if u respond I js thought this would be fun to ask :smile:

Hi there, it is great to see that you’ve clearly put a lot of thought into your A level choices already. The combination you’re considering French, Psychology and Economics is a strong and well balanced set of subjects. Together, they develop communication skills, analytical thinking, and an understanding of human behaviour and society, all of which are highly valued by universities and employers. Choosing three A levels rather than four is also a sensible decision, as it allows you to focus on achieving strong grades while still having time for extracurricular activities that help build your wider profile.

At London South Bank University, these subjects can lead naturally into a wide range of degree courses. For example, BSc Psychology, which can open doors to careers in research, education, and human resources. Economics and Sociology are strong foundations for courses like Business Management, Accounting and Finance, Economics, and International Business, which prepare students for careers in finance, marketing, management, and policy. French and English Literature are particularly valuable for degrees such as International Relations, Business with Languages, English, or Media and Communications, and they can lead to careers in international organisations, communications, publishing, and diplomacy. Overall, the subjects you’re considering can shape a flexible and future focused academic pathway, giving you transferable skills that remain useful across many industries.

You are always welcome to explore LSBU and get a real feel for what student life is like here. We have a Southwark open day: Saturday 7th February 2026 where you can hear more about our courses and support. If you would prefer to see the campus in person you can book a tour https://www.lsbu.ac.uk/study/study-at-lsbu/open-days on a day that suits you and get a sense of the spaces you would be studying in. You can also chat to our current students https://www.lsbu.ac.uk/student-life/chat to hear honest experiences and get answers to any course questions you might have.

LSBU Admissions Ambassador

Reply 9

PinkMobilePhone

Chat Forum Helper, Life & Style Forum Helper

22

Thread moved

Reply 10

DurhamRep Lacey

Official Rep

7

Original post

by Jffjdb

Hi guys, I’m still doing GCSEs but I was curious about the a levels I’m thinking of doing. Currently I want to do: French, Psychology and Econ. Also considering sociology and English lit but ik I don’t want to do 4 a levels (unnecessary and I’d rather focus on extra curriculars) and if you have done any of these then let me know what u think and spill the tea. Is it hard? Coursework? Did u enjoy it? I want to know it all. If u do any similar a levels that aren’t in this list then u can also talk abt that but i know that i dont want to do any of these: maths, further maths, computing, bio, chem, physics, thanks if u respond I js thought this would be fun to ask :smile:

Hi there!

This is honestly such a good question, and you’re already thinking about A-levels in a really sensible way, and sounds like you have such a good grasp on what sort of studies you would like to pursue.

First off, you’re completely right that three A-levels is more than enough. Most universities like Durham don’t value four any more highly, and instead I would advise to focus on extracurriculars alongside your subjects is actually a really strong move. Looking at the subjects you’re considering, they make a really balanced and academic combination.

French is definitely one of the more demanding A-levels, particularly because of the grammar, vocabulary, and the speaking element, but if you enjoy the language, it can be super rewarding and highly impressive. There is coursework involved (for writing and speaking), and while that can feel intense at times, it’s manageable and helps take pressure off final exams. Languages are very well respected at Durham, as they show strong communication skills and commitment.

Psychology can be quite content-heavy and very exam-technique focused as there isn’t any coursework, but success really depends on learning how to evaluate studies and apply your knowledge properly. That said, it’s genuinely interesting and pairs really well with both essay-based and social science subjects.

Economics is a very relevant and direct link to current affairs, whilst not being overly maths-heavy, so not wanting to take A-level maths isn’t a problem at all. The subject is more about logical thinking, building clear arguments, and strong evaluation. Once the concepts click, it becomes much more intuitive, and it’s a subject that universities see as academically strong and versatile.

If you’re also tempted by English Literature, it’s definitely more challenging but very respected, especially at Durham. There is coursework involved, and the workload can be heavy, but if you enjoy reading, analysing texts, and forming your own arguments, it can be incredibly rewarding.

When deciding on your combination of A-levels what matters most more is that you choose subjects you’ll enjoy and feel motivated to work hard in, as that’s what leads to the best grades.

It’s also worth saying that none of these subjects are “wrong” choices, and you’re clearly approaching this in a thoughtful way. If you ever want advice about narrowing it down to three, how subject choices link to Durham courses, or balancing workload with social life, feel free to ask. Finally, maybe consider looking further ahead, and if you know roughly what you may be interested in studying at university, you could look at course requirements! We have some brilliant courses here at Durham.

Best of luck with your GCSEs 🙂
-Lacey, DU Student Rep

Reply 11

Jffjdb

OP

9

Original post

by PinkMobilePhone

Thread moved

Huh

Reply 12

PinkMobilePhone

Chat Forum Helper, Life & Style Forum Helper

22

Original post

by Jffjdb

Huh

I moved your thread to a more suitable location

Reply 13

Emma:-)

Entertainment Forum Helper, Careers Forum Helper

19

Original post

by Jffjdb

Hi guys, I’m still doing GCSEs but I was curious about the a levels I’m thinking of doing. Currently I want to do: French, Psychology and Econ. Also considering sociology and English lit but ik I don’t want to do 4 a levels (unnecessary and I’d rather focus on extra curriculars) and if you have done any of these then let me know what u think and spill the tea. Is it hard? Coursework? Did u enjoy it? I want to know it all. If u do any similar a levels that aren’t in this list then u can also talk abt that but i know that i dont want to do any of these: maths, further maths, computing, bio, chem, physics, thanks if u respond I js thought this would be fun to ask :smile:

Btw guys im rlly good at maths (predicted grade8/9) and i like it sometimes but I’m js not that passionate to take it for a level so I can handle the maths in psych and econ and stuff
EDIT: THOSE UNIS TRYNA PROMOTE THEMSELVES GO AWAY IM STILL DOING GCSES

What do you want to do after your A-levels? That may influence what subjects you do.
I did sociology. I absolutely loved it. I found it mega interesting. Id deffo recommend it.
I also did geography and loved it.

Reply 14

Jffjdb

OP

9

Idk yet

Original post

by Emma:-)

What do you want to do after your A-levels? That may influence what subjects you do.
I did sociology. I absolutely loved it. I found it mega interesting. Id deffo recommend it.
I also did geography and loved it.

Reply 15

Emma:-)

Entertainment Forum Helper, Careers Forum Helper

19

Original post

by Jffjdb

Idk yet

Oh right. In that case, id try and do subjects that keep your options open for a variety of things. Id also do the subjects that you enjoy most and think you will get the best grades in.

A level options - what do you think?

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