Edgbaston College offers a broad range of A-Level subjects. Explore each subject below to learn more about what you will study.
A-level Biology explores living organisms and the processes of life, from molecules and cells to whole ecosystems. Students develop strong theoretical knowledge alongside practical and analytical skills, preparing them for degrees and careers in medicine, dentistry and the biological sciences.
View the AQA Biology specification (PDF)Biology combines particularly well with Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics. It is a popular choice for students considering Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Veterinary Science, Natural Sciences and other biological science degrees.
Biology develops practical, analytical, data-handling, research and evaluation skills. It supports routes into healthcare, scientific research, biotechnology, environmental science and many other fields.
A-level Chemistry explores the composition, structure and properties of substances and the reactions that transform them. Students develop strong practical, mathematical and problem-solving skills, building a valuable foundation for medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, chemistry and other STEM degrees.
View the AQA Chemistry specification (PDF)Chemistry combines particularly well with Biology, Physics and Mathematics. It is essential or highly valued for many degrees, including Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Veterinary Science, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry and Natural Sciences.
Chemistry develops practical, analytical, mathematical, problem-solving and data-handling skills. It supports careers in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, chemical engineering, environmental science, materials science, research, forensics and many other sectors.
A-level Mathematics develops a deep understanding of algebra, calculus, geometry, statistics and mechanics. Students learn to reason logically, model real-world situations and solve complex problems, creating a strong foundation for university study and a wide range of careers.
View the Pearson Edexcel Mathematics specification (PDF)Mathematics combines particularly well with Further Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Economics and Computer Science. It is required or highly valued for degrees such as Mathematics, Engineering, Physics, Economics, Computer Science, Data Science and Actuarial Science.
Mathematics develops logical reasoning, analysis, modelling and problem-solving skills. It supports careers in engineering, finance, economics, technology, data science, research, architecture and many other fields.
A-level Further Mathematics extends the standard Mathematics course through topics such as complex numbers, matrices, advanced calculus, differential equations and applied mathematics. It develops the depth, confidence and problem-solving skills needed for the most mathematically demanding university courses.
View the Pearson Edexcel Further Mathematics specification (PDF)The two optional papers must form one of Pearson Edexcel’s permitted combinations. Please contact Admissions to confirm which options are available.
Further Mathematics is studied alongside A-level Mathematics and combines particularly well with Physics, Computer Science, Economics and Chemistry. It is strongly valued—and sometimes required—for highly mathematical degrees such as Mathematics, Engineering, Physics, Computer Science and Economics.
Further Mathematics develops advanced reasoning, modelling and problem-solving skills. It provides excellent preparation for university study and careers in mathematics, engineering, physics, technology, data science, finance, economics and research.
A-level Economics explores how individuals, businesses and governments make choices and how markets and economies respond. Students examine real-world issues such as inflation, inequality, competition, economic growth and global trade while developing analytical, quantitative and evaluative skills.
View the AQA Economics specification (PDF)Economics combines particularly well with Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Politics, History, Business, Geography and the sciences. Mathematics is especially valuable for students considering Economics at competitive universities, while essay-based subjects strengthen analysis and communication.
Economics develops data interpretation, critical thinking, argument, evaluation and problem-solving skills. It supports degrees and careers in economics, finance, banking, consulting, public policy, accountancy, business, law and international development.
A-level Physics explores the fundamental laws governing matter, energy, forces and the universe, from particles and waves to fields, nuclear physics and astrophysics. Students develop strong mathematical, practical and problem-solving skills, preparing them for science, engineering and technology degrees.
View the AQA Physics specification (PDF)Physics combines particularly well with Mathematics and Further Mathematics. Chemistry, Computer Science and Biology can also complement the subject depending on your goals. Mathematics is normally essential for Physics and Engineering degrees, with Further Mathematics often advantageous for highly competitive courses.
Physics develops mathematical reasoning, experimental design, data analysis and complex problem-solving skills. It supports careers in engineering, aerospace, energy, computing, medical physics, finance, research, telecommunications and space science.
A-level Geography explores the relationships between people, places and the physical world. From climate change, natural hazards and coastal systems to globalisation, changing places and urban environments, students examine some of the most important challenges shaping our future. Fieldwork, data analysis and independent research bring these topics to life.
View the AQA Geography specification (PDF)Students complete four days of fieldwork covering both physical and human geography. Their individual investigation must include data collected in the field.
Geography bridges the sciences and humanities, making it one of the most flexible A-level choices. It combines particularly well with Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics, as well as Economics, History, Politics and English.
Geography develops research, data analysis, GIS, fieldwork, essay-writing and critical-thinking skills. It supports degrees and careers in environmental science, sustainability, planning, climate science, international development, government, business, finance and many other fields.
A-level Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behaviour. Students explore topics including social influence, memory, attachment, mental health and biopsychology, while learning how psychological research is designed, analysed and evaluated. The course brings together scientific evidence, critical debate and real-world application.
View the AQA Psychology specification (PDF)Paper 3 covers issues and debates plus three optional topics—one selected from each of AQA’s option groups.
Psychology combines particularly well with Biology and Mathematics, which support its biological and statistical content. It also works well with Chemistry, Sociology, English and History, strengthening students’ scientific, analytical and essay-writing skills.
Psychology develops research, data analysis, critical thinking and communication skills. It provides strong preparation for degrees and careers in psychology, neuroscience, healthcare, education, counselling, social work, human resources, marketing, law and research.
A-level History explores how societies, ideas and systems of power have changed over time. Students examine political, social, economic and cultural developments, evaluate primary sources and historians’ interpretations, and learn to construct clear, evidence-based arguments. The course combines breadth, depth and independent research.
View the AQA History specification (PDF)Across the course, students study British and non-British history and cover a chronological range of at least 200 years.
History combines particularly well with English Literature, Politics, Economics, Geography, Sociology and Modern Languages. Its emphasis on evidence, argument and extended writing also provides a valuable balance alongside Mathematics and the sciences.
History develops research, critical thinking, source evaluation and persuasive writing skills. It provides excellent preparation for degrees and careers in law, politics, government, journalism, education, heritage, international relations, policy, research and business.
A-level Business explores how organisations make decisions and respond to a rapidly changing world. Students study marketing, finance, people, operations and strategy alongside contemporary issues such as digital technology, artificial intelligence, ethics, sustainability and employee wellbeing. Real business contexts develop commercial awareness, critical thinking and confident decision-making.
View the AQA Business specification (PDF)Each paper is worth 90 marks and uses two real-world case studies followed by compulsory questions.
Business combines particularly well with Economics, Mathematics, Psychology, Geography, Politics and Computer Science. These subjects strengthen students’ understanding of markets, data, people, technology and the wider environment in which organisations operate.
Business develops commercial awareness, data interpretation, problem-solving and evidence-based decision-making. It supports degrees and careers in management, finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, human resources, consulting, operations, technology and international business.