Humanities or Sciences...How do you decide

The subjects you choose at 16+ education can determine your degree and career choices. 

🔍 Why A-Level Choices Matter

Your A-Levels:

• Influence what university courses you can apply for.

• Can affect your career path (especially for STEM or medicine).

• Help you discover what you’re actually passionate about.

• Shape your learning experience — your daily timetable, teachers, and workload.
  
  

In short, your A-Levels don’t lock in your whole future — but they do open or close doors, so it’s worth thinking carefully.

🧠 So… What’s the Difference?

📝 Humanities Subjects

• Examples: English Literature, History, Philosophy, Politics, Geography, Religious Studies.

• Skills developed: Essay writing, critical thinking, analysis, forming arguments.

• Suits students who enjoy reading, debating, reflecting, and working with ideas.
  
  

🔬 Maths & Sciences

• Examples: Maths, Further Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science.

• Skills developed: Problem solving, logical thinking, numerical reasoning, experimentation.

• Suits students who enjoy clear answers, challenges, data, and structured thinking.
  
  

❓ How Do You Decide?

Here are some questions to help you choose:

1. What are you naturally good at?

Are you always the one asking “why” in History class or do you get a buzz from cracking a tricky Maths problem? Follow the subjects where your strengths lie.

2. What do you enjoy studying?

Don’t just think about your grades — think about what you enjoy doing. You'll be studying these subjects in-depth for two years.

3. What careers are you considering?

• Thinking about Medicine, Engineering, or Computer Science? Sciences are essential.

• Interested in Law, Journalism, or International Relations? Humanities are a strong foundation.

• Not sure? Choose a balanced mix (e.g., Maths + History or Biology + English).
  
  

4. Check university course requirements

Use sites like UCAS or Informed Choices by Russell Group to see what A-Levels are needed for courses you might apply to later.

🤔 What If You Change Your Mind?

Totally normal. Your interests and ambitions may evolve — and you’re not stuck forever.

✅ In Year 12? Most schools let you switch A-Level subjects early on (usually within the first few weeks).
✅ Changed goals later on? Many university courses accept a wide range of subjects. You may be able to do a foundation year, take conversion courses, or gain experience in other ways.
✅ Example: Want to study Law but took Biology and Chemistry? Totally possible. Many Law schools don’t require specific subjects.

Tip: Stay flexible and open-minded. Few students have it all figured out at 16!

🔄 Can You Mix Both?

Absolutely. You don’t have to pick all Humanities or all Sciences. A combination can:

• Keep your options open

• Help you stand out

• Reflect your full range of interests
  
  

Examples:

• English Lit + Biology + Psychology

• Maths + History + Economics

• Physics + Philosophy + Computer Science
  
  

Just make sure your combo works for any uni courses you're eyeing later.

✅ Final Tips

• Pick what you enjoy and are good at — not what your friends choose.

• Research what’s required for careers/unis you’re interested in (even if you're not 100% sure).

• Don’t stress about being 100% right — most people don’t have a clear path yet.
  
  

🎓 In Summary

In the end, A-Levels are about opening doors, not shutting them. Whether you’re more of a Shakespeare fan or a science whiz, there’s a pathway that fits your passions.

🎓 Choose with confidence — and remember, no one has it all figured out at 16. You’ve got time.