Many students assume IGCSE is just a warm-up stage and the “real game” starts in A Levels. But in reality the subjects you take in Grade 9 and 10 quietly shape your entire A Level journey and your university chances.
The reason is simple. A Levels don’t start from scratch. Whether it’s Maths, Bio, Economics, or Computer Science, each subject continues from your IGCSE foundation. Students who pick random IGCSE subjects because “everyone takes them” often realise later that they either don’t have the base knowledge or don’t meet university subject requirements. Many students in IGCSE tuitions in Dubai Silicon Oasis have shared that they didn’t know universities look at both IGCSE and A Level combinations together, not separately.
The goal of this blog is to help you avoid those mistakes.
Best IGCSE Subject Combinations That Support Strong A Level Choices
Below are combinations based on real academic patterns, university entry data, and how subjects actually align in classrooms. These are the combinations that students can use to score well consistently in AS and A Levels:-
STEM Pathway (Engineering, Medicine, Computer Science, Data Science)
IGCSE Combination: Maths, Additional Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, ICT or Computer Science
Why this works:
Additional Maths at IGCSE makes A Level Maths feel manageable instead of shocking. Students who skip it often struggle when calculus appears suddenly in AS. Physics, Chem, and Bio form a clean foundation for Medicine and Engineering, and universities in the UK, UAE, and Singapore specifically look for these matches. ICT or CS helps massively if you’re planning CS or AI at university.
Commerce & Business Pathway (Business, Economics, Finance, Accounting) IGCSE Combination: Maths, Business Studies, Economics, Accounting, ICT
Why this works:
Maths plays a huge role in A Level Economics and Accounting. Students who choose “easy” IGCSE Maths often face difficulty when graphs, elasticity, or financial calculations appear. This combination keeps all A Level commerce options open.
Humanities & Arts Pathway (Law, Psychology, Media, Sociology)
IGCSE Combination: English, History, Global Perspectives, Psychology (if available), Sociology (if available)
Why this works:
Subjects like History and Global Perspectives train you to write structured answers, evaluate viewpoints, and build arguments which is exactly what A Level humanities demand. Psychology and Sociology are a bonus if you plan to pursue similar A Levels, but even if your school doesn’t offer them, History + GP is a strong pair.
How These Combinations Influence University Admissions
Most students don’t realise how early university filtering starts. Strong A Level subjects matter, but universities also look at your IGCSE line-up to see if your academic direction has been consistent.
Here’s what actually happens:
- For STEM degrees, universities expect you to show Maths and Sciences
- For Business schools, they check if you took Economics or Business at
- For Law, English grades and essay-based subjects matter more than you
- For Computer Science, Additional Maths at IGCSE can be the difference between an offer and a rejection.
A balanced combination at IGCSE signals that you’re prepared.
Making Choices That Actually Support Your Future
By this point in the journey, it becomes clear that choosing IGCSE subjects isn’t just about picking what looks manageable. It’s about setting up a foundation that naturally supports your A Levels, reduces future academic pressure, and keeps your university options open without
last-minute surprises.
This is why getting guidance from people who understand the full Cambridge pathway makes such a difference. When you work with experts who’ve seen hundreds of students move from IGCSE to AS & A Levels, the decision-making becomes sharper, more informed, and aligned with your long-term goals.
At NowClasses, our centre in JLT offers exactly that kind of clarity. Students from JLT, DSO, JBR, Sharjah and neighbouring areas trust us because we focus on strategy, not guesswork. Whether it’s As and A levels tutoring in DSO, IGCSE support or guidance across other
curriculums, our tutors help students choose subjects that genuinely fit their strengths and future plans. And for students outside these areas, our online platform makes personalised learning accessible from anywhere. The right IGCSE mix is your first real academic milestone and with the right mentorship, it becomes a confident and well-directed start.
FAQs
- Should I take Additional Maths if I want to do A Level Maths?
If your school offers it and you can handle the pace, yes. It makes A Level Maths far easier and reduces the jump between levels. - Can I switch streams between IGCSE and A Levels?
It’s possible, but difficult. Switching from Humanities to Science or Commerce usually needs extra preparation because A Levels assume prior knowledge. - Do I need extra help for tougher IGCSE or A Level subjects?
Yes, many students take structured support like As and A levels tuitions in DSO to strengthen concepts, bridge gaps, and handle the jump in difficulty more confidently.
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