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Further education

You'll find discussions about A Levels and universities on our Further Education forum.

Original poster

Which fourth A-level is better alongside Physics, Maths and Further Maths? Or are chemistry/economics equally good choices?

84 replies

Baddogs · 14/06/2026 22:11

DS is trying to decide on his 4th a level.
He knows he wants to do Physics, Maths and Further Maths, but can't decide whether to do economics or chemistry as the 4th.
He knows he wants to do physics at University and is predicted very high grades so has his eye on some very competitive university courses but I am not sure whether there's a "better".option to take for the 4th a level or whether both are equally good options?

(I studied law so feel a bit clueless guiding him in science choices!)

OP posts:
Original poster
Baddogs · 14/06/2026 22:54

HedyPrism · 14/06/2026 22:39

Chemistry is a brilliant A-level, but very hard. How about something different like a language? Is the 4th in case further maths doesn't work out? Assume future plan is Engineering/ maths?

He wants to study Physics at university

I don't think he will be deterred by the subject being hard. He's finding GCSES too easy really

OP posts:
Original poster
Baddogs · 14/06/2026 22:53

Muchtoomuchtodo · 14/06/2026 22:35

Does he need to do 4 A levels? Is it policy at his school? I can’t see any advantage tbh.

I think he would do more than four if he could! He loves learning

OP posts:
Muchtoomuchtodo · 14/06/2026 22:47

XelaM · 14/06/2026 22:42

The advantage is if you miss your grade in one of the other 3 or want to drop one - you still have 3 to fall back on

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Surely you’re more likely to miss a grade if you give yourself a whole extra subject to study for!

parietal · 14/06/2026 22:46

For all those asking - why four A levels - further maths is often done as a 4th A level because it relates so closely to maths and it is so narrow to study only maths + further maths + physics.

what subject does he enjoy most? the final A level should be whichever is most motivating and fun. Economics would involve more essay writing, but teaches lots of ideas that are relevant to everyday life / government / politics. Chemistry has much more lab work but can be fun with a good teacher.

JuliettaCaeser · 14/06/2026 22:42

Why do four? Even the top unis don’t want this. I would worry it would drag their grades down for no reason. If they have a job / learn to drive / social life time will be pushed.

XelaM · 14/06/2026 22:42

Muchtoomuchtodo · 14/06/2026 22:35

Does he need to do 4 A levels? Is it policy at his school? I can’t see any advantage tbh.

The advantage is if you miss your grade in one of the other 3 or want to drop one - you still have 3 to fall back on

HedyPrism · 14/06/2026 22:39

Chemistry is a brilliant A-level, but very hard. How about something different like a language? Is the 4th in case further maths doesn't work out? Assume future plan is Engineering/ maths?

Muchtoomuchtodo · 14/06/2026 22:35

Does he need to do 4 A levels? Is it policy at his school? I can’t see any advantage tbh.

daffodilandtulip · 14/06/2026 22:14

DD did Chemistry, Maths and FM. She did Business as her fourth. She’s now doing NatSci.