Finishing IGCSE is a milestone, but it immediately raises a new question: what next? For most Kenyan students continuing with the Cambridge system, the answer is AS and A Level, the two-year route that universities worldwide recognise and that determines which degrees are within reach. Choosing the right three or four A Level subjects is one of the most consequential academic decisions a teenager makes. This guide explains how AS and A Level work, how to choose subjects, and how to use IGCSE results to make a smart choice.
- A Level is usually three subjects (sometimes four), studied in depth over two years.
- AS Level is the first year and can be a standalone qualification or the first half of the full A Level.
- Choose subjects based on your intended degree and your IGCSE strengths.
- Many competitive degrees require specific A Level subjects; check before choosing.
- Depth matters: A Level is a big step up from IGCSE, so pick subjects you can sustain.
How AS and A Level work
A Level (Advanced Level) is a two-year programme taken after IGCSE, usually in three subjects studied in much greater depth than at IGCSE. AS Level (Advanced Subsidiary) is the first year of that journey; in many schools learners take AS examinations at the end of year one and then complete the full A Level in year two. AS can also stand as a qualification in its own right. The grades run A* to E, and universities, both in Kenya and abroad, use them as the main basis for admission to degree courses.
How many subjects should you take?
Three A Level subjects is the standard load and is what most universities expect. Strong, ambitious students sometimes take four, and a few add Further Mathematics. Taking three subjects done well is almost always better than four done under strain, because A Level rewards depth and consistency. Choose a number you can genuinely sustain across two demanding years.
Choosing your subjects: start with the degree
The smartest way to choose is to work backwards from two or three degree courses you are considering, then check their A Level requirements. Many courses specify essential subjects. A few examples of common patterns:
| Degree direction | Typical A Level subjects |
|---|---|
| Medicine | Chemistry and Biology, often with a third such as Mathematics or Physics |
| Engineering | Mathematics and Physics, plus a third (often Chemistry or Further Maths) |
| Economics / Business | Mathematics and Economics, plus a third |
| Law | Essay subjects such as History, Literature, Economics |
| Computer Science | Mathematics and Computer Science, plus a third |
If you are undecided, keep your options broad: a combination such as Mathematics, a science and one essay-based subject keeps many doors open.
Use your IGCSE results as a guide
Your IGCSE grades are the best single predictor of A Level success. As a rule of thumb, only take a subject at A Level if you achieved a strong IGCSE grade in it, typically an A or B, because the jump in difficulty is significant. If you found a subject a real struggle at IGCSE, A Level will be harder still. Be honest with yourself: enthusiasm matters, but so does evidence of ability. For help interpreting your grades, see our explainer on IGCSE grade boundaries.
The step up from IGCSE
A Level is not simply more IGCSE. It demands deeper understanding, independent study, extended writing or problem solving, and far more self-discipline. The students who thrive are those who pick subjects they genuinely enjoy and can commit to, and who build strong study habits early. The revision discipline you used for IGCSE, topic-by-topic mastery then timed past papers, carries straight over and matters even more.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Choosing a subject you disliked at IGCSE because it sounds prestigious.
- Picking four subjects when three would yield better grades.
- Ignoring degree requirements and discovering too late that a course needs a subject you dropped.
- Underestimating the workload. A Level depth is a real jump; plan your time.
Frequently asked questions
How many A Level subjects do universities want? Usually three at specified grades. Some competitive courses look for specific subjects, so always check.
Is AS Level necessary? Many students sit AS at the end of year one as a stepping stone to the full A Level, and it can also be a standalone qualification. Schools differ; ask yours.
Can I take A Level subjects I did not do at IGCSE? Sometimes, but it is risky for subjects that build on IGCSE content. Get advice from teachers first.
Do Kenyan universities accept A Levels? Yes, and so do universities abroad. A Levels are widely recognised for admission and sometimes for credit.
What grades do I need? It depends on the course, but strong IGCSE grades in your chosen subjects are the best foundation.
In summary
Choose three A Level subjects you are strong in and that match your intended degree, use your IGCSE grades as an honest guide, and prepare for a real step up in depth and independence. Get this decision right and you set yourself up for the university course you actually want.
Explore A Level subject resources, including Economics, Business, Accounting and Computer Science, on our IGCSE and Cambridge hub, and revise effectively with the strategies in our A* revision guide.
Moving up to A Level? Get AS and A Level revision notes, topical questions and model answers at cbcedukenya.com/igcse, or WhatsApp +254 711 344 702.
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