10 Least Popular A-Level Subjects In 2024 (Updated)

Which are some of the least popular A-Level Subjects among students? A-levels are the main requirements for getting into universities. Each university has its requirements for A-levels to get into a particular course. Most of you will be aware of what are the most common subjects (math, science, etc) that are taken by the students. It is important to know the least popular A-levels.

Quick Takeaways

Following are the least Popular A-levels Subjects that you can think of taking up-

  1. Environmental Sciences
  2. Drama
  3. Film studies
  4. Arts
  5. Religious studies
  6. Sociology
  7. Geography
  8. Music
  9. Textiles
  10. Physical education

Further, we have explained these least popular A-levels in detail.

10 Least Popular A-Level Subjects In 2023 (Updated)

10 Least popular A-level subjects

It is not important that all the easiest A-levels are the least popular. Choosing the wrong A-level means that you have to resit for A-levels. Thus it is important to know the least popular A-levels so that you may not make a wrong choice and think about failing. The following are the A-levels that are least popular taken by the students-

1. Environmental Sciences

When compared to more renowned sciences like chemistry or biology, environmental science is a very simple A-Level. Environmental Science is conceptually simpler even if it incorporates some information from the sciences as well as geology and sociology. 

It will be quite simple if you pick topics that complement environmental science because you will be able to exercise the same abilities. It will help you to learn the same material for both. There is a widespread belief that jobs in environmental science are undervalued or poorly paid. It discourages students from studying it at an A-level or even in college. However, this is not true. You can get some of the best and most interesting jobs if you have it as your A-level.

10 Least Popular A-Level Subjects In 2023 (Updated)

2. Drama

Drama provides students with a diverse curriculum by allowing for both academic and practical study. The practical component of the course entails working with your peers to create and perform your live theatrical production. Whereas the theoretical component of the course entails reading plays and writing essays based on your work. A-Level Drama offers a 50/50 ratio between exams and coursework/practical performance work in addition to the interesting mix of learning. However, it is again on the list of least taken A-levels as it does not have many job options for you. It was just like General science which was one of the least popular subjects and thus was removed from its list.

3. Film studies

It differs from other A-Levels as it places a heavy emphasis on self-based knowledge and proactive awareness of current events and is a respectable subject. It can be very confusing for you. It’s important to remember that film studies are regarded as one of the easiest A-Level subjects. Therefore, universities might not assign the same weight or priority as other disciplines with a similar foundation. Some studies discovered that those who took it were viewed as “less remarkable” than others by the universities. This may be the reason why you may not be taking up it as A-levels. 

4. Arts

Any student that prefers creativity will typically succeed in art, which is thought to be the most creative A-Level. However, a significant component of the subject that sometimes makes students off is the evaluation part. This means that you have to evaluate each work of art you have created, unlike business studies.

List of Top 14 Hardest A-levels (& Which are Good For You?)

A-Level Art may be a wonderful fit for you if you excel at extended writing since it is a component of the course. Of all the A-Levels, Art has one of the highest pass rates, at 98.8%. Despite the fact it has the highest passing rate, most of the students do not want to take it. This is because many believe that there are not many job opportunities in the related field. Although unlike Hard A-levels you will not need to understand lot of content related to the topic.

5. Religious studies

World religions, ethics, and philosophy are only a few of the topics covered in religious studies. There have been continuous rumours that this field of study is being gradually removed from curricula and classroom instruction. In recent years, fewer students have chosen to do this A-Level. It reflects how lightly most people see it. The most reasonable reason is that it places more emphasis on global and societal issues than on rational analysis and factual work. It may be finished at home or through first-hand experience and thus there is not much requirement of study at school.

6. Sociology

Sociology at A Level is a good topic to study. Despite the fact that there are numerous facts to master and memorize, there isn’t a lot of homework. There is no necessity on the syllabus for you to perform lab experiments or write lengthy essays. The tests contain a substantial portion of mostly multiple-choice answers, so writing isn’t really necessary—just effective revision techniques.

10 Least Popular A-Level Subjects In 2023 (Updated)

7. Geography

One of the more well-known humanities that are taught in the majority of schools around the world is geography. You may view the topic as an easy A due to its high passing percentage of 98.7%. However, this is not always the case. It receives a fair bit of criticism from society because many people see it as a simpler alternative to the more difficult but rewarding sciences. Geography typically covers less material than history does. You may get both a benefit and a drawback. If you took it too casually, it might mean losing up the easy A.

8. Music

A-level music offers a unique blend of academic study and artistic opportunity, making it fascinating and fulfilling. The four main abilities that will be developed in this course are performing, composing, and listening, as well as evaluating. You improve your practical abilities, study and practice composition, and get a firm grasp of the fundamentals of performance.

You can add it to your knowledge of music history through listening and evaluation. However, this A-level is not taken by many people as it is not seen as an important subject. Only the students who are looking to make their career in music, choose this A-level. However, if you are really fond of learning music, you can choose it with the other 2 A-levels.

10 Least Popular A-Level Subjects In 2023 (Updated)

9. Textiles

Textiles can be the best A-Level for you if you want to take it with less written coursework. In terms of hands-on learning, textiles are about as practical as it gets, with a course portfolio accounting for 60% of your final score. The remaining percentage of your grade is determined by a 10-hour exam in which you must use fabric and other materials to produce a piece 3. This course is full of practical knowledge, however, this is a very uncommon subject taken by students. It is one of the easiest subjects that you can complete in a single year.

10. Physical education

Physical education is not commonly provided in sixth forms colleges since it is seen as a “Tier 4” topic. It means they are the courses that universities prefer the least. It caters to a very particular group of students who want to study sports sciences as a profession. It differs from many other A-Levels because it combines practical sports experience with theoretical information to support it. As this is the subject that generally tests sports or physical fitness knowledge,  it is the least required by the universities. Therefore it does not encourage the students to take it. However if due to any reason you missed it you must resit it.

Conclusion

A-levels are the most important part of getting into universities. Every university has its own A-level requirements and based on the subject you want to do advanced level education. Math science and English are some of the most common A-levels that most universities will ask for you. Though it is important for you to know what are the subjects that are least required and taken by the students. Thus this article will help you to find out the least taken A-levels in 2023.

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