Which A-Levels Don’t Have Coursework?

Almost 800,000 students took A-Levels in 2022 and many of them had A-Level coursework. Below we outline some of the benefits and challenges of A-Level coursework and give you a list of subjects which don’t have any coursework if you’re set on avoiding it!

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A-Level coursework is a component of some A-Level subjects that allows students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in a particular subject through practical or research-based projects. Coursework can be very rewarding for students. It requires planning, research, and execution of the projects, which helps to develop important skills such as time management, research skills, and project management. In addition to the practical skills, coursework also gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of the subject in a more authentic and holistic way. It allows you to apply your knowledge and skills in a real-world context, which can be more engaging and meaningful than traditional exam-based assessments. A longer period of work which you develop slowly may also suit you more than exams which can be stressful in timed conditions.

However, coursework also has its challenges, and many students prefer an exam-based A-Level. Coursework can be time-consuming and stressful, and it requires a lot of self-discipline and organisation to complete. In this article we outline which A-Levels don’t have coursework so you can make the decisions for your A-Levels which are best for you. But it is important not to base your A-Level decisions on coursework alone, have a look at our recent article on choosing your A-Level subjects for some more advice.

#1. Maths and Further Maths

The assessment for A-level Maths and A-Level Further Maths is entirely exam-based, there is no coursework component. Students will sit three exams, one for each of the pure mathematics, applied mathematics and statistics.

Both subjects are highly respected and rigorous qualifications that are widely recognized by universities and employers. They are both two-year courses that typically cover topics such as calculus, algebra, geometry, and statistics. Students are required to have a strong foundation in mathematics, typically having achieved a good grade in GCSE Mathematics.

The course is divided into two main parts, pure mathematics and applied mathematics. Pure mathematics focuses on algebra, calculus, and geometry, while applied mathematics deals with mathematical models and methods used in various fields such as physics, engineering, and economics.

#2. Economics

A-Level Economics is another subject which does not have any coursework, instead students will sit three exams, one for each of the microeconomics, macroeconomics and one on a contemporary topic of their choice. It is a two-year course that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of economic theory and its application to real-world issues. It covers a wide range of topics, such as microeconomics, macroeconomics, international trade, and economic history. Students are typically required to have a good grade in GCSE Mathematics as the course includes mathematical models and calculations.

The course is divided into two main parts: microeconomics, which deals with the behaviour of individual consumers and firms, and macroeconomics, which deals with the performance of the economy as a whole. Students will learn about economic concepts such as supply and demand, elasticity, inflation, and unemployment, as well as the role of government in the economy.

#3. Business

A-level Business is a two-year course that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of business theory and its application to real-world issues. It is an entirely exam-based course, with no coursework component. The course is designed to provide students with an understanding of how businesses operate, how they make decisions and how they respond to changes in the environment.

The course is divided into two main parts: business studies and accounting. Business studies covers topics such as marketing, human resources, operations and strategy. Accounting covers topics such as financial statements, budgeting, and financial analysis. Students will learn about business concepts such as market research, the marketing mix, and financial ratios, as well as the role of government in the economy.

#4. French

A-level French is a two-year course that provides students with an in-depth understanding of the French language and culture. It is an entirely exam-based course, with no coursework component, but note that there is often an oral exam. So whilst this is not coursework, it is not your classic written exam. The course is designed to improve students' communicative skills in French, as well as their understanding of the culture of French-speaking countries. The course covers topics such as grammar, vocabulary, translation, and literature. Students will also explore the culture, society, and politics of French-speaking countries.

#5. Psychology

A-level Psychology is a two-year course that provides students with an understanding of the scientific study of the mind and behaviour. It is an entirely exam-based course, with no coursework component. The course covers a wide range of topics such as cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, and research methods.

Students will learn about key psychological theories and research, as well as how to design and conduct psychological research. They will also learn about the practical applications of psychology in areas such as mental health, education and criminal justice.

#6. Sociology

Sociology is another subject which has no coursework, just exam-based assessment. It is a two-year course that provides students with an understanding of the scientific study of human society and social behaviour. The course covers a wide range of topics such as social inequality, culture and identity, crime and deviance, and research methods.

Students will learn about key sociological theories, concepts and research, as well as how to design and conduct sociological research. They will also learn about the practical applications of sociology in areas such as education, work, family, and crime.

#7. Spanish

Like French, A-Level Spanish does not have any coursework, just a combination of written and oral exams. A-level Spanish is a two-year course that provides students with an in-depth understanding of the Spanish language and culture. The course is designed to help students improve their communicative skills in Spanish and gain a deeper understanding of the culture and society of Spanish-speaking countries.

During the course, students will cover a wide range of topics such as grammar, vocabulary, translation, and literature. They will also explore the culture, society, and politics of Spanish-speaking countries. The assessment for A-level Spanish is entirely exam-based, there is no coursework component. Students will sit three exams, one for each of the listening, speaking and reading and writing. These exams are usually taken at the end of the second year of the course.

It's a challenging course, but it is also incredibly rewarding. Not only will you improve your Spanish language skills, but you will also gain a deeper understanding of the culture and society of Spanish-speaking countries. Plus, it's a great opportunity to open doors for future travel, study or work abroad, and to improve your employability. You will come out of the course with a great set of skills and a new perspective on the world!

#8. Accounting

Like many other maths-based subjects, A-Level Accounting does not have any coursework. A-level Accounting is a two-year course that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of financial accounting and its application to real-world issues. It's designed to teach students how to analyze and interpret financial statements, as well as how to prepare them.

During the course, students will cover a wide range of topics such as financial statements, budgeting, and financial analysis. You'll learn about accounting concepts such as double-entry bookkeeping, debits and credits, and financial ratios. It might sound like a lot of numbers and figures, but it’s a very interesting and engaging course. You'll develop your analytical and problem-solving skills, and learn how to apply accounting theory to real-world issues. Plus, it's highly valued by universities and employers, as it's relevant to a wide range of careers such as finance, business, and management. By the end of the course, you'll have a great set of skills that will be useful in your future career.

#9. Ancient History

Unlike its more popular counterpart History, Ancient History does not have any coursework. But students who take both Ancient History and History may have the option to take an Ancient History topic for their A-Level History coursework.

During the course, students will cover a wide range of topics such as ancient societies, political systems, and cultural achievements. They will also study key historical figures and events and learn about the methods used by historians to study the past.

#10. Arabic

Like many other language A-Levels, Arabic has no coursework and is entirely exam-based. A-level Arabic provides students with an in-depth understanding of the Arabic language, culture and society. The course is designed to help students improve their communicative skills in Arabic, as well as their understanding of the culture and society of Arabic-speaking countries.

During the course, students will cover a wide range of topics such as grammar, vocabulary, translation, and literature. They will also explore the culture, society, and politics of Arabic-speaking countries.

#11. Biology

Most A-Level Biology specifications have no coursework, just written exams at the end of the course. Biology provides students with an in-depth understanding of the scientific study of living organisms and their interactions with the environment. The course is designed to help students develop a critical understanding of the natural world, as well as the ability to analyse and interpret scientific data.

During the course, students will cover a wide range of topics such as cell biology, genetics, ecology, and physiology. They will also study key biological concepts and theories and learn about the methods used by scientists to study living organisms.

#12. Chemistry

There is no coursework in A-Level Chemistry, however, your performance during practicals will be assessed. A-level Chemistry is a two-year course that provides students with an in-depth understanding of the scientific study of matter and its properties. The course is designed to help students develop a critical understanding of the fundamental principles of chemistry, as well as the ability to analyze and interpret scientific data.

During the course, students will cover a wide range of topics such as atomic structure, chemical bonding, thermodynamics, and organic chemistry. They will also study key chemical concepts and theories and learn about the methods used by scientists to study matter.

#13. German

Like the other languages, A-Level German doesn’t have coursework but may have an oral exam. It provides students with an in-depth understanding of the German language, culture and society. The course is designed to help students improve their communicative skills in German, as well as their understanding of the culture and society of German-speaking countries.

#14. Physics

Similar to other sciences, A-Level Physics doesn’t have any written coursework but performance in practicals may be assessed. A-level Physics is a two-year course that provides students with an in-depth understanding of the scientific study of matter, energy and their interactions. The course is designed to help students develop a critical understanding of the fundamental principles of physics, as well as the ability to analyze and interpret scientific data.

During the course, students will cover a wide range of topics such as mechanics, waves, electricity and magnetism, and nuclear physics. They will also study key physical concepts and theories and learn about the methods used by scientists to study the physical world.

#15. Law

Check your specification for this one as there have been some changes in recent years and it may vary between exam boards!

#16. Politics

A-Level Politics is entirely exam-based with no coursework, but the exams are very essay-heavy. It is a two-year course that provides students with an in-depth understanding of the political systems, governance, and political ideologies. The course is designed to help students develop a critical understanding of the political world, as well as the ability to analyse and interpret political concepts and issues.

During the course, students will cover a wide range of topics such as democracy, political ideologies, and international relations. They will also study key political concepts and theories and learn about the methods used by political scientists to study politics

#17. Religious Studies

A-Level RS doesn’t have coursework, just exams at the end of the second year. It is a two-year course that provides students with an in-depth understanding of different religions, belief systems and their impact on individuals and society. The course is designed to help students develop a critical understanding of religion and belief, as well as the ability to analyse and interpret religious texts, concepts and issues.

During the course, students will cover a wide range of topics such as theology, philosophy, and ethics of major world religions. They will also study key religious concepts and theories, and learn about the methods used by religious studies scholars to study religion.

Final thoughts

A-Level coursework can be daunting, but don’t be put off if your favourite subject has some. If you want to choose an A-Level with coursework but feel like you may struggle with coming up with an idea, the research or writing process, have a chat to one of our expert A-Level tutors who has received an A* in the subject themselves. They have been through the process themselves and can give you all the best tips and advice first-hand as well as helping guide you through your ideas and writing process.

Quick note: We have tried our best to cover all of the A-Levels which don’t have coursework in this article, but make sure to check the details of your exam board in case there are any changes.