Easiest A Level Subjects Ranked: What’s the Simplest A Level to Pass?

Everybody wants a shortcut, especially when the prize is an “A” at A level. The million-pound question: Is there such thing as an easy A level? It’s the stuff of late-night group chats, frantic student forums posts, and, let’s be honest, more than a few heated family dinners. After all, with the stakes so high—university places, jobs, or just sweet, sweet relief from stress—who wouldn’t want to skate through at least one subject?

The thing is, the “easiest” A level doesn’t wear a blinking neon sign. There are myths, there’s gossip, but the truth is much squishier. Official stats and thousands of tired students will tell you: What seems easy to one could be a living nightmare for another. But certain patterns, numbers, and truths keep popping up. Let’s pull out the highlighter and go deeper.

The Search for the 'Easiest' A Level: What Is Everyone Actually Asking?

Let’s get real—it’s not just about which A level requires less revision, or who has the shortest textbook. Loads of factors play into why some subjects get labeled “easy”: subject popularity, grade stats, student satisfaction, demand for coursework versus exams, or plain old personal strengths. When you sift through Reddit threads, talk to tutors, or peek at official exam data from Ofqual and JCQ, certain names bubble to the surface again and again.

One subject—Film Studies—often gets name-dropped as a contender for the easiest A level. Why? It’s not just watching movies with popcorn (though I wish!). The workload leans more towards creative analysis than endless formulae. Plenty of students score high grades, and those who love writing about film find it a breeze. Another top candidate: Sociology. The syllabus is content-heavy, but the concepts are straightforward and relatable. You’ll hear similar stories about Media Studies, Religious Studies, and English Language—subjects that don’t have huge piles of memorization or math-based problem solving.

Meanwhile, the data backs some of this up. Let's look at the A level pass rates for 2023 according to the Joint Council for Qualifications:

Surprised to see Further Maths up there? Don’t be. Sometimes it’s the super-motivated math lovers who take it, skewing the stats. The rest of us might break out in hives just looking at it. Don’t be fooled by numbers alone.

There’s a twist: What’s easiest for you might be the one that clicks naturally, lines up with your hobbies, or just makes sense when you pick up a textbook. I have a friend who could write about comic books for days but shivers at the word “macroeconomics.” Gideon (my spouse) practically dreams in Excel formulas but once wrote “potato” for a six-marker in English Lit because he forgot the main character’s name. Go figure.

The main thing: the “easiest” A level doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. But that won’t stop us from looking under every stone.

Inside the Top Contenders: What Makes an A Level 'Easy' Anyway?

If we’re picking favorites based on what students report (and actual achievement stats), it’s these: Film Studies, Media Studies, Sociology, and sometimes Psychology or Religious Studies. Here’s why they score high on the so-called 'easy-o-meter':

• Familiar Content: Sociology, Media Studies, and Film Studies deal with stuff you see every day—news, TV, social issues. You don’t need to memorize rare minerals or solve triple integrals. It feels accessible.
• Assessment Style: Many of these subjects rely more on coursework or essay writing, not high-pressure one-shot exams. If you're a steady, organized worker, this makes it easier to maintain your grade instead of risking everything on one bad headache day.
• Less Technical Jargon: Forget math proofs or molecular chains. These subjects usually prefer clear, personal explanations.
• Transferable Skills: Good writing, critical thinking, research—these are the muscles you flex. If you've done alright in English, you’ll feel at home.

There’s another angle: class sizes. Popular subjects sometimes get a bit more support in schools, which means more resources or sample essays at your disposal. Teachers have seen it all before and know how to coach you towards top marks.

So what do students actually do? Many double up—taking, say, Media Studies and Sociology together, especially if they want to keep doors open for uni courses in the arts or social sciences. You’ll spot a pattern: students picking so-called “easier” A levels often combine them with something they truly enjoy, keeping one foot in the fun zone when exams hit their worst. But make no mistake, every subject still needs proper graft. Slacking off? Not a great plan.

But—curveball—subjects like Maths or Biology consistently see high grades too, mostly because the motivated high-achievers are drawn there. That’s why you have to look beyond the cold stats. If you hate algebra, don’t expect to ace Maths just because it’s “popular.”

And don’t forget: university admissions are wise to “easy” A levels. Some courses will wave a red flag if you offer only subjects from a perceived ‘soft list’, like General Studies or Critical Thinking. Here’s where balance matters: go easy, but not too easy.

Smart Tips for Picking the Right (Maybe ‘Easier’) A Level for You

If picking an easy A level was as simple as Googling a list and drawing a name from a hat, we’d all be sipping lemonade in the park. The trick? Look at your unique strengths, the kind of work you enjoy, and where you see yourself in two years.

1. Think About What You Enjoy: Sounds cheesy, but it’s my number one tip. If you pick a subject that makes you groan when you see your homework planner, things will only get trickier. When you care—even a little—motivation comes easier. Ever hear a friend moan through revision? Ask them why they picked that subject in the first place. The honest answer? They thought it was 'easy.' The reality—hours spent wishing they’d chosen differently.
2. Don’t Overlook the Coursework: Lots of the ‘easier’ A levels involve essays, projects, and ongoing assignments (hello, deadlines). You have to chip away consistently. If you’re last-minute or forgetful, this can catch you out. Plan for this and the load might feel lighter.
3. Look Up Recent Grade Distributions: Board websites publish detailed annual results, so check what percentage get As, Bs, or Cs, not just pass rates. A subject might be 'easy to pass' but hard to get an A.
4. Consider University Entry Requirements: Some ‘easier’ subjects aren’t viewed as highly by top universities. Russell Group universities, for example, usually have a list of 'facilitating subjects.’ Striking a mix between easy and respected can save you trouble.
5. Quiz Your Teachers and Sixth Formers: Get the real scoop from people who teach or took the subject last year. Ask what surprised them most and what the biggest challenges actually were.
6. Don’t Sleep on Exam Boards: Specifications and exam questions differ. One exam board’s version of Media Studies could be another’s idea of torture. Always check which one your school is using.
7. Have a Study Buddy: If you can pair up with someone who loves discussion or debate, it’ll make essay-heavy A levels a breeze. Two brains are always better.
8. Make a Pros and Cons List: Seriously, put pen to paper. You’ll spot which subjects make you smile or sigh.

Here’s a not-so-secret fact: 'easiest' rarely means 'easy' for everyone. I watched classmates ace Religious Studies with barely a sweat, while I needed colourful flashcards, ten revision podcasts, and several pep talks from my sister just to keep up. No shame in that! But chasing a shortcut might mean more work if you’re not naturally drawn to it.

Talk to teachers, look at the breakdown of coursework-versus-exams, and think about your weekdays. That’s the real hack to finding your personal path of least resistance. A final tip? Try a sample paper. Ten minutes in, you’ll know if the so-called easy ride actually works for you. If not, better to find out before you’re knee-deep in deadlines.

It’s tempting to pick what thousands call the easiest A level, but in your world, ease comes packaged as confidence, interest, and (if you’re lucky) a syllabus that doesn’t make you weep. Chase that, and you’re halfway there.