Arts A-Levels Face Decline as Students Chase Lucrative Careers
A significant shift is underway in Australian secondary education, with students increasingly turning away from arts-focused A-levels in favour of subjects perceived to offer greater financial rewards. New data reveals that Economics has surged into the top five most popular A-level subjects for the first time, signalling a strong student focus on future earning potential.
This summer, an estimated 46,365 students are completing their Economics A-levels. This impressive number positions it as the fifth most sought-after subject, trailing only Maths, Psychology, Biology, and Chemistry. The popularity of Economics has seen a dramatic rise, with entries up by 11 per cent compared to the previous year, when it held the eighth spot. Furthermore, entries have climbed by a substantial 41 per cent since 2021, when it was ranked eleventh. Back in 2014, when data collection on this trend began, Economics was a less popular 13th choice.
In stark contrast, subjects traditionally considered cornerstones of a well-rounded education are experiencing declining student numbers. English Literature, for instance, saw only 32,890 students undertaking the A-level, a 6 per cent decrease from the previous year. Art and Design also experienced a dip, with 40,015 students taking the subject, down 1 per cent. These subjects now sit at 11th and 10th place respectively in terms of popularity, a notable drop from their 9th and 7th rankings in 2021.
The data, compiled by the national regulator Ofqual, which annually publishes exam entry figures by subject, aligns with recent concerning reports on graduate earnings. A recent damning report highlighted that graduates from Art and English degrees often have some of the lowest average earnings post-graduation. Conversely, Economics graduates are consistently found among the highest earners.
Peter Watkins, from the CFA Institute, a professional society for investment professionals, commented on this trend. “Economics entering the top five A-level subjects is a significant signal about how young people are thinking about the world of work and the skills they will need to succeed,” he stated. “Economics teaches students to understand choice, scarcity, incentives, and trade-offs – all ideas that sit at the heart of how capital is raised, invested, and allocated.” Watkins added, “That young people are keen to develop their economic literacy suggests they see finance as a stable, resilient, and long-term career choice.”
The surge in popularity of economically-focused subjects extends beyond Economics. Business Studies has also climbed to its highest-ever ranking, securing the sixth most popular spot. This follows a 4 per cent increase in entries, bringing the total to 43,395.
At the other end of the spectrum, subjects like Drama and Music have seen a significant decline in student interest. Drama entries have fallen by 10 per cent to just 6,710, placing it at 25th in popularity. Music has experienced a 5 per cent drop, with 4,635 entries, making it the 29th most popular subject.
Top A-Level Subjects by Popularity (2026 Entries):
- 1. Maths: 109,875
- 2. Psychology: 76,765
- 3. Biology: 68,860
- 4. Chemistry: 61,910
- 5. Economics: 46,365
- 6. Business Studies: 43,395
- 7. History: 43,150
- 8. Physics: 42,765
- 9. Sociology: 41,840
- 10. Art and Design: 40,015
Source: Ofqual, number of entries per subject in 2026
This trend is also reflected at the GCSE level. Entries for the more academically rigorous subjects within the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) – comprising English, maths, science, a humanities subject, and a language – have seen a modest rise of 0.9 per cent this year. The EBacc is a suite of qualifications favoured by many universities.
Further reinforcing the link between subject choice and earning potential, a recent report from the think tank Policy Exchange revealed that half of all graduates earn less than the median national wage five years after completing their university studies. However, the data paints a different picture for graduates in specific fields. Economics graduates, for example, command the second-highest median earnings after Medicine and Dentistry, raking in £50,400 five years post-graduation.
In stark contrast, graduates from Performing Arts programs face the lowest median earnings, averaging £24,500. Creative Arts and Design graduates fare only slightly better, with median earnings of £25,600. Graduates with an English degree find themselves in the bottom third of earning potentials, with a median income of £28,800 five years after graduation.
This data on graduate earnings by subject has been publicly available to students since 2017, following its introduction by the then-Conservative government. It is widely believed that increased awareness of these earning potentials is a significant factor driving the current shifts in subject choices among students. The desire for a secure and financially rewarding career appears to be heavily influencing the academic paths of the next generation.
