Everything You Should Know About A-Levels

What exactly are A-Levels?

The Advanced Level qualification, usually known as A-levels, is a well-known subject-based qualification in the United Kingdom for students aged 16 and over. Students who enroll in this course will study for two years and earn certificates that will allow them to enter higher education institutions in the UK and many other countries around the world. Most higher education institutions need students to take at least three A-level topics in order to be admitted.

Despite the fact that it is a UK degree, A Levels are taught in schools all over the world because this certificate is widely accepted by most universities. Between 2016 and 2018, the AS Levels were revised and implemented as a separate qualification. Despite the fact that AS Levels correspond to the first year of study in the complete two-year A Level programme, most universities do not accept AS Levels as an entry requirement on their own.

How do A-Levels work?

Admissions are usually dependent on the students’ GCSE grades. Therefore, students are able to choose which A Levels subjects they want to study when they are doing their GCSEs. In order to take up the A Levels subjects, students must have at least five GCSEs at grades 4 to 9/A* to C. There are some occasions where students will need a 5/B or above at GCSE to take up certain subjects that they want to study during A Levels. However, some may vary depending on the schools or universities that the students will be enrolled in. A Levels courses take over two years to complete and students will need to study three or more subjects to fulfil the requirements. Some students even take up more subjects if they are planning to enroll in a more competitive university such as Cambridge or Oxford, or courses such as medicine or law.  

What subjects do A Levels students take?

There are over 80 A Levels subjects to choose from. There are no compulsory subjects as students are free to choose subjects that they are interested in studying or that they feel will benefit them in their future studies or career. As mentioned earlier, students will study three A Levels subjects. They can choose from a variety of subjects such as English Language and Literature, French, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Arts, IT, Economics, Geography, and Psychology. There are also Modern Foreign Languages such as French, Spanish and German. Students are encouraged to enquire about the list of A Levels subjects offered at a particular institution before sending in their application.  

What is the difference between A Levels and AS Levels?

Both of these courses are similarly taught, however, for A Levels, it takes a longer time period to complete as it is more advanced compared to the AS Levels. For AS Levels, it is only similar to the first year of an A Levels programme. In 2017, changes were introduced gradually as AS Levels results used to count towards the student’s final A-Levels results. However, due to the changes made, all subjects have moved to the new system.  

Why choose A-Levels?

This course is a great choice for students who have a clearer idea of what they want to excel in and what subjects they want to study. It is a course that allows students to pick the subjects that they are more passionate about. For instance, if a student is stronger in English Literature and weaker in Science, he is able to forgo the subject to focus on the other subject. As the A Levels emphasizes on the importance of the final written examination, it is more suitable for students who are strong academically and love to study. Moreover, students who are able to revise effectively and perform well in timed examinations are more suited to take up A Levels.

‍