► A Levels

► What is an ‘A’ level?

An ‘A’ level is a single subject studied in depth which requires you to undertake independent research and critical study of the subject.
An ‘A’ level comes in 2 parts the first year of study is an AS (Advanced Subsidiary), which when complete is a qualification on its own. The second year of study is the A2 which cannot be studied except after the AS. The AS combined the A2 becomes an ‘A’ level. A levels are graded A*-E.

An ‘A’ level is a level 3 qualification; you should have passed qualifications at level 2 before you start this course. You would usually be expected to have more than 5 GCSE’s at A*-C start ‘A’ levels.

► Where and when would I study for ‘A’ levels?

‘A’ levels are offered in school sixth forms, sixth form colleges or colleges of further education. Most people study for ‘A’ levels after they have completed their studies in Year 11 but some adults take A levels as part time evening course. Some schools offer able students the opportunity to take AS qualifications in Year 10 or 11.

► What subjects are available?

There are about 80 different ‘A’ level subjects available but most schools and colleges are able to offer between 10 and 30 subjects. 

They are available in:
► subjects which may have been studied at GCSE such as: history, geography, maths English, etc,
► subjects which are not usually available at GCSE such as: psychology, sociology, law, geology, etc.
► subjects which are related to a particular type of work (these are sometimes called applied subjects or vocational A levels) such as: health and social care, engineering, etc.

► How many will I study?

The number of ‘A’ level subjects you study should be decided between you and your school or college and will depend on how well you did at your GCSEs or other level 2 qualifications. Most students take 4 AS levels in their first year of study and continue with 3 subjects to A2, this means that when complete they have 3 ½ ‘A’ levels. But different combinations are possible, if you want to go onto a Higher Education degree you must complete at least 2 full ‘A’ levels.

► How long does it take?

An ‘A’ level is studied over 2 years: Year 1- AS courses, Year 2 – A2 courses.

► How are ‘A’ levels assessed?

‘A’ levels are assessed by coursework such as assignments or projects and exams but for subjects such as science or Art there are practical assessments too.  ‘A’ levels are studied in units so an ‘A’ level may be made up of 4 -6 units of study.   Grades are awarded from A-E, these grades are based on the total marks gained, the AS course is marked out of 300 and the A2 is marked out of 600.  From 2010 an A* grade will be available for students who do very well.

► What can I do after ‘A’ levels?

‘A’ levels give you broad subject qualifications which are not usually related directly to a job or area of work, for most people their studies lead them to Higher Education courses at University. Each grade that you achieve in you’re a levels carries points on you application through UCAS.

There are some employers who are able to offer specific job training in the workplace and recruit from students who have completed ‘A’ levels. Employers may value the maturity that the additional years of further education can provide as you will have learned skills like the ability to meet deadlines, manage your own work and time and developed research skills. You can still apply for an Apprenticeship after you complete you’re a levels but you would be taking qualifications at the same level as ones you have already achieved.

► Is there anything else I need to know?  

There is the option to take an extended project as part of a course of A levels on a single topic chosen by you where you can show planning, research and independent study. This is equivalent to half an ‘A’ level.

If you would like to find out what A Level's are available in your area please visit UCAS Progress.

You can also take a look in our Careers Publications section for more help.

More help4u:
DCSF website - For more Information on qualifications
Edexcel website - Provider of qualifications
A level guide  - Ofqual A level guide