A Levels

Advanced level qualifications (known as A levels) are subject-based qualifications that can lead to university, further study, training, or work. You can normally study three or more A levels over two years. They tend to be theory based academic qualifications which are assessed by a series of examinations at the end of your second year. You'll also take exams at the end of your first year, known as AS Levels but these aren't always stand alone qualifications.

Requirements

The specific requirements needed to study A levels will vary across schools and colleges but as a guide colleges may ask for grade 5s in at least four or five different GCSE subjects (or equivalent).  To study some subjects higher grades may be required e.g. maths, further maths and single sciences.  It's important to check what you will need with the sixth form or college you are looking to applying to, entry requirements may be found on their websites, you can talk to staff at open events about entry criteria or email them direct.

Should I do A Levels?

If you're thinking about going to university, higher education courses recognise and accept A levels, A levels combined with alternative level 3 qualifications e.g. BTECs, CTECs, WJECs or combinations of A levels (or alternative level 3 qualifications) and/or vocational or sector specific level 3 qualifications.  If you’re not sure what career or job you want to do, studying a selection of A levels can be a good way of keeping your options open. For certain careers specific A levels may be essential or desirable e.g. doctor, veterinary surgeon, architect, engineering, solicitor, teacher or computer scientist may specify certain subjects at A level in order to guarantee entry onto degree programmes at particular higher education institutions.  It's always worth investigating careers and entry requirements yourself so you get the full picture. Further down this section you will find websites from, Russell Groups, UniGuide, and our Opportunities section to help investigate A Levels further to help you. Scroll down and take a look!

Useful Websites & Resources... 

Russell Group Informed Choices

Find Russell Group universities webpage to explore what you could do with your A Levels.

UniGuide

Use the A level Explorer tool on the UniGuide website, providing clarity on subjects needed to study on specific degree courses.