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Choosing AS / A levels

An A-level is a General Certificate of Education (GCE) qualification which shows you have studied a specific subject to an Advanced Level.

What is an A-level?

A-levels consist of two parts – the AS (year one) and A2 (year two) – normally a full A-level takes two years to complete.  An AS Level can be the first half of an A-level or it can be a qualification on its own. Some subjects are assessed on course work and exams, while other subjects are assessed by exams only.

A wide range of A-levels are available from subject based – for example English Literature, History or Maths – to work-based / vocational – for example Health and Social Care or Hospitality.

How do I choose my subjects?

  • choose subjects you will enjoy – A-levels can be very challenging – students that study subjects they are interested in tend to do better in these subjects
  • choose subjects that you will be good at – If you are considering Higher Education, passes with good grades will offer more opportunity to secure a University / College place
  • choose subjects that you will need – If you have a particular career / course in mind spend time researching possible A-level subject requirements. Some Higher Education courses will require specific subjects to meet their entrance requirements

Examples:

Medicine - Offers are made on the basis of three A-levels and a fourth AS-level - AAA at A-level + A at AS. A maximum of either one Applied A-level or one Applied AS-level will be counted. Chemistry is required plus at least one other science, preferably Biology and the UK Clinical Aptitude Test – UKCAT.

Engineering and Technology usually require Maths and Physics.

Healthcare professions such as Physiotherapy usually ask for at least one science and the Health Professions Admission test – HPAT.

  • for many degrees like English, French and Maths you will normally need an A-Level in this subject
  • for other degrees such as Economics, Law, Sociology and psychology an A-level in the subject is generally not required, though it is useful to have studied a similar subject to show your interests and capabilities
  • vocationally related A-Levels such as Business Studies are not required for courses or careers in that area but can be a useful way of exploring the subject prior to committing yourself to that career area
  • choose new subjects – You can start a subject from scratch which may not have been available to you in Year 11 / 12. If you are considering taking a new subject you will need to research what the course will involve. A good way to start your research would be to speak to the subject teacher. New subjects on offer may include Psychology, Sociology or Politics

What are the alternatives to A-levels?

It is important to be aware that A-levels are not your only option. Before you make your final decision you should investigate other routes to achieving your long term aims.

Schools and Further Education Colleges may offer alternative qualifications such as Level 3 Extended Diplomas. These qualifications are related to specific areas of work and may be known as vocational; such as Sport or Travel and Tourism, and provide an alternative route into employment or Higher Education.

Sixth Form guides and Further Education Prospectuses will provide detailed information on the range of courses available.

What can I do now?

You can speak to people for advice and guidance. Useful contacts include, careers teachers, subject teachers, careers advisers and further education college careers staff.

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