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Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced levels

If you want to study a particular subject in detail, AS and A level qualifications may be for you. They are highly valued by schools, colleges and employers.

AS and A levels: what are they?

AS (Advanced Subsidiary) and A (Advanced) level qualifications focus on traditional study skills. They normally take two years to complete full-time in school or FE college, although they're also available to study part-time.

You can choose from a wide range of academic subjects, as well as some 'applied' (work-related) subjects.

AS and A levels are at level 3 on the National Qualifications Framework. The framework shows how different types of qualifications compare, in terms of the demands thay place on learners.

Where they can lead

A and AS levels are one of the main routes into higher education, but they're also useful if you want to go straight into a job, such as office administration or trainee accountancy.

A levels: AS plus A2

A levels are made up of the AS level and the A2. Each part makes up 50 per cent of the overall A level grade.

AS level

You can study the AS level as either a free standing qualification, or it can be the first half of the full A level.

At the end of the AS year, you have two options (depending on the preference of your school or college):

  • take the AS level qualification only
  • continue to the second year and go for the full A level

Year two: the A2

In year two of a full A level, you take the A2 - this is not a separate qualification, but rather the second half of the A level. The A2 is designed to deepen the knowledge you gained during the AS level.

The extended project

You can also choose to take the extended project. This is equivalent in size to half an A level and requires you to produce a single piece of work of your own choosing, showing evidence of planning, preparation, research and working on your own.

Who can take them?

Many students take AS and A level qualifications in Years 13 and 14, after completing their GCSEs. However, adults can take them too.

Entry requirements

In most cases, you need at least five GCSEs at grades A*-C. Sometimes, you need a grade B or above at GCSE in a particular subject to take it at AS or A level.

Some schools and FE colleges also ask that you have GCSE grade C or above in English and maths.

Subjects available

There are about 80 AS and A level subjects available. You can continue with subjects taken in Years 11and 12 and/or take new ones.

Most students studying for A levels take three or four AS levels in their first year. Doing this means you can keep your options open about which subjects to study as a full A level.

How are you assessed?

The majority of  AS and A2 are now each made up of two units - although some subjects still have three.

You are normally assessed on a mixture of approximately 70 per cent written exams and approximately 30 per cent internal assessment. This will vary from subject to subject with some being completely assessed through written exams.

There is assessment of practical skills in some subjects like science or art. All A levels must also include some 'synoptic assessment' as part of the A2. This means testing your understanding of the whole subject, and will normally contribute 20 per cent to the full A level.

Grades, marks and 'cashing in'

Grades

AS and A levels are graded A-E. The results are announced in August and March each year. An A* grade will be first awarded at A Level in 2010. The A* grade will be awarded to students achieving a grade A overall at A Level and then at least 90% or more on the uniform mark scale (UMS) for their A2 units.

Marks

Your results slip will also show a score on something called the 'Uniform Mark Scale' (UMS). The AS is scored out of 200 UMS marks and the A level out of 400 marks.

'Cashing in'

Once you have taken the 2 units for the AS level, and are happy with your award, you let the exam board know. This is called 'cashing in'. If you're not happy, you can opt to resit a unit.

What happens if your exam doesn't go well?

If on the day of the exam something happens outside your control to affect your performance, you may be eligible for special consideration. If this happens to you, it's important that you speak to your teachers as soon as possible.

Resits

You can also choose to resit individual units (although there are time limits and some are not available in January). The awarding body will count the higher mark from your two attempts.

Re-marks and recounts

If you think something may have gone wrong with marking your exam, your school or college can ask for a re-mark or recount.

Appeals

If you are still unhappy, your school or college can appeal to the awarding body and if necessary, to the independent Examinations Appeals Board. This is a final appeal.

Where can your A and AS levels lead?

A and AS levels are one of the main routes into employment or higher education.

UCAS points

If you're applying to university or college, they earn the following points in the 'UCAS Tariff':

Grade

A Level

AS Level
A* 140 n/a
A 120 60
B 100 50
C 80 40
D 60 30
E 40 20

Normally, to take a higher education course you'll need at least two full A levels or the equivalent.

More help and advice

Advice for young people

For more information speak to a careers teacher, contact:

Advice for adult learners

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