What are A levels in UK?

Asked by: Hope Bernhard  |  Last update: March 17, 2022
Score: 4.6/5 (64 votes)

A-Levels (Advanced Level qualifications) are a UK subject-based qualification for students aged 16 and above. They are usually studied over two years, leading to qualifications recognised for entrance to higher education institutes in the UK and many others worldwide.

What is an A Level equivalent to?

BTEC Nationals are the ones that are equivalent to A-levels, recommended for those who have achieved at least four A*-C grades at GCSE. There are over 250 qualifications to choose from covering a range of industries.

What are A Levels in UK compared to US?

A levels are equivalent in terms of content to APs, Collegeboard Advanced Placement exams, (however getting into specifics, their content do vary slightly), however in terms of usage, the A level according to US unis is equivalent to the SAT II but some of them can be cashed for some credits...

What is GCSE and A Level in UK?

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (International GCSE) and International Advanced Level (IAL) are the UK equivalent of school-leaving or university entrance examinations and are available in a wide range of subjects.

What is an A Level equivalent to in the US?

For those considering US universities, the American equivalent for A Levels are the AP examinations.

UK School Exams - GCSEs, A-Levels, IB's

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What are A Levels in UK compared to Canada?

Canadian-UK grade equivalents

Grade twelve is roughly half way between GCSEs and A-levels. So GCSEs are roughly equivalent to grade eleven, that is, one year short of Canadian high school graduation. A-levels, on the other hand, are about a year more advanced than the Canadian grade twelve.

DO YOU NEED A Levels to go to university in America?

Entry requirements for American Universities

You will need to be studying post-16 qualifications (ie A-Levels) for four-year universities but you could get into a community college with less. For more competitive universities, you will need to be studying at least 3 A-Levels or their equivalent.

What's harder GCSE or A levels?

You hear it all the time – A-Levels are a lot harder than GCSEs. While this doesn't sound that comforting coming from your teacher or parent just as you're trying to choose your A-Level options, it's true. A-Levels are a big jump from GCSE.

Is A levels higher than GCSE?

A-Levels, short for Advanced Levels, are a higher qualification than the GCSEs. A-Levels are subject-based qualifications that are divided into two stages. ... Students study 3 or more A-Levels over two years. At the end of each stage, students must take their exams.

Are SATS equivalent to A Levels?

The SAT is not the American equivalent to A levels, Americans also take either Honour classes, Advanced Placement classes or IB if possible sometimes they will take a mixture of the 3, but this is not compulsory.

What are GCSE called in America?

There is no common equivalent to GCSE in the USA; there is no exam at 16. There is no direct equivalent to A-level, though AP gets quite close. There is no common equivalent to GCSE in the USA; there is no exam at 16. There is no direct equivalent to A-level, though AP gets quite close.

Is college equivalent to A Levels?

Most colleges offer A levels as do sixth forms, but also have a huge number of other qualifications available in different subjects and at different levels. Not all colleges, however, will offer the same 'mix' of subjects so it's very important to check carefully what is available locally.

Can you go to uni with 2 A levels?

If you are trying to go for a course which has a high entry requirement of UCAS points, you will either need to get 2 A levels with distinctions to have a proper chance, or get all 3 A levels done. It all depends on your chosen course for uni etc.

Is 2 A levels enough for uni?

2 is the minimum though it is a very narrow course and the more prestigious universities will require three. Doing four or more isn't usually recommended any more UNLESS it is further mathematics (and maths, further maths and physics is a very narrow combination so, if doing that, I would add an extra subject).

Do you get certificates for A levels?

A level results certificates

Your teen's certificate will be sent to the school around four months after results day. Make sure you collect it or have it posted to you as soon as possible.

At what age do you take A-Levels?

A Levels are usually studied by students in Sixth Form, which refers to the last two years of secondary education in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, taken at ages 16–18.

What are the easiest A-Levels?

What are the easiest A-Levels to take?
  • Business Studies. Now, despite featuring as the most difficult subject on our list of easiest A-Levels, Business Studies still boasts a pass rate of 98%. ...
  • Design & Technology (D&T) ...
  • Art. ...
  • Textiles. ...
  • Drama/Theatre Studies. ...
  • Geography.
  • Law. ...
  • Archaeology.

Are 4 A-Levels too much?

If you want to take your education to the highest level, then taking 4 A-Levels is definitely for you. Revered universities will take in only the best students, and a great way to show you are the best is by doing 4 A-Levels. Apart from further education and jobs, there isn't really much taking 4 A-Levels can gain you.

What level is a GCSE?

Level 2 qualifications are: CSE - grade 1. GCSE - grades 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4 or grades A*, A, B, C. intermediate apprenticeship.

What are the different levels of education in UK?

The education system in the UK is divided into four main parts, primary education, secondary education, further education and higher education. Children in the UK have to legally attend primary and secondary education which runs from about 5 years old until the student is 16 years old.

What do a level grades mean?

A Level grades explained

A levels are graded in a similar way to GCSEs and graded A*-E. When applying to university, AS level grades (for subjects that were just taken for one year) and final A level grades are converted into UCAS points – with the higher grades scoring higher points.

Can I apply to Harvard with A Levels?

The A-level, Scottish Highers, International Baccalaureate (IB) and Pre-U programs are all excellent preparation for study in the US, and Harvard does not have a preference among the programs.

Which countries accept A Levels?

Students use Cambridge International AS & A Levels to gain places at leading universities worldwide including the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, Singapore, Egypt, Jordan, South Africa, the Netherlands, Germany and Spain.

Does Yale accept A Levels?

At a Yale admitted students event, the majority had 3-4 A Levels (3 is the average number usually taken by British students). Most people had predicted grades of around A*AA - A*A*AA.