What are UK A-Levels?

Asked by: Prof. Jayne Runolfsdottir  |  Last update: March 15, 2022
Score: 5/5 (20 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.

How do UK A Levels work?

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're usually assessed by a series of examinations.

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...

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.

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

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Can I go to uni without A Levels?

Although A Levels are primarily for those seeking to get into university, yes it is possible to get to university without A levels and qualify for a university course. An Access to Higher Education (Access to HE) course is a flexible way of getting into university and suits those who are returning to education.

Can I go to uni with 2 A Levels?

Can you take A-levels and Btecs at the same time? Yes you can. When deciding whether to take a combination of Btec and A-levels, you should think about how it might affect what you want to do in the future, particularly when it comes to university.

What are T levels in UK?

T Levels are new courses which follow GCSEs and are equivalent to 3 A levels. These 2-year courses, which launched September 2020, have been developed in collaboration with employers and businesses so that the content meets the needs of industry and prepares students for work, further training or study.

What are GCSE and A Levels?

They both are necessary to complete High School in the UK. GCSES are level 2 qualifications. A levels (GCEs) are level 3 qualifications. You generally cannot do A Levels until you complete your GCSEs.

Can I go to university with as levels?

Schools and colleges are not legally obliged to offer AS-levels and enter students for the relevant exams, so not everywhere will offer them. When choosing your A-levels – including whether you want to stay at your school to study them, or go elsewhere – check what options the institution offers.

What level is a diploma UK?

Level 5 qualifications are: diploma of higher education ( DipHE )

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.

What is harder GCSE or A level?

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.

Are A levels harder than uni?

A-Level students are able to spend a lot more time in lessons, and tend to have more contact and support from teachers, compared to university students. University students are required to do a lot more independent study than A-Level students are. Content is more detailed at university than it is at sixth form.

Can adults do T Levels?

T Levels will be an option for adults of any age to study as part of the government's new lifetime skills guarantee, the education secretary has surprisingly claimed.

How many A levels can I take?

How many A-Levels can you take? You can take a maximum of five A-Levels, although most students choose three. Most universities are happy to offer you a place based on three subjects. This number often excludes general studies, so check the course entry requirements if you're thinking of taking general studies.

Who can do A levels?

A-Level courses are provided for free to students aged 16 to 18 in the UK. All they have to pay to get their A-Levels are a symbolic fee for taking their final exams, which at maximum can be £100.

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.

Can you take A levels at any age?

Actually, there's no age limit to A Levels, providing the entry requirements are met! So it doesn't matter if you're 16 or 79, you can still take your A Level exams.

Should I take 4 A levels?

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 happens if I fail my A levels?

If you completely failed your A levels or didn't even sit the exams, there are still apprenticeships you can take advantage of. You'll most likely have to start on a Level 2 apprenticeship. These are a great entry point to a career and will usually lead on to higher levels.

How do I get a Levels UK?

Usually, you will need to have taken 5 GCSE with grades from A* to C by the time you apply for your A-level course. Note that for competitive study programs you must try to get as higher grades in your GCSE to have realistic chances of admission.

Are online A levels accepted by universities?

The short answer is yes! Online A-Levels are accepted by universities not only in the UK, but globally too!

What are the hardest A-Levels UK?

According to SnapRevise, the hardest A-Level subjects to study are:
  1. Modern foreign languages.
  2. Further maths.
  3. History.
  4. Physics.
  5. English literature.
  6. Chemistry.
  7. Maths.
  8. Psychology.