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Everything You Need To Know About the A-Levels

International A Levels serve as a stepping stone for students aiming to secure admission to top-tier universities such as Harvard, Stanford, and Cambridge.

Most students and parents would have heard about A Levels from one place or another, but very few people actually know exactly what this pathway entails.

In this blog, we’ll provide you with everything you need to know about the International A-Levels, delve into the diverse range of subjects available, shed light on the grading system, and demonstrate how this pathway unlocks opportunities to prestigious universities across the globe.

What are A-Levels?

Advanced Levels (usually referred to as just A Levels) are qualifications in particular subjects that are usually the final academic courses taken before a student attends university.

You can study three or more A-levels over the final two years before starting university. A-Levels are assessed using a set of examinations, and although they’re a UK-based qualification, they are widely accepted worldwide.

What Subjects Can You Study?

There are a range of subjects you can take while pursuing an A-Level qualification. The most popular courses include:

• Mathematics
• Further Mathematics
• English Literature
• English Language

For a complete list of A-Level courses refer to the CIE’s official website .

You can also take your A-Levels entirely online . Crimson Global Academy (CGA) is a global online school with the mission to provide premium education without the constraints of physical schooling.

CGA offers very close support for students in selecting A Level subjects: this is vital because future courses at university and future careers will often have specific requirements for A Level subjects. We can provide expert advice in this important area.

Cambridge vs. Edexcel

There are two exam boards for A-Levels: Edexcel and Cambridge.

Pearson Edexcel A Levels  are widely recognized in the UK and follow a module-based system. Students have the flexibility to retake modules to improve their subject grades, and exams are typically held in May and November.

On the other hand,  Cambridge A Levels  offers a diverse range of subjects and flexible combinations. These qualifications cater to the needs of international learners and also provide opportunities for non-native English speakers to demonstrate their English proficiency, which is valued by many British universities.

What is Crimson Global Academy?

Structure and Format of A Level Qualification

A-Levels are broken down into two parts: the AS Level and A2 Level:

• The first year of your A Level qualification is known as the AS Level , where you’ll study courses that provide with enough understanding to progress to A-level.
• The second year of your A Level is known as the A2 Level . A2 Level courses are the second half of the A-level courses, and build on the curriculum you studied during AS level.

Typically, students take 4-5  AS Level subjects  in their second to last year of high school.

They will then go on to take 3-4 of those subjects at the A2 Level, often taking extra subjects at AS Level to fill up their timetable (without completing the full A Level) in their final year of high school.

Here’s a summary of typical timeline of an international A-levels student:

• Second to last year of high school: 4-5 AS-level subjects
• Final year of high school: 3-4 A2 level subjects +additional AS-level subjects.

While this is the typical timeline for studying A Levels, if you’re interested in competing for spots at the  top US universities , you might need more than 4 A Level subjects to stand out in the competitive applicant pool.

How are A-Levels Assessed?

The majority of Edexcel/ Cambridge AS and A Level subjects are externally assessed. These exams are offered at different times throughout the year:

• Cambridge exams: June and November
• Edexcel: June, October and January

Students typically sit one set of exams at the end of AS, and another at the end of A2.

CGA's Edexcel International A Levels offers three examination dates, which means more opportunities for re-sits. This allows students to  improve their grades  if needed.

Edexcel's mark schemes tend to be more detailed, providing clearer indications of how students can earn credit for their answers compared to Cambridge's mark schemes.

For  sciences  like Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, Cambridge International AS Level sciences require students to complete practical examinations under exam conditions. Edexcel A Levels , however, tend to be more theoretical and do not include these practical examinations.

Practical exams can sometimes drag down students' grades in Cambridge A Levels as schools may lack the resources for adequate practice in experimental skills. This is a situation that students won't encounter with Edexcel A Levels.

How are A-Levels Graded?

In terms of grading, Cambridge students receive a percentage grade at the end of their AS Level exams, and a final overall A Level percentage grade that’s the average of their AS and A2 Level grades combined.

Note that there are no A* grades awarded for AS Level. They are only awarded for completion of full A Level qualification. Also, you do not receive your separate A2 Level grade, only your combined A Level grade.

Edexcel students receive grades after their examinations at the end of every module according to the table below.

Their final average grade is the weighted average of the modules they sit through during the AS and A2 portions by a predefined weighting that you can find in each subject’s syllabus online.

A Level Grading System

While the percentage grade boundaries may look intimidating, one of the great things about International AS and A Levels is that you don’t have to get 90% or 70% of the questions correct to end up getting a 90% or 70% on your report card.

International AS and A Levels employ scaling , which converts raw marks to Percentage Uniform Marks. The exams are calibrated against other students' performance , resulting in most raw marks being scaled up. Scaling ensures a fair representation of performance and determines the A*-E grade displayed on the certificate of completion.

Edexcel and Cambridge publish grade thresholds after each exam sitting on their respective websites to maintain transparency in the scaling process.

What Is a Good A-Level Grade?

If you’re looking to apply to a top 30 university, aim for grades that sit in the A or A* band . For those considering US universities, the American equivalent for A Levels are the AP examinations .

What Happens on A Levels Results Day?

The A-level results day for 2024 is  Thursday 15 August 2024 . You can collect your A-level results any time after 8am on results day - when they're released by the exam boards.

There are a few different outcomes that could happen:

• You get your predicted grade and meet your firm (first) offer : Congratulations! Once your UCAS Hub status updates you’ll be sent a confirmation from your firm choice. Now you can sit back and  start preparing for university .
• You miss your predicted grades : This is disappointing but there are several outcomes if this happens:
• Unconditional Offer - Your choice of firm offer might still offer you a place
• Unconditional Changed Course (UCC) - you don't have the necessary grades for your offer, but the university has proposed a similar course requiring lower grades. They may also offer an alternative start date, such as deferred entry. You have five days to decide and can discuss the opportunity with the university in question.
• Insurance Offer - You accept your insurance offer
• Unsuccessful - you've not been accepted by your choice(s). You're now eligible to enter Clearing
• Retaking the A Levels
• Reapplying the next year

Are A Levels right for you?

A Levels are superb, academically rigorous, and inspiring courses . However, they can also be demanding courses that require a serious commitment to diligent work. To be successful in A-Level study, students will need a secure foundation at the International GCSE level of study or equivalent.

We offer a wide range of A Level and International GCSE courses which are taught fully online, by experienced and outstanding teachers from around the world. CGA can provide a full programme of A Levels, to full-time CGA students, or we can offer a part-time programme: individual A Level courses which students can take alongside their academic programme in their home school. If you are keen to study A Levels then CGA would be delighted to hear from you!

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Key Resources & Further Reading

• Join our free webinars on university applications
• Free eBooks and guides to help with the college application process
• A Levels, AP or IB: Which Curriculum will help you get into Top Universities?
• Can I Study A-Levels or International-GCSEs Online?

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• What are A-levels?

Published 10th May 2024 by Alastair

• UK Universities
• Expert Insights

Comprehensive Guide to the UK Education System in 2024

Transitioning from the realm of GCSEs to the next stage —A Levels— becomes a critical milestone for UK students aspiring to enter university. These advanced qualifications hold immense importance, serving as the bridge to higher education and future career paths. In this article, we delve into the finer details of the A Level qualification, examining its structure, significance, and impact on academic and professional trajectories.

What are A Levels?

A Levels, formally known as Advanced Level qualifications, play a pivotal role in the UK education system, marking a significant progression from GCSEs. Typically undertaken by students in Year 12 and Year 13 of secondary education, A Levels offer a specialised and rigorous academic path. Lasting for a duration of two years, typically beginning at age 16 or 17, A Levels provide students ample time to delve deeply into their chosen subjects, fostering a comprehensive understanding and honing vital skills for future academic pursuits or career aspirations.

Why Choose A Levels?

• Universally acknowledged by universities for admission purposes
• Allows for deeper specialisation in chosen subjects
• Provides flexibility to customise studies according to individual interests and career goals
• Establishes a strong academic groundwork
• Enhances critical thinking, analytical prowess, and research skills
• Considered the most traditional pathway to higher education

If you want to learn more about what A Levels offer you over other higher-level certifications, our article on the Differences between IB and A Levels thoroughly compares both qualifications.

Are A Levels Right for You?

As explained in the section above, A Levels provide a more traditional academic pathway, often favoured by universities for admission. Therefore, if you are looking to follow a more traditional academic career path, then A Levels would be a good option.

For students with different learning styles or career ambitions, alternative qualifications available in Year 12 and 13 present compelling options. The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, for instance, offers a holistic education with a strong emphasis on critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and global engagement. You can find out more about the difference between IBs and A Levels in this article .

Similarly, vocational qualifications such as BTECs (Business and Technology Education Council) provide hands-on, practical learning experiences tailored to specific industries, appealing to students with a preference for applied learning.

Furthermore, apprenticeships offer an alternative route for students keen on gaining practical work experience while studying towards a recognised qualification. Through apprenticeship programmes, students can acquire valuable skills and industry-specific knowledge, paving the way for a smooth transition into the workforce upon completion.

Ultimately, the decision between A Levels and alternative qualifications hinges on individual preferences, career aspirations, and learning styles, with each option offering distinct advantages tailored to diverse educational and professional pathways.

What Grades Do I Need to Take A Levels?

Students usually enter A Level courses after completing their GCSEs or equivalent qualifications, however, there are no explicit requirements to complete GCSEs to take A Levels. While specific requirements can vary depending on the institution, students are generally expected to have attained a certain level of academic achievement in GCSEs or an equivalent qualification, often including passes in English and Mathematics. These GCSE grades required for entry to A Level courses commonly range from grades 9-4 or A*-C.

Transitioning from GCSEs to A Levels often involves a significant increase in difficulty for many students. This transition is marked by the heightened expectations of independent study, deeper conceptual understanding, and more rigorous assessment methods characteristic of A Level education. As a result, some students may experience challenges adjusting to the academic demands and pace of A Level study initially. However, with dedication, effective study habits, and support from teachers, students can successfully navigate this transition and excel in their A Level courses.

Who Are A Levels For?

• Are looking to pursue higher education, as A Levels are widely recognised by UK and International Universities.
• Have a clear vision of academic or career goals. Typically, students who excel in STEM subjects, or are academically adept and are looking to pursue more traditional career paths will benefit from taking A Levels.
• Are intellectually curious, motivated, and enjoy delving deeply into subjects.
• Demonstrate self-discipline and embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.

What Subjects Can You Study:

You can find a more comprehensive breakdown of A Levels you can take in our article on The Hardest A Levels in 2024 . However, the top 10 most popular A Level subjects are:

• Mathematics
• Business Studies

How to Choose A Level Subjects:

If you’re up for a challenge and are curious on what the more difficult A Level subjects are, you can find that out here.

Here are some tips to guide you through the process:

• Identify subjects that genuinely interest you and align with your strengths. Consider subjects you enjoy studying and excel in, as this will help maintain your motivation and engagement throughout the A Level course.
• Investigate the entry requirements for your desired university courses or degree programmes. Some universities may have specific subject prerequisites or preferences, so ensure your chosen A Level subjects meet these criteria. If you're unsure, reach out to university admissions teams at your school for clarification.
• Certain professions may require specific A Level subjects or prefer candidates with a particular academic background. Tailoring your A Level choices to align with your career goals can enhance your prospects in the future job market.
• While it's essential to choose subjects that reflect your interests and career aspirations, it's also wise to keep your options open. Select a balanced combination of subjects that offer versatility and flexibility, allowing you to explore different fields of study and keep doors open for future opportunities.
• Don't hesitate to seek advice from teachers, careers advisors, or subject experts when making your A Level subject choices. They can provide valuable insights, guidance, and information about the suitability of different subjects based on your interests, strengths, and future plans.
• Consider the workload and demands of each A Level subject, as well as your ability to manage them effectively. Be realistic about your academic capabilities and workload capacity to ensure you can maintain a balance between your studies and other commitments. It is often advised not to take more than four A Levels (where one is typically dropped in the first year) and spread your efforts too thin.

By carefully considering your interests, university requirements, and career goals, you can choose the right A Level subjects that will set you on the path to academic success and future career fulfilment.

How Are A Levels Assessed?

Examinations:

A significant portion of A Level assessment is conducted through written examinations, which are typically held at the end of the two-year course. These exams assess students' ability to recall and apply knowledge, analyse information, and demonstrate critical thinking skills. Examinations may consist of essay-style questions, short-answer questions, multiple-choice questions, and practical assessments, depending on the subject.

Coursework: In addition to examinations, some A Level subjects may include coursework components, which allow students to demonstrate their skills through practical tasks, research projects, or extended essays. Coursework assessments provide students with opportunities to showcase their understanding of concepts, apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, and develop essential skills such as research, analysis, and problem-solving.

Now, here's a table outlining the A Level grading system:

The grading system ranges from A* (the highest grade) to U (ungraded). Grades A* to E are considered passing grades, with A* and A representing the highest levels of achievement. The grading criteria are based on the percentage of marks obtained in examinations and coursework components, with specific grade boundaries set by examination boards for each subject.

Overall, the A Level grading system provides a comprehensive assessment framework to evaluate students' academic performance and achievements across their chosen subjects.

What Happens on A Levels Result Day?

On The Day A-level Results Day follows a familiar pattern each year. Usually, results day is on or around the 15th of August, with results accessible from 06:00am onwards.Students usually collect their results from their school or college, but many schools and colleges make A-level results available online, as well as via email or post. Depending on the student’s performance, here is a breakdown of the different types of offers Universities, as well as alternative routes should the student not achieve their expected grades:

Conditional and/or Unconditional Offers Conditional offers are made by universities to students contingent upon them meeting certain conditions, usually specific A-level grades or other qualifications. For example, a university might offer a student a place on a course with the condition that they achieve grades AAB in their A-level exams. Conditional offers are common and are based on predicted grades or achieved grades at the time of application.

Unconditional offers, on the other hand, are offered regardless of the student's exam results. This means that the student has already secured a place on the course without having to meet any further conditions related to their grades. Unconditional offers are less common and are typically made to students who have already achieved the required grades or have demonstrated exceptional academic performance.

It can also be challenging for those who don't achieve their expected grades, prompting the exploration of alternative options like re-sitting exams or entering the Clearing process facilitated by UCAS.

Clearing Clearing is a process facilitated by UCAS that provides students who haven't secured a university place with an opportunity to find available courses. It typically opens in July and continues through to September. During clearing, students can search for courses with vacancies and contact universities directly to discuss their options. Once a suitable course is found, students can add it as their Clearing choice through UCAS Track.

Regardless of the outcome, A Levels result day signifies a transition to the next stage of life, whether it be university, employment, or further education. It's a day of reflection and decision-making as students look towards the future with optimism and determination.

What Can You Do After A Levels?

Some opt for vocational training or apprenticeships to gain practical skills and industry-specific qualifications, providing direct pathways to employment.

Entering the Workforce Others may decide to enter the workforce directly, exploring entry-level positions, internships, or trainee programmes in various sectors.

Gap Year Some students take a gap year to travel, volunteer, or gain life experiences before committing to further education or employment, providing opportunities for personal growth and exploration.

Ultimately, the choice depends on individual preferences, personal circumstances, career aspirations, and long-term objectives.

What are A-Levels in the UK?

What is an a level equivalent to, are a-levels year 12 or 13.

A Levels are divided into two parts: AS-Levels and A Levels. A-Levels are the combination of the whole qualification taken over the two years, while AS-Levels would be the qualification for just the first year. This is why it is possible to drop a subject after the first year, and students typically choose four subjects in year 11 and drop one subject after the end of year 12. After going through a reform in 2015, the format of A Levels and AS Levels changed. The Student Room provides a comprehensive article that breaks down how A Levels are structured.

Can you do A-Levels without GCSE?

There are no requirements to study GCSEs before A levels. Otherwise, international students, for example, would have to study for an extra two years! Most students typically take A Levels through their school or sixth-form college and will naturally transition from GCSEs to A Levels. Older students, or students who have not taken their GCSEs, will typically find a local education centre or sixth form college to apply for A Level qualifications.

How do I balance my workload with multiple A Levels?

Effective time management, prioritisation, and seeking support from teachers or tutors can help balance the workload of multiple A-level subjects. Ivy Education have also created a GCSE Revision Guide to help students handling their workload. Yes, this isn’t an A Level Guide, but the tips are completely transferrable! Read it here.

What are the benefits of taking A Levels compared to other qualifications?

A-levels offer depth of study, flexibility, and are widely recognized by universities, providing pathways to higher education and career opportunities.

How can Ivy Education help me succeed in my A Levels?

We offer tailored support, including subject-specific tutoring, exam preparation, and academic guidance to help students excel in their A-level studies. If you are interested in our full range of services, please contact us today !

Are online resources enough for A Level preparation, or should I consider tuition?

While online resources can be valuable, personalised tuition provides individualised support, feedback, and guidance tailored to students' specific learning needs and goals.

Ivy Education offers A Level specialist tutors who have had years of experience in helping students get into the the world’s top academic institutions.

They provide a rigorous and versatile educational experience, fostering critical thinking, subject expertise, and transferable skills crucial for success in higher education and the workforce.

With their international recognition and direct pathways to university entry, A Levels offer students opportunities to pursue their passions, specialize in their chosen fields, and unlock a world of career possibilities.

For those seeking personalised support and expert guidance to excel in their A Levels, Ivy Education is here to help. With Ivy Education's dedicated tutors , specialist consultants , and dedicated resources, students can confidently navigate their A-level studies and achieve their academic goals.

Need more help?

We are experts in providing bespoke online and in-person one-to-one A-Level tutoring.

BY Alastair

Alastair Delafield is the Managing Director and founder of Ivy Education.

Other Articles

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Hardest A Levels 2024

IB or A Levels: Which is the Right Choice?

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A-Levels and AS-Levels Explained

A-Levels and AS-Levels are an important part of the UK education system, offering students a pathway to higher education or the workforce.

However, the system can be confusing, particularly for those who are unfamiliar with it. It can be confusing as to what A-levels are and how AS-levels factor into the overall study process.

What are AS-levels?

An AS-level is an advanced qualification studied after GCSEs. The AS stands for Advanced Subsidiary and, in terms of UCAS Tariff points , an A at AS-level is equivalent to a B at A-level (40 points). You cannot achieve an A* at AS-level.

Students are not required to study AS-levels but have the option if they wish to. It effectively allows you to study a fourth subject on top of the three A-levels you have chosen and is studied for a year.

Previously, AS-levels would contribute to the overall score of your A-levels. However, in 2015, the UK government announced changes to how AS-levels are taught , which meant these qualifications may no longer have exam assessments and are now considered to be a standalone qualification.

What are A-levels?

An A-level is a school leaving qualification. These subjects are generally studied over two years. Typically, students can chose between three and four subjects for their A-levels. Those who opt for a fourth choice will have that subject studied as an AS-level. Once you have selected your fourth subject, you will not be able to study it in the second year, meaning that you will have three A-levels to study in your second year. Most degrees you apply for will relate to the A-levels you studied.

Typically, A-levels follow on from GCSE study. Despite the recommended age of 16-18-year-olds, mature students will often study A-levels, especially if they have been asked to do so by an employer or if they have a clearer picture of their careers moving forward.

The jump from GCSEs to A-levels can often be a little extreme for some students. GCSEs are the culmination of work done over nearly ten years of studying, whereas A-levels are compounding a lot of information into a shorter space of time.

How are A-levels graded?

A-levels and AS-levels are graded A*-E. Previously, this was also how GCSEs were graded, however, in September 2015, the Department for Education moved GCSEs onto a 1 to 9 grading system .

Then-Education Secretary Michael Gove implemented the change. As a result, GCSEs focus less on coursework and more on academic performance in exams and controlled assessments. A-levels are studied based on both coursework and exams.

These grades are then converted into UCAS tariff points for students who wish to attend university. The higher your score, the higher the points you will receive. The grades you will receive for your A-levels will largely depend on the exam board you are sitting your exam on. Some exam boards may score their grades higher or lower than others, so specific grading boundaries are not as easy to come by as they are for something like the international baccalaureate .

What A-levels should I study?

This will depend on you and the university course you want to apply for. Typically, students will pick A-levels that are closely linked to the course they are studying.

Despite this, there are several “facilitating subjects”. These A-level subjects are generally well-regarded by universities, regardless of the subject you are applying for.

The most common facilitating subjects are:

• Modern foreign languages

Not all universities will necessarily accept these for certain courses. There are A-level degree quizzes that can be found online, or you can use other resources such as Informed Choices . Teachers, parents, siblings, guardians and career advisors can also be invaluable sources of information and advice.

What do I do if I fail my exams?

Plenty of options are open for students whose exams do not go how they wanted. You can ask your school or college to re-mark your exam, though this may incur a fee, though this fee may be waived if your grade is changed. Re-marks are only for specific circumstances and may not be offered by all exam boards, schools or colleges.

You can also appeal your grade if you wish. Appeals can be done by the school or college you attended or by the exam board of your test paper. If you are still unsatisfied with the result of your appeal, you can always request an appeal from Ofqual , who will then take over the appeals process.

Retaking A-Levels is also possible. Many students decide to do this when they have not achieved the grades they wanted, and it often gives them a chance to revisit topics or areas they previously struggled with. You can retake A-levels at school, college, or sixth form. This gives you a chance to improve your prior grades and also gives you the opportunity to re-apply for a university if you did not meet their university entry requirements the first time or to gain some important work experience.

Will I be at a disadvantage if I don’t take AS-levels?

This will depend on you and your plans for the future. Not all universities require you to have an AS-level qualification, though some may. Most universities are looking more for the body of work a student has rather than if you have the right amount of UCAS points, so not having an AS-level is not necessarily a disadvantage.

Today, universities consider a lot more. Your personal statement, portfolios, work experience, or even university interviews or university entrance exams are more important to a university than whether or not you have an AS-level.

It is not uncommon for students to receive contextual offers . These offers are geared towards offering students who meet specific criteria (being a first-generation higher education student, being a young carer or being a refugee), in which their grades may be less of a consideration than they are with other offers.

What is involved with taking an AS-level?

This will depend on you and the choices you make. If you are studying an AS-level, you will effectively be studying four A-levels at once. You will sit an exam for your AS-level subject at the end of the year, determinining your final grade for that subject.

A-level and GCSE students are typically granted study leave . This is a process in which students can stay at home (or come to school if they wish) to study and revise for upcoming exams. AS-level students are not entitled to study leave, so you must find time to study away from school.

The workload will largely depend on you and your tolerance for study. Many students have reported that the workload is far greater than that of GCSEs, while others have said that they have noticed very little by way of change. Workloads can also be affected if you are sitting an AS-level on top.

Is it worth doing an AS-level?

There are pros and cons to sitting AS-levels. The pros are that they will increase the UCAS tariff points you will use to apply for a university. As they are separate from A-levels, it is an excellent way to still receive a qualification in a subject that you do not have the time or space to study beyond this point. Some universities may not specifically require AS-levels as part of their entry requirements. However, they will still see that you have them and will take their scores into account, particularly if they are higher scores.

The cons to this are that it can often take time away from studying your full A-levels. Most of your time will be spent in the first year studying for your AS-levels as you need to sit the exams for them at the end of the year. They can also be overwhelming for some students. As stated above, you will effectively be studying four A-levels in one year and not all students are well-equipped to deal with this.

Ultimately, the decision is yours. Only you know if the perks are worth the drawbacks and no one else can decide for you.

How much harder are A-levels compared to AS-levels?

This will depend on who you speak to. It is a common consensus that A-levels are much harder than AS-levels. This shouldn’t come as a surprise for most students, given that A-levels are worth 60% more than an AS-level.

The second year of A-levels is a lot harder than the first because there is more to learn. As a result, AS-levels, being only a year-long, will be much easier to study as there is less subject matter to cover.

What are my other options?

There are other alternatives to studying AS & A-levels. Many students explore other alternatives, especially if they think there are better options open to them or if they can study more vocational qualifications.

Many students decide to enter into the world of work after finishing their GCSEs. Some students feel that, after finishing school, they are done with their education and would prefer to go out and make a living. This is an excellent opportunity to build up some work experience and forge contacts within the industry you are working in. The best thing is that if you decide to improve your grades or are thinking of applying for a job with specific qualifications in mind, you can always return as a mature student.

Many students study BTECs . A BTEC is a qualification offered in England, Northern Ireland and Wales and specialises in a specific area or subject. BTECs are accepted by most universities and are good ways of having a head start in specific areas as these are technically considered to be vocational qualifications. BTECs can also be studied alongside A-levels, though this is usually done at a college rather than a school, which typically does not offer the BTEC qualification.

in 2017, they were formally introduced into the world of education in August of 2022. These are technical-based subjects that developed alongside employers and businesses to provide students with more industry-based knowledge. At their highest qualifications, T Levels are equivalent to three A*s at A-level.

What can you do after A-levels?

The choice is yours. Most students tend to go to university and study for an undergraduate degree or a foundation degree . This option does not suit all students, but it is an excellent way of putting yourself in the best possible position to find a job in the job market.

Most employers are keen for applicants to have work experience before applying. With this in mind, looking into apprenticeships or some employment training can be a good idea. Some employers have also been known to send employees to university to study a part-time course wherein they can study for a degree in their field and work during the week.

It is also possible to pursue other academic routes. The aforementioned foundation degree can be useful. However, other alternatives exist, such as a higher national diploma or a higher national certificate and are equivalent to a bachelor’s degree, without the need to study a three-year course.

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What are A-levels?

A-levels are the traditional qualifications that are offered by schools and colleges for students aged between 16 and 19.

Short for Advanced Level, A-levels come after GCSEs. They usually focus on academic subjects, compared to  vocational qualifications  like BTECs and NVQs, which are more practical. There are more than 40 different A-level subjects on offer – some will be subjects that you studied at GCSE and others may be new.

A-levels are highly valued by employers and universities so they can open up lots of doors to further study and careers.

'A-levels are academic qualifications which open the door to study and careers' Tweet this to your followers

How do A-levels work?

You usually study three or more A-levels over two years, then

Students choose which A-level subjects they want to study when they are doing their GCSEs, and admission is usually dependent on your GCSE grades.

You generally need at least five GCSEs  at grades 4-9 / A*-C to be able to take A-level subjects. Sometimes you also need a 5 / B or above at GCSE in the subject you want to take at A-level. But this varies depending on the school or college you’re going to so make sure you check this.

You usually study three or more A-levels over two years and they are assessed by a series of exams. You may also study AS-levels or vocational qualifications at the same time.

Where can I study A-level subjects?

You can study A-levels at school, sixth form or college. You don’t need to stay at the school where you did your GCSEs. For more information have a look at our advice about options after GCSEs .

Most people study A-levels full-time but you can also study them part-time at some colleges.

What is the difference between an AS and A2?

AS levels are basically half an A-level – they give a broad understanding of a subject but not in as much detail.

AS levels and A-levels are now separate courses, unlike in the

old days when the AS was part of the A-level course

Until recently, they counted towards a full A-level. So you’d get the AS level at the end of Year 12 and the A2 (the full A-level) at the end of Year 13.

But this has now changed.

From 2015 (2016/2017 for some subjects), AS levels are standalone courses, taken alongside – rather than as part of – A-levels.

This means that they won’t form part of an overall A-level grade. So you’ll only take your AS exams at the end of your first year and you’ll need to take all the exams for your A-levels at the end of the two-year course.

What does linear and modular course mean?

The new A-level will be linear, rather than modular. What does this mean? Well, you’ll take all the exams at the end of the two-year course rather than being assessed after each module.

There may be a bit of coursework but the majority of assessment will be through the  exams at the very end of your course. If the idea of exams makes you nervous, we've got you covered! Read our  A-level revision guide  to ace the exams.

Are A-levels right for me?

If you enjoy academic learning and want to study a broad range of subjects, they could be the perfect option for you.

A-levels help you keep your options open are are worth thinking

about if you know you want to go to university

If you're sure that you  want to go to university then they are worth considering. They are valued by universities, and also employers. Some universities require A-levels for certain courses and they won’t accept vocational qualifications .

They are good if you don’t know what you want to study at university, or haven’t pinned down your ideal career yet, because they keep a lot of options open.

A-level subjects are just one of many post-16 options and they are not for everyone.

If you already know exactly what career or trade you want to work in, you might find that a vocational qualification or apprenticeship is a better fit.

We know it's not easy to figure this out, so to help - we'll now take a look at the careers that you will need A-level subjects for. 

Which careers require A-levels?

Some careers require you to have a degree, and you need to have certain A-levels to get a place on that degree. 

Which?  has put together a handy guide showing what A-levels you need for the degree you want to study. Some common ones are:

• Veterinary science – biology and one or two subjects from chemistry, maths or physics.
• Medicine – chemistry, biology and either maths or physics.
• English – English literature.  
• Computer science – maths.
• Dentistry – chemistry, biology and either maths or physics.

If you have a certain degree or career in mind, it’s really important that you have a look at the entry requirements to those courses when choosing your A-level subjects so you don’t find yourself in a dilemma when applying.

If you have no idea what you want to do next, then you’re better off choosing a more general subject – read the next section to find out why. 

Which A-levels give you the most options?

There are some A-levels that help you to keep your options open. These are known as facilitating subjects . They are:

A-levels subjects include facilitating subjects which can help

you gain a uni place

• History 
• Modern languages  
• Classical languages  
• Maths and further maths 

The more of these you choose, the more university courses you will find are open to you when you start applying. So if you're not set on a particular degree or career, it's worth looking at these facilitating A-level subjects.

Some universities have a list of A-level subjects they prefer (to see an example, have a look at the University of Sheffield’s ). Some even actively discourage students from taking certain subjects.

How are A-levels different from GCSEs?

There’s quite a big leap in difficulty level between GCSE and A-level. A subject that you thought you’d got your head around will suddenly become a lot more complex! 

You’ll be studying things in more detail and you’ll probably find that your teacher or tutor expects a lot more independent study and engagement from you than they did at GCSE level. 

A-levels are just one option. Check out our article on post-16 options  to find out what you can do after your GCSEs.

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A-level courses

A-levels are respected in the UK and internationally. This is because they are a great indication to employers and higher education institutions (universities) that you've studied a subject thoroughly. In 2022 our students achieved a 98% pass rate, placing Oxbridge amongst the top colleges for A-level results in the UK.

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97% Pass Rate

In 2022, our students achieved a 98% pass rate, and 69% of our A-level pupils achieved a grade A or A*. That places Oxbridge amongst the top colleges for A-level results in the UK.  

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Already know what course you’re looking for?

More about a-level courses.

If you want more out of life and feel that your current qualifications (or lack of qualifications) have let you down, why not look into studying A-level courses online? A-levels are respected in the UK and internationally. This is because they are a great indication to employers and higher education institutions (universities) that you've studied a subject thoroughly.

Oxbridge is rated Best in the UK for our A-levels by Think Student.

In 2022, our students achieved a 98% pass rate and 69% of our A-level pupils achieved a grade A or A*. That places Oxbridge amongst the top colleges for A-level results in the UK.

Plus get access to our Uni Ready Pack for FREE , when you enrol on one of our A-level courses!

Get started with one of our online courses below

A-level ancient history, a-level and gcse maths bundle.

Become adept at problem-solving and logical thinking, and supercharge your career with this A-level and GCSE maths bundle!

A-level Art & Design (Fine Art)

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Many of our courses do not require exams however, A-levels , GCSEs and some other courses do require exams to complete the qualification. Exam fees are additional to the cost of the course and prices vary depending on the course and where you sit them – find out more .

Planning on studying A-levels or GCSEs with us? We can add your exams during enrolment and blend them into your monthly payment plan if you wish. If you’re not ready to book your exam(s) yet, you can book them at a later date – all of the information is available on MyOxbridge under NEAS and Exams.

Yes! One of the many benefits of being an Oxbridge student is that you get access to great discounts with a Student Beans account! Eligibility criteria apply and acceptance is made at the discretion of Student Beans. Find out how to sign up .

Oxbridge is able to provide an academic reference for you however, we cannot provide a personal reference as this needs to be someone who knows you personally.

At Oxbridge, we take enrolments all year round. Once you’re enrolled, you’ll be able to get started right away. Studying online means your work and revision fit around you and your lifestyle. For example, if you have a part-time job or need to study alongside other subjects, you’ll be able to find time to fit our online courses into your schedule.

Enjoy flexible, convenient, affordable learning, fully supported by expert tutors who are passionate about their subjects. We pride ourselves on the quality of our course tutors and know that they hold the key to success. Whatever your goals, dreams or aspirations, Oxbridge is here to help you facilitate them.

Absolutely! We can process a predicted grade for you once you have completed a total of four assignments – this can be sent over to you via email or letter which can then be passed on to UCAS for your application.

First of all, don’t worry – everything will be okay. Unfortunately, if you didn’t get a grade 4 or higher (equivalent to a C or above) in your English and Maths , you will have to re-take it in order to pass. Oxbridge is ready and available to support you with this. Get in touch via live chat, phone or email.

Oxbridge students who sat their exams through our partnership exam centres will usually receive their certificates in November. Certificates will be sent out by recorded delivery.

Wondering what to do next? There are so many options available, it’s important to get the right advice. Whether your choice is to continue onto further education, go into job training or get an apprenticeship and whether your grades are high or low – there are always options! Speak to an adviser today to see how we can support you on your next steps…

Yes! There are a number of post-result services available. Your entering centre will be able to provide you with further information and will process any requests for you. If you’re not sure where to turn, our friendly learning advisers are on hand and ready to help you.

A-levels are a universal way to demonstrate academic competency in a multitude of disciplines. A-levels are subject-based qualifications that lead to either university, further study, training, or work. A-levels serve as a standardised way to demonstrate your academic ability and are very common entry requirements to most higher-level courses.

Check for a cash-in code on your statement of entry. If there isn’t one, cash-in may not have been applied for. Cash-in can be applied for retrospectively from your exam centre and once entered you can expect an overall grade in one week.

A-levels can be studied from home with Oxbridge, using our online platform. On average we find that students receive 20% higher grades and pass around 30% more quickly than in a traditional college.

It’s possible to study an A-level course both full-time and part-time. Normally students would study for two years, but with Oxbridge, you can also fast-track your course to complete it in one year.

If you’re planning on going on to a degree, your chosen university will usually publish their entry requirements for each course on their website. See how these subjects feel and decide if you would enjoy them as they will form much of the base knowledge for your degree.

If you’re not entirely sure what to study, there are some standard subjects that many students choose to help them secure a place at a prestigious university, such as one of the  Russell Group universities . These courses are known as the ‘facilitating courses’ and include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English Literature, Geography, History, Maths, Further Maths, Modern Languages and Classical Languages.

Generally speaking, taking two facilitating subjects will allow you to keep your progression options open. For further help and guidance, we have written a detailed guide on  How to Choose A-Levels .

A-levels are the most common way to access university in the UK. The system in which this is done is called UCAS. This stands for: “the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service”. See the A-level UCAS tariff points breakdown below:

• A* – 56
• A – 48
• B – 40
• C – 32
• D – 24
• E – 16

Your student support will start as soon as you have paid for your course and will last for the set duration of your course. Support is available from your tutor and our highly trained administration team who can answer any questions you have. Shortly after enrolling, you will receive the contact details for your tutor and the login details to the MyOxbridge learning portal. From then onwards, you can contact your tutor as often as you need to; you can decide how much support is best for you. However, your tutor will not chase you for work. You are required to self-learn and reach out to your tutor for help whenever you need it. If you reach the end of your course duration and you have not completed the work, you can extend your tutor support, but there will be a fee to do so.

A-levels (also known as Advanced level qualifications) entail in-depth study of a chosen subject in order to open doors to further study including University, training, and work.

A-levels courses tend to focus on specific academic subjects such as Mathematics, English and the Sciences: Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The course material and the exams you take will be the same everywhere.

Are you ready to change your world?

We appreciate being bold is easier said than done. This is why the team at Oxbridge aim to help you feel confident and rest assured in taking your next steps. Our friendly, knowledgeable Learning advisers are always on hand to offer you the best guidance.

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Home » Blog » Understanding A-Levels: What They Are and How They Work

Understanding A-Levels: What They Are and How They Work

• 12 min read

• Brief History of A-Levels

Importance of A-Levels in the UK Education System

Definition and purpose, a-levels vs. other qualifications (gcse, ib, etc.), curriculum and structure, grading system, duration and coursework, compulsory and optional subjects, tips for choosing a-level subjects, exam preparation, exam format, retakes and resits, ucas points system, conditional and unconditional offers, clearing and adjustment, the role of a-levels in shaping future opportunities, tips for success in a-level studies.

Advanced Levels, or  A-Levels , are a set of qualifications that have been a cornerstone of the British education system since their inception in 1951. They were introduced as a more rigorous and specialized alternative to the Ordinary Level (O-Level) qualifications, which have since been replaced by the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE). A-Levels have evolved over the years, with the most recent changes occurring in 2015, which saw a shift from modular to linear qualifications. This adaptation ensures that A-Levels continue to be a comprehensive and challenging pathway for students to pursue higher education.

The significance of A-Levels in the UK education system is indisputable. They serve as a crucial stepping stone for students, bridging the gap between secondary education and university. A-Levels provide students with the opportunity to delve deeper into subjects they are passionate about, helping them develop advanced critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Moreover, A-Level qualifications are the primary determining factor in university admissions, with institutions often setting minimum grade requirements for their courses. It is not only the grades that matter; the subjects chosen by students can also impact their eligibility for specific degree programs, making informed decision-making crucial during the A-Level selection process.

As A-Levels remain an integral part of the UK’s education system, it’s essential for students to understand what A-Levels are, how they work, and the various aspects surrounding them, such as the  A-Levels grading system  and  A-Level Results Day .

What are A-Levels?

A-Levels , or  Advanced Level qualifications , are subject-based qualifications that students in the United Kingdom typically study between the ages of 16 and 18. The primary purpose of A-Levels is to prepare students for university, providing them with in-depth knowledge in specific subjects and developing their critical thinking and analytical skills. A-Levels also serve as an essential criterion for university admissions, with institutions often requiring specific A-Level grades for entry into their courses.

A-Levels are just one of several qualifications available to students in the UK, and it’s essential to understand the differences between them. Here, we’ll briefly compare A-Levels to other qualifications such as  General Certificate of Secondary Education  (GCSE) and the  International Baccalaureate  (IB).

GCSEs  are typically taken by students aged 14 to 16, before they begin their A-Levels. While A-Levels focus on a smaller number of subjects in greater depth, GCSEs cover a broader range of subjects, providing students with a foundational knowledge base. The GCSE curriculum is compulsory and includes subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Science, with students usually taking between 8 and 10 subjects in total.

The  International Baccalaureate  (IB) is another option for students aged 16 to 18, offering a comprehensive and internationally-focused curriculum. Unlike A-Levels, which allow students to focus on three or four subjects, the IB requires students to study six subjects, including at least one from each of the six subject groups: Studies in Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, and the Arts. Additionally, IB students must complete an Extended Essay, participate in the Theory of Knowledge course, and engage in Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) experiences. For a more detailed comparison, consider reading our article on  A-Levels vs IB .

In conclusion, while A-Levels allow students to focus on a few subjects in depth and are tailored to the UK’s education system, other qualifications like GCSE and IB offer different approaches to learning and cater to different educational goals. Students should carefully weigh their options and consider their future academic and career plans when choosing the most suitable qualification for them.

How do A-Levels Work?

The  Advanced Level (A-Level)  qualifications provide a strong foundation for students seeking higher education in the United Kingdom. The curriculum is designed to offer in-depth knowledge in specific subjects, allowing students to specialize in their chosen fields. A-Levels are offered in a wide range of subjects, from traditional academic disciplines like mathematics, sciences, and humanities to more vocational subjects such as art and design, business studies, and information technology.

Typically, students study three or four A-Level subjects over a two-year period, with the courses being divided into two parts: AS (Advanced Subsidiary) Level and A2 Level. The AS Level is completed in the first year, covering half of the A-Level content, while the A2 Level is completed in the second year, covering the remaining content. Some schools and colleges may offer a more flexible structure, allowing students to take additional subjects or complete their A-Levels in a shorter timeframe.

A-Levels utilize a grading system that ranges from A* (the highest grade) to E (the lowest passing grade). The final grade is determined by the combined results of both the AS and A2 Levels. It is important for students to understand the A-Levels grading system as it plays a crucial role in university admissions and future opportunities.

In addition to the letter grades, students also receive a numerical score called the Uniform Mark Scale (UMS), which standardizes results across different examination boards and subjects. This score is used to calculate the UCAS Tariff points, which are required for university applications in the UK.

The standard duration for completing A-Levels is two years, with each academic year consisting of three terms. However, some institutions may offer intensive courses that can be completed in a shorter period. The coursework for A-Level subjects is designed to challenge students and promote independent thinking, research, and problem-solving skills.

Throughout the two-year period, students are expected to engage in classroom instruction, practical work, and independent study. Some subjects may require additional coursework, including essays, projects, or presentations, which contribute to the final grade. Students should be prepared to dedicate a significant amount of time and effort to their A-Level studies, as these qualifications play a pivotal role in shaping their future opportunities and success in higher education.

In conclusion, understanding how A-Levels work is essential for students and their families as they navigate the UK education system. By familiarizing themselves with the curriculum, structure, grading system, and coursework requirements, students can make informed decisions about their A-Level subject choices and better prepare for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

A-Level Subject Choices

An essential aspect of the A-Level journey is choosing the appropriate subjects to study. The ability to select the right combination of courses can significantly impact a student’s future academic and professional opportunities.

There are no specific compulsory subjects for A-Levels, as the system’s flexibility allows students to tailor their studies to their interests and career aspirations. However, some universities and degree programs may require specific A-Level subjects or subject combinations for admission.

A-Level students typically study three to four subjects, chosen from a wide range of available courses. These subjects can span across various disciplines, including but not limited to:

• Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
• Mathematics
• English Literature and Language
• Humanities (History, Geography, Religious Studies)
• Social Sciences (Psychology, Sociology, Business Studies)
• Modern and Classical Languages
• Creative Arts (Art, Design, Music, Drama)

Selecting the right A-Level subjects is crucial, as it can pave the way for university admission and future career opportunities. Here are some tips to help students make informed decisions:

• Consider your interests and strengths : Choose subjects that genuinely interest you and align with your strengths. Studying subjects you enjoy will make the learning process more engaging and increase the likelihood of success.
• Research university requirements : If you have a specific degree program or university in mind, research their entry requirements and ensure your chosen A-Level subjects meet those criteria. Many universities list their preferred A-Level subjects on their websites or in their prospectuses.
• Consult with teachers and career advisors : Teachers and career advisors can provide valuable insights into the subject matter, workload, and potential career paths related to your chosen subjects. Don’t hesitate to seek their guidance when making your decision.
• Think long-term : Consider how your A-Level subject choices align with your long-term academic and professional goals. While it’s essential to enjoy your studies, it’s also crucial to choose subjects that will open doors to future opportunities.
• Maintain a balanced workload : Select a combination of subjects that provide a balanced workload, considering the demands, coursework, and examination formats of each course. This balance will help you manage your studies effectively and reduce the risk of burnout.

By carefully considering these factors, students can make informed decisions about their A-Level subject choices. In doing so, they will create a strong foundation for their academic and professional future, leading to success in their A-Level studies and beyond.

A-Level Examinations

A-Level examinations are a crucial aspect of the A-Level journey, as they ultimately determine a student’s final grade and potential university placement. In this section, we will delve into the details of exam preparation, format, and the options available for retakes and resits.

Adequate preparation is essential for success in A-Level examinations. Students should develop a comprehensive study plan that covers all relevant topics within their chosen subjects. This can be achieved through a combination of independent study, attending classes or lectures, and collaborating with peers to discuss and review critical concepts.

Utilizing  A-Levels past papers  is an excellent way to familiarize oneself with the exam format and identify areas that may require additional focus. It is also advisable to consult with teachers or tutors for guidance and support throughout the preparation process.

In addition to academic preparation, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and managing stress levels can significantly impact a student’s performance during exams. Incorporating regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep into one’s routine can enhance mental clarity and improve overall well-being.

The format of A-Level examinations varies depending on the subject and exam board. However, most exams typically consist of a combination of multiple-choice, short answer, and essay questions. The exams are designed to assess a student’s knowledge, understanding, and application of the subject matter, as well as their ability to analyze, evaluate, and communicate effectively.

In some cases, A-Level subjects may include practical assessments or coursework in addition to the written examinations. This allows students to showcase their skills and understanding in a more hands-on manner, which could contribute to their final grade.

It is crucial for students to familiarize themselves with the specific exam format and requirements for their chosen subjects, as this will help them tailor their revision and preparation strategies accordingly.

A-Level students have the option to retake or resit their exams if they are unsatisfied with their initial results. This offers them the opportunity to improve their grades and potentially secure a place at their desired university or course.

Retaking an exam typically involves sitting the examination again during the next available exam session, usually the following academic year. Students should consult with their teachers or tutors to determine the best approach to revising for a retake and identify any areas that may need additional focus.

Resits, on the other hand, are specific to coursework-based subjects. Students can resubmit their coursework for re-assessment, with the aim of achieving a higher grade.

It is essential to carefully consider the implications of retakes and resits, as they may impact a student’s university application timeline and overall workload. However, they can also provide a valuable opportunity to demonstrate one’s determination, resilience, and commitment to academic success.

In conclusion, A-Level examinations are the culmination of a student’s hard work and dedication to their chosen subjects. By adequately preparing for the exams, understanding the format, and considering the options of retakes and resits, students can optimize their chances of success and open doors to future opportunities.

A-Level Results and University Applications

Upon completion of A-Level studies, students receive their results, which play a significant role in determining their university prospects. In this section, we will discuss the  UCAS Points System , the differences between  conditional and unconditional offers , and the processes of  clearing and adjustment .

The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is the central organization responsible for managing applications to higher education courses in the UK. A crucial aspect of the UCAS process is the  UCAS Tariff points system . This system assigns a specific number of points to each A-Level grade, allowing universities to set entry requirements and make offers in a standardized manner.

The table below illustrates the points allocated for each A-Level grade:

Students should be familiar with the UCAS points system and understand the requirements for their desired university courses. For more information on A-Level grading, refer to our guide on the a-levels grading system.

After submitting their university applications through UCAS, students may receive two types of offers:  conditional  and  unconditional .

A  conditional offer  means that the university has agreed to accept the student, provided they meet specific grade requirements in their A-Levels. It is crucial for students to be aware of these conditions and strive to achieve the necessary grades.

On the other hand, an  unconditional offer  implies that the student has already satisfied the university’s entry requirements, and their place is guaranteed. This may occur when a student has already completed their A-Levels or has demonstrated exceptional aptitude in other ways, such as relevant work experience or outstanding performance in extracurricular activities.

In some instances, students may not receive offers from their preferred universities or may not meet the conditions of their offers. In such cases, the  clearing  process comes into play. Clearing is a UCAS service that helps students find available courses at other universities. It runs from July to September each year and provides an opportunity for students to secure a place at a university that suits their interests and qualifications.

Conversely, if a student performs better than expected in their A-Levels and exceeds the conditions of their firm offer, they may be eligible for the  adjustment  process. Adjustment allows students to explore alternative courses with higher entry requirements while still holding onto their original offer. This process typically lasts for five days, during which students can research and apply to different institutions without jeopardizing their initial offer.

Understanding the processes of clearing and adjustment can help students navigate the uncertainties of A-Levels results day and make informed decisions about their university options.

In conclusion, A-Level results and university applications are closely intertwined, with the UCAS points system, conditional and unconditional offers, and clearing and adjustment processes playing vital roles in shaping students’ higher education journeys. By mastering these aspects and performing well in their A-Level examinations, students can maximize their chances of securing a place at their desired university and pursuing a fulfilling academic career.

Final Thoughts

As we reach the end of our exploration into  A-Levels , it is essential to reflect on the critical role they play in shaping future opportunities for students in the UK. A-Levels not only serve as a stepping stone to higher education but also contribute significantly to the development of essential skills and knowledge in various subject areas. These qualifications allow students to showcase their competence in their chosen subjects, ultimately helping them secure a place at their desired university or embark on a fulfilling career path.

A-Level results have a direct impact on university applications. As students accumulate UCAS points based on their exam performance, it is crucial to remember that a strong performance in A-Levels can lead to conditional or unconditional offers from prestigious universities. In some cases, students may also have the opportunity to participate in clearing and adjustment processes to explore additional university options.

Achieving success in A-Levels requires dedication, effective time management, and a clear understanding of the  A-Levels curriculum . The following tips can help students excel in their A-Level studies:

• Set realistic goals : Establishing achievable targets for both short-term and long-term objectives will allow students to maintain focus and motivation throughout their A-Level journey.
• Develop a study plan : Creating a structured study plan that allocates sufficient time for each subject will ensure that students cover all necessary material and avoid last-minute cramming during A-Levels past papers revision.
• Stay organized : Keeping track of deadlines, coursework, and exam dates will help students manage their time effectively and avoid unnecessary stress.
• Seek additional support : If students are struggling with a particular subject or topic, reaching out to teachers, tutors, or classmates for assistance can provide valuable insights and guidance.
• Practice past papers : Regularly working through A-Levels past papers will help students familiarize themselves with the A-Levels grading system and exam format, allowing them to identify areas for improvement and refine their exam strategies.
• Maintain a healthy balance : While A-Levels are undoubtedly important, it is crucial for students to maintain a healthy balance between their studies and personal life. Engaging in hobbies, sports, and spending time with friends and family can help alleviate stress and maintain overall well-being.

In conclusion, A-Levels play an integral role in shaping the future opportunities of students in the UK. By understanding the ins and outs of these qualifications, from the curriculum to the exams themselves, students can maximize their potential and achieve their desired outcomes. With dedication, organization, and a clear understanding of the A-Levels grading system and curriculum, success in A-Level studies is well within reach.

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What are A-Levels, and how do they fit into the British education system?

A-Levels are a critical component of the British education system, typically taken in the last two years of secondary education. They provide a pathway to university education and serve as a rigorous academic qualification.

Can you provide an overview of the subjects typically offered within the A-Levels curriculum?

The A-Levels curriculum covers a wide range of subjects such as Mathematics, Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Biology), Humanities (History, Geography), Languages, and Arts. This diversity accommodates varied career aspirations and academic interests.

How does the A-Levels program prepare students for higher education and future career paths?

A-Levels equip students with advanced subject knowledge, research skills, and critical thinking abilities, positioning them well for university studies and various career paths.

What is the structure of the A-Levels curriculum in terms of duration and subject choices?

A-Levels are usually completed in two years, with students choosing three to four subjects in the first year and continuing with three subjects in the second year. The flexibility to choose subjects aligns with career goals and university requirements.

Can you explain the grading system used for A-Levels and its significance for university admissions?

A-Levels are graded from A* to E, with universities considering these grades during the admissions process. Strong grades in relevant subjects can increase the likelihood of acceptance.

How do A-Levels differ from other secondary education programs like GCSEs or the IB?

A-Levels differ from programs like GCSEs due to their specialized focus and higher level of complexity. A-Levels are a more advanced qualification, preparing students for higher-level academic pursuits.

Are there any recommended study strategies or resources for students pursuing A-Levels?

To excel in A-Levels, create a structured revision schedule, actively engage with material through summarizing and self-testing, and use past papers to simulate exam conditions. Balance revision with breaks for optimal learning.

Can you elaborate on the importance of coursework and exams in the A-Levels assessment process?

Coursework allows students to delve deep into topics, while exams assess their comprehensive understanding. Balancing coursework and exam preparation contributes to a well-rounded assessment.

How do universities and colleges consider A-Levels results when making admissions decisions?

Universities weigh A-Levels grades as a primary criterion for admissions decisions. Strong grades showcase academic aptitude and dedication, enhancing the likelihood of acceptance.

Are there any notable success stories or examples of individuals who have benefitted from completing A-Levels?

Many students who excelled in A-Levels have gone on to thrive in their chosen fields. Their strong foundation and developed skills facilitated seamless transitions into university and successful careers.

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What are A Levels?

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. Most higher education institutes require a minimum of 3 subjects.

Although they are a UK qualification, schools across the world offer A Levels. In addition, most universities and Higher Education institutes recognise A Levels as a suitable entry qualification.  

You may also have heard of AS Levels, however following reforms implemented between 2016 and 2018, AS Levels are now a separate qualification. Although they still equate to the first year of study on the full 2-year A Level course, most universities do not consider AS levels alone adequate for entrance.  

What subjects do A Level students take?

There are no compulsory subjects with A Levels. Instead, students are free to choose the topics that interest them the most or feel will benefit them for their future studies or careers. Students typically study three subjects. Subjects include English Language & Literature, French, Maths, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, History, Geography, Psychology, Economics, Art, Information Technology and Modern Foreign Languages such as French, German, and Spanish. It’s always best to check in advance which subjects the institution you are considering offers as this does vary from school to school.  

How are A Levels Assessed?

Written examinations, taken at the end of the 2-year course of study, are the main assessment form. Following the reforms mentioned above, there is now a lot less project work. However, some coursework does still contribute to the final grade depending on the subject.  

The grading scale runs from A* – E. Students not meeting the minimum standard will receive a grade of U. They need 40% to achieve an E, 50% for a D, 60% for a C and so on. Any student averaging 80% across all modules will gain an A*.

If a student fails, they must re-sit the whole exam – students cannot re-sit specific modules. However, it’s worth bearing in mind that students can retake their A Levels as many times as necessary.

Which exam boards do A levels use?

Several different examination boards assess A levels. Most often, international schools use Edexcel or CIA (Cambridge International Assessment).  

Why choose A levels?

A-Levels are an excellent choice for students who have a clear idea of which subjects they excel in. Or, to put it another way, students who are ‘one-sided’ in terms of their strengths. For example, a student who is strong in Maths and weak in English Literature would benefit from focusing on Maths and dropping English. Focus on specific subjects is not possible with the IB, which has a much broader study area.

The importance of the final written exam means that A-Levels are more suitable for students strong in written exams. Students who can revise effectively and perform well in timed exams are most suited to A Levels.  

Most importantly, students receive separate certificates in each subject they pass, rather than one overall certificate as the IB.  

Liz McEwan is a Client Manager at TutorsPlus . She has over 20 years of experience teaching English, study skills and offering student guidance. Originally from the U.K, she now lives in Geneva.

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You can also study your  GCSEs and International GCSEs  with us.

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All of our A Levels are accredited by  AQA  or  Pearson Edexcel , two of the UK's biggest awarding bodies for GCSEs and A Levels, so you'll get the same prestigious qualification with us as you would in a classroom.

Although your A Level course is fully online, you'll sit the same in-person exams at the same time as all the other A Level students in the UK. Your results, transcript and qualification will be exactly the same - just like if you'd studied in school.

You don’t need any previous qualifications to enrol on most of our A Level courses, so whether you’re looking to address gaps in your school education or prepare for college or university, we’re here to help you achieve your goals.

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Studying online gives you the freedom you need to take control of your learning. You can set your own study schedule and learn at your own pace, easily shaping your course around your work, family, social life, and other commitments.

You'll have a dedicated personal tutor you can get in touch with whenever you need help - just send them a message online or arrange a phone call. No question is too small.

Plus, if you're studying English or Maths, you'll be able to join live online classes led by our in-house teachers, allowing you to learn and ask questions in real-time.

All our tutors are fully qualified UK teachers with extensive experience in their subject, so you'll get the best of both worlds: the outstanding education and support you'd expect in a classroom with all the flexibility of online learning.

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"I received an A*. ICS Learn have been fantastic. I was able to complete the course in my spare time and felt supported every step of the way. And it was fun learning again!"

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"The course fits in very conveniently with the other 3 A Levels that I'm taking at sixth form. ICS Learn has made me feel that I can achieve my dreams."

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"My tutor has been really great, responding quickly to every query with a full in-depth explanation. I'm thinking about taking up another A Level with ICS Learn!"

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A Level FAQs

Why should i choose ics learn.

We’re the UK’s most recommended online GCSE and A Level provider, with a Trustpilot rating of Excellent from more than 10,000 independent student reviews. We’re trusted by thousands of students each year across 100+ countries.

We’re also the world’s most experienced online learning provider, having been pioneers in flexible distance learning for 130 years.

Our flexible self-paced course structure, unlimited support, and interest-free monthly payment plans make it easy to shape learning around your life.

That’s why every year, we help thousands of students like you get the A Levels they need to succeed.

Who will award my A Level?

Most of our A Levels are awarded by AQA, the UK's most popular awarding body for high school qualifications. They provide more than half of all A Level qualifications in the UK each year. AQA qualifications are taught in 30 countries around the world.

Some of our A Levels are awarded by Edexcel, the qualification branch of the UK’s largest awarding body Pearson. More than 3.4 million students study Edexcel qualifications worldwide.

Whichever awarding body accredits your qualification with us, it will be recognised and respected by colleges, universities, and employers around the world, just like if you'd studied it in school.

How will I sit my A Level exams?

Whether you study online or in a classroom, all A Level students must sit their exams in person at the same time as all the other students in the UK.

You'll book to sit your exams at your nearest exam centre roughly six months before your chosen exam date. 

Exam centres are usually schools or colleges that are submitting their own students for the same exam.

Our A Level Blog

Career guidance, industry insights, and student stories.

How to Book Your A Level Exams

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What to Do If You Failed Your A Levels | A Level Results 2023

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A Level Resits: The Complete Guide to Retaking A Levels 2023

24 May 2023 - 3 min read

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† Pass rate based on all ICS Learn A Level students' results in 2023.

9705 D&T coursework examples

Topic outline.

A range of coursework submissions (for both components) for this Syllabus have been included here along with a breakdown of the marks awarded, and a moderator commentary explaining how the marks were decided. You should always refer to the syllabus for specific details about the requirements for and assessment of coursework. Additionally, the Cambridge Handbook sets out the process and requirements for submitting coursework for moderation by Cambridge International.

• Select activity Component 2 Component 2
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Distance Learning A Level Courses Online

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Distance learning A-Level Courses offer students around the world the opportunity to study online at home. The distance learning courses are of two years duration and come complete with full online course materials and tutor support via our online learning environment. On completing the course examinations you will receive a certificate awarded by an Awarding Body such as Edexcel, AQA, or OCR.

If you are a student looking to achieve your A-Levels then you should consider distance learning as a flexible alternative to college. Whether you are a first-time student or are re-sitting exams for entry to university, you will find our A-Level courses ideally suited to your needs. Our A-Level courses let you work at your own pace, at a time and place that suits you.

These two-year distance learning A-Level Courses include both the AS and A2 portion of the A-Level award. Students looking to study A-Levels online in full will need to complete both portions of the award. Students are required to sit at an exam centre as private candidates (check out our Examination Centres page ). When taking examinations, you need to complete all of the required examinations in one assessment period to gain the qualification.

Online A-Levels FAQ

We’ve answered some common questions about A-Level online courses to help you find out how they work and what’s available with our courses at Oxford College.

Can You Do A-Levels Online?

Yes, you can do A-levels online. In fact, distance learning is becoming an increasingly popular choice in the UK for such reasons as attainability, flexibility and convenience.

There aren’t any entry requirements for those of you wanting to take online A-levels. All that you need is a Wi-Fi-enabled device and commitment to your chosen course.

Are Online A-Levels Accepted By Universities?

Again, the answer is yes. Our standard and fast-track distance A-level courses are eligible for UCAS points , for university entry. The number of points earned will be dependent on your final grade.

Most universities, both within the UK and abroad, treat online A-levels in exactly the same way as physical A-levels. They may even be impressed by your mention of online study, given the motivation and time management skills needed to succeed.

Are The A-Level Courses For Adults Too?

There aren’t any limitations or restrictions in terms of the age at which you may take your A-levels. Indeed, A-level distance learning courses are a great choice for those of you who would feel out of place in the traditional school environment.

How Do Distance A-Level Courses Work?

Distance learning A-level courses have a standard duration of 2 years, with full online course materials and tutor support via our online learning environment. On successful completion, students are awarded an A-level certificate from a UK awarding body such as Edexcel , AQA, or OCR .

The two-year online A-level courses include both the AS and A level portions of the A level award. Each of these portions must be completed, with the students taking their exams at registered exam centers as private candidates.

The Oxford Learning College offers distance learning A-level courses across such subjects as Biology, Chemistry, and History.

How Long Does it Take to Study an A-Level Online?

Our full online A-Level courses typically take two years to complete, just like traditional A-Level qualifications completed at college. We do offer some faster options for students who have more time to complete their course and would like to study over a shorter period of time.

Can The Courses Be Completed in One Year?

There’s the option of taking the fast-track A-level online course, which has a one-year duration. This is the ideal choice for students who want to continue their studies or pursue professional opportunities in half the normal time.

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• How to Make Your Coursework as Good as It Can Possibly Be

Many GCSE and A-level subjects are assessed in part by coursework in addition to exams, meaning that the mark you receive for coursework contributes to your overall grade. Many students prefer coursework, because it’s a chance to showcase your academic abilities away from the high-pressured environment of the exam room, making it ideal for those who don’t perform to the best of their abilities in exams. However, the time you have available for coursework, in contrast with the time constraints of the exam room, can lull some students into a false sense of security. Coursework is arguably just as challenging as exams, just in different ways – and, given the fact that you have more time, much higher standards are expected of you in coursework than in exams. Careful planning and research are needed for successful coursework, as well as strong data-gathering and essay-writing skills. In this article, we look at how to produce excellent coursework, from planning to proofreading. This information might also be useful to you if you’re planning on attending an Oxford Summer School this summer.

What is coursework?

GCSE and A-level coursework typically takes the form of an extended essay or project. Its objectives vary from one subject to another, but there’s usually an emphasis on the student conducting independent research into a topic of their own choice. Thus coursework often takes the form of some sort of investigation; it may, therefore, help to have your ‘detective’ hat on as you explore, investigate and analyse your topic. You can usually work on your coursework at home, though it’s sometimes completed under controlled conditions through sessions at school. To give you a better idea of how coursework varies from one subject to another, here are some examples:

• English – English coursework usually takes the form of an extended essay with a title of your choice. You’re usually given a choice of themes and/or texts to explore, and you could choose a format such as a comparison between a set text and another one.
• Geography – Geography coursework usually focuses on the gathering, reporting and interpretation of data designed to answer a particular geographical question. You could investigate usage of a shopping centre, for example, or look at erosion on a particular beach.
• Sciences – coursework for science subjects often takes the form of a scientific project or experiment that you conduct and report on yourself.

Before you start work on your coursework, it’s essential that you have a thorough understanding of the rules. Failing to conform to the rules – inadvertently or not – may result in your coursework (or possibly even your entire qualification) being disqualified, so it’s a serious matter.

• No plagiarism – this is particularly dangerous given the ready availability of relevant information on the internet these days. Make sure everything is in your own words; you’ll need to sign a declaration stating that it’s your own original work.
• There’s only so much help your teacher can give you . They can provide guidance on what you need to include, and on what the examiners will be looking for. You can ask them questions, but they’ll usually only be able to check through your first draft once and offer broad hints on updating it.
• Check the word count , and stick to it. Find out whether footnotes, appendices and bibliographies are included in the word count.
• Check what topics you’re allowed to do your coursework on; if there’s an exam on this topic, you’ll almost certainly have to choose a different one for your coursework.

Choose your topic wisely

Ideally, choose something you’re genuinely interested in, as your enthusiasm will come across and you’ll find it more enjoyable to write. If there’s something you’ve been working on for the course so far that you’ve particularly enjoyed, you may be able to focus more on this as part of your coursework. For science coursework, you’ll need to choose something to investigate that you can measure, change and control; it should be what’s called a ‘fair test’, meaning that you have to acknowledge all the controls you use in the experiment and why. Try not to pick a topic for which the scope is too vast, as you’ll struggle to research it properly and you’re unlikely to do it justice, and it’ll be hard to keep within the word limit. Ask your teachers for some guidance on choosing your topic if you’re not sure what to write about; they might even tell you a bit about what previous students have done to give you some inspiration.

Plan how long it’s going to take

Never leave your coursework until the last minute, even if this is your normal approach to essays and it usually works for you. Make sure you understand when the deadlines are, including time for submitting a first draft for comments from your teacher. Then schedule blocks of time for working on it, allowing plenty of time before the deadline to cater for any unexpected delays. Allow ample time for making corrections based on teacher feedback on your first draft, and keep some time aside before the deadline for final editing and proofreading. Because actual deadlines are few and far between, you’ll need to take responsibility for the writing process and impose some deadlines on yourself to ensure it’s finished in time. Write down your deadlines on a calendar, with the coursework broken into stages and dates assigned to each, by which time each task should be complete. You can base your stages on the next few points in this article – research and data gathering, a structure plan for the piece of work, writing up, and so on.

Conducting your research and gathering data

As coursework is primarily a research exercise, the research phase is crucial, so don’t be tempted to skimp on it and go straight to writing up. Use as many different resources as you can to gather data: books, journals, newspapers, television, radio, the internet and anything else you think might be relevant. For science and Geography coursework, you’ll need to base your work on a hypothesis, so the research stage should start by coming up with at least one hypothesis, otherwise your research will lack direction. The research phase for some subjects may involve site visits for gathering data, so allow plenty of time for this, particularly if you need your parents to drive you somewhere to do so. If it’s a scientific experiment you’re conducting for your coursework, you’ll need to pay careful attention to planning the experiment using rigorous scientific methods (also noting what Health and Safety precautions you are taking), as well as reading up on the background and theory so that you have an idea of what to expect from the outcome of your experiment. In the research stage, make notes about what you expect to happen, so that you can later compare your expectations with what actually did happen. The experiment itself also forms part of the research and data-gathering stage for your science coursework; in the write-up stage, which we come onto shortly, you analyse and write up the results.

Plan your structure

Once you’ve completed your research, the process of writing up begins. Before you get down to the actual writing, however, it’s advisable to write a plan for how you’re going to structure it – essentially an essay plan for English coursework and other subjects for which the coursework is based on an extended essay. It’ll look slightly different from an essay plan for science subjects and others that revolve around project work, but the principle is the same: plan out what order you’re going to present your information in. For big projects, this is particularly important, because with a lot of information to convey, you risk being disorganised and waffling.

Writing up your project

For any coursework, but particularly coursework based around an extended essay, you’ll need to perfect your essay-writing abilities. For science coursework, writing up your project also involves data analysis, as you interpret the results of your experiment and work your notes into formal scientific language. Follow the links below to find lots more useful advice on writing great essays.

• How to write dazzlingly brilliant essays
• How to write more original essays
• Techniques from creative writing that can improve your essays

When you’re writing up, it’s important to find a place where you can work quietly, without distractions that could cause you to make careless errors. You wouldn’t want noise or distractions when you were in an exam room, so treat your coursework with the same reverence.

Supporting materials and images

For some subjects, namely the sciences and Geography, it would be appropriate to include images, graphs, charts, tables and so on in your coursework. For example, for Geography coursework, your extra material could include annotated images and maps of the site you’re talking about, plus tables, graphs and charts. An appendix could then detail your raw data; if, for example, your coursework focused on the results of a survey, you could put the raw survey responses in an appendix and provide summaries and analysis in the main body of the coursework.

Footnotes and bibliography

As we said earlier, it’s important that you always use your own words in your coursework to avoid the possibility of falling foul of plagiarism rules. However, it’s acceptable to quote from another source, as you would in any piece of academic writing, but you must make sure that you state where it is from and use quotation marks to show that it’s a quote from somewhere else. The best way of citing another work is to use a footnote; word processors will allow you to insert one, and it just puts a little number at the end of the sentence and another in the footer of the document, into which you put the name of the author and work, and the page within that work that the quote can be found. At the end of your piece of work, include a bibliography that includes a list of every external source you’ve used in the creation of your coursework. Stick to a set formula when including books. A common format is: Author Surname, Initial. (Date) – Title of Book , page number For example: Lewis, C.S. (1960) – Studies in Words , p. 45 When you get to university, you’ll be expected to include footnotes and bibliographies in all your essays, so it’s a good habit to get into and coursework gives you good practice at it.

The final pre-submission check

Having completed a first draft, received feedback from your teacher, and honed your work into a finished piece of coursework, have a final check through it before you send off your coursework for submission.

• Sense check : have a read through your completed piece of work and check that it all makes sense. Make sure you haven’t contradicted yourself anywhere, or repeated yourself, or laboured the point. If there are any facts that you may have meant to look up to double check their accuracy, do so now.
• Word count : ensure that the completed work falls within the word count, and double check whether the bibliography should be included in the word count. If you’ve exceeded it, you’ll need to work through the piece and tighten up your writing, omitting unnecessary information, reordering sentences so that they use fewer words, and so on.
• Proofread : check your spelling and grammar, and ensure that there are no typos. Don’t just use the spellcheck – go through it with a fine toothcomb, manually, and if you can, ask someone to read through it for you to see if they spot anything you haven’t.
• Formatting : check that you’ve included page numbers, and that the font and line spacing is consistent throughout the work. Ensure that the font is plain and easy to read, such as Arial or Times New Roman.
• Bibliography : check that you’ve included everything, that the format is the same for all sources mentioned, and that the right information is included for each.

Once this stage is complete, you’re ready to submit your coursework along with your declaration that it’s entirely your own work. Get ready for a feeling of immense satisfaction when you finally send off your hard work!

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Which A-Levels Don’t Have Coursework?

Megan Isaac

Almost 800,000 students took A-Levels in 2022 and many of them had A-Level coursework. Below we outline some of the benefits and challenges of A-Level coursework and give you a list of subjects which don’t have any coursework if you’re set on avoiding it!

A-Level coursework is a component of some A-Level subjects that allows students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in a particular subject through practical or research-based projects. Coursework can be very rewarding for students. It requires planning, research, and execution of the projects, which helps to develop important skills such as time management, research skills, and project management. In addition to the practical skills, coursework also gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of the subject in a more authentic and holistic way. It allows you to apply your knowledge and skills in a real-world context, which can be more engaging and meaningful than traditional exam-based assessments. A longer period of work which you develop slowly may also suit you more than exams which can be stressful in timed conditions.

However, coursework also has its challenges, and many students prefer an exam-based A-Level. Coursework can be time-consuming and stressful, and it requires a lot of self-discipline and organisation to complete. In this article we outline which A-Levels don’t have coursework so you can make the decisions for your A-Levels which are best for you. But it is important not to base your A-Level decisions on coursework alone, have a look at our recent article on choosing your A-Level subjects for some more advice.

#1. Maths and Further Maths

The assessment for A-level Maths and A-Level Further Maths is entirely exam-based, there is no coursework component. Students will sit three exams, one for each of the pure mathematics, applied mathematics and statistics.

Both subjects are highly respected and rigorous qualifications that are widely recognized by universities and employers. They are both two-year courses that typically cover topics such as calculus, algebra, geometry, and statistics. Students are required to have a strong foundation in mathematics, typically having achieved a good grade in GCSE Mathematics.

The course is divided into two main parts, pure mathematics and applied mathematics. Pure mathematics focuses on algebra, calculus, and geometry, while applied mathematics deals with mathematical models and methods used in various fields such as physics, engineering, and economics.

#2. Economics

A-Level Economics is another subject which does not have any coursework, instead students will sit three exams, one for each of the microeconomics, macroeconomics and one on a contemporary topic of their choice. It is a two-year course that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of economic theory and its application to real-world issues. It covers a wide range of topics, such as microeconomics, macroeconomics, international trade, and economic history. Students are typically required to have a good grade in GCSE Mathematics as the course includes mathematical models and calculations.

The course is divided into two main parts: microeconomics, which deals with the behaviour of individual consumers and firms, and macroeconomics, which deals with the performance of the economy as a whole. Students will learn about economic concepts such as supply and demand, elasticity, inflation, and unemployment, as well as the role of government in the economy.

#3. Business

A-level Business is a two-year course that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of business theory and its application to real-world issues. It is an entirely exam-based course, with no coursework component. The course is designed to provide students with an understanding of how businesses operate, how they make decisions and how they respond to changes in the environment.

The course is divided into two main parts: business studies and accounting. Business studies covers topics such as marketing, human resources, operations and strategy. Accounting covers topics such as financial statements, budgeting, and financial analysis. Students will learn about business concepts such as market research, the marketing mix, and financial ratios, as well as the role of government in the economy.

A-level French is a two-year course that provides students with an in-depth understanding of the French language and culture. It is an entirely exam-based course, with no coursework component, but note that there is often an oral exam. So whilst this is not coursework, it is not your classic written exam. The course is designed to improve students' communicative skills in French, as well as their understanding of the culture of French-speaking countries. The course covers topics such as grammar, vocabulary, translation, and literature. Students will also explore the culture, society, and politics of French-speaking countries.

#5. Psychology

A-level Psychology is a two-year course that provides students with an understanding of the scientific study of the mind and behaviour. It is an entirely exam-based course, with no coursework component. The course covers a wide range of topics such as cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, and research methods.

Students will learn about key psychological theories and research, as well as how to design and conduct psychological research. They will also learn about the practical applications of psychology in areas such as mental health, education and criminal justice.

#6. Sociology

Sociology is another subject which has no coursework, just exam-based assessment. It is a two-year course that provides students with an understanding of the scientific study of human society and social behaviour. The course covers a wide range of topics such as social inequality, culture and identity, crime and deviance, and research methods.

Students will learn about key sociological theories, concepts and research, as well as how to design and conduct sociological research. They will also learn about the practical applications of sociology in areas such as education, work, family, and crime.

#7. Spanish

Like French, A-Level Spanish does not have any coursework, just a combination of written and oral exams. A-level Spanish is a two-year course that provides students with an in-depth understanding of the Spanish language and culture. The course is designed to help students improve their communicative skills in Spanish and gain a deeper understanding of the culture and society of Spanish-speaking countries.

During the course, students will cover a wide range of topics such as grammar, vocabulary, translation, and literature. They will also explore the culture, society, and politics of Spanish-speaking countries. The assessment for A-level Spanish is entirely exam-based, there is no coursework component. Students will sit three exams, one for each of the listening, speaking and reading and writing. These exams are usually taken at the end of the second year of the course.

It's a challenging course, but it is also incredibly rewarding. Not only will you improve your Spanish language skills, but you will also gain a deeper understanding of the culture and society of Spanish-speaking countries. Plus, it's a great opportunity to open doors for future travel, study or work abroad, and to improve your employability. You will come out of the course with a great set of skills and a new perspective on the world!

#8. Accounting

Like many other maths-based subjects, A-Level Accounting does not have any coursework. A-level Accounting is a two-year course that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of financial accounting and its application to real-world issues. It's designed to teach students how to analyze and interpret financial statements, as well as how to prepare them.

During the course, students will cover a wide range of topics such as financial statements, budgeting, and financial analysis. You'll learn about accounting concepts such as double-entry bookkeeping, debits and credits, and financial ratios. It might sound like a lot of numbers and figures, but it’s a very interesting and engaging course. You'll develop your analytical and problem-solving skills, and learn how to apply accounting theory to real-world issues. Plus, it's highly valued by universities and employers, as it's relevant to a wide range of careers such as finance, business, and management. By the end of the course, you'll have a great set of skills that will be useful in your future career.

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#9. Ancient History

Unlike its more popular counterpart History, Ancient History does not have any coursework. But students who take both Ancient History and History may have the option to take an Ancient History topic for their A-Level History coursework.

During the course, students will cover a wide range of topics such as ancient societies, political systems, and cultural achievements. They will also study key historical figures and events and learn about the methods used by historians to study the past.

#10. Arabic

Like many other language A-Levels, Arabic has no coursework and is entirely exam-based. A-level Arabic provides students with an in-depth understanding of the Arabic language, culture and society. The course is designed to help students improve their communicative skills in Arabic, as well as their understanding of the culture and society of Arabic-speaking countries.

During the course, students will cover a wide range of topics such as grammar, vocabulary, translation, and literature. They will also explore the culture, society, and politics of Arabic-speaking countries.

#11. Biology

Most A-Level Biology specifications have no coursework, just written exams at the end of the course. Biology provides students with an in-depth understanding of the scientific study of living organisms and their interactions with the environment. The course is designed to help students develop a critical understanding of the natural world, as well as the ability to analyse and interpret scientific data.

During the course, students will cover a wide range of topics such as cell biology, genetics, ecology, and physiology. They will also study key biological concepts and theories and learn about the methods used by scientists to study living organisms.

#12. Chemistry

There is no coursework in A-Level Chemistry , however, your performance during practicals will be assessed. A-level Chemistry is a two-year course that provides students with an in-depth understanding of the scientific study of matter and its properties. The course is designed to help students develop a critical understanding of the fundamental principles of chemistry, as well as the ability to analyze and interpret scientific data.

During the course, students will cover a wide range of topics such as atomic structure, chemical bonding, thermodynamics, and organic chemistry. They will also study key chemical concepts and theories and learn about the methods used by scientists to study matter.

#13. German

Like the other languages, A-Level German doesn’t have coursework but may have an oral exam. It provides students with an in-depth understanding of the German language, culture and society. The course is designed to help students improve their communicative skills in German, as well as their understanding of the culture and society of German-speaking countries.

#14. Physics

Similar to other sciences, A-Level Physics doesn’t have any written coursework but performance in practicals may be assessed. A-level Physics is a two-year course that provides students with an in-depth understanding of the scientific study of matter, energy and their interactions. The course is designed to help students develop a critical understanding of the fundamental principles of physics, as well as the ability to analyze and interpret scientific data.

During the course, students will cover a wide range of topics such as mechanics, waves, electricity and magnetism, and nuclear physics. They will also study key physical concepts and theories and learn about the methods used by scientists to study the physical world.

Check your specification for this one as there have been some changes in recent years and it may vary between exam boards!

#16. Politics

A-Level Politics is entirely exam-based with no coursework, but the exams are very essay-heavy. It is a two-year course that provides students with an in-depth understanding of the political systems, governance, and political ideologies. The course is designed to help students develop a critical understanding of the political world, as well as the ability to analyse and interpret political concepts and issues.

During the course, students will cover a wide range of topics such as democracy, political ideologies, and international relations. They will also study key political concepts and theories and learn about the methods used by political scientists to study politics

#17. Religious Studies

A-Level RS doesn’t have coursework, just exams at the end of the second year. It is a two-year course that provides students with an in-depth understanding of different religions, belief systems and their impact on individuals and society. The course is designed to help students develop a critical understanding of religion and belief, as well as the ability to analyse and interpret religious texts, concepts and issues.

During the course, students will cover a wide range of topics such as theology, philosophy, and ethics of major world religions. They will also study key religious concepts and theories, and learn about the methods used by religious studies scholars to study religion.

Final thoughts

A-Level coursework can be daunting, but don’t be put off if your favourite subject has some. If you want to choose an A-Level with coursework but feel like you may struggle with coming up with an idea, the research or writing process, have a chat to one of our expert A-Level tutors who has received an A* in the subject themselves. They have been through the process themselves and can give you all the best tips and advice first-hand as well as helping guide you through your ideas and writing process.

Quick note: We have tried our best to cover all of the A-Levels which don’t have coursework in this article, but make sure to check the details of your exam board in case there are any changes.

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Written by: Megan Isaac

Megan recently graduated from Oxford University, achieving a first class degree in PPE. She has has six years of tutoring experience, teaching a range of subjects at GCSE and A-Level, as well as helping students with their applications to university including Oxbridge.

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CS50's Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Python

Learn to use machine learning in Python in this introductory course on artificial intelligence.

Associated Schools

Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences

What you'll learn.

Graph search algorithms

Reinforcement learning

Machine learning

Artificial intelligence principles

How to design intelligent systems

How to use AI in Python programs

Course description

AI is transforming how we live, work, and play. By enabling new technologies like self-driving cars and recommendation systems or improving old ones like medical diagnostics and search engines, the demand for expertise in AI and machine learning is growing rapidly. This course will enable you to take the first step toward solving important real-world problems and future-proofing your career.

CS50’s Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Python explores the concepts and algorithms at the foundation of modern artificial intelligence, diving into the ideas that give rise to technologies like game-playing engines, handwriting recognition, and machine translation. Through hands-on projects, students gain exposure to the theory behind graph search algorithms, classification, optimization, reinforcement learning, and other topics in artificial intelligence and machine learning as they incorporate them into their own Python programs. By course’s end, students emerge with experience in libraries for machine learning as well as knowledge of artificial intelligence principles that enable them to design intelligent systems of their own.

Enroll now to gain expertise in one of the fastest-growing domains of computer science from the creators of one of the most popular computer science courses ever, CS50. You’ll learn the theoretical frameworks that enable these new technologies while gaining practical experience in how to apply these powerful techniques in your work.

Instructors

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Operating and Managing Public Pools, Hot Tubs and Splash Pads

At a glance.

Preventing swimming-related illnesses and injury at public pools, hot tubs, and splash pads requires participation from pool staff, swimmers, and health departments. Poor maintenance can result in low disinfectant levels that can allow the spread of a variety of germs that cause diarrhea as well as skin and respiratory illnesses. In addition to following all applicable local, state, tribal, or territorial pool codes, operators can also consult CDC's Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC).

Operating and managing public pools

Although pool staff alone cannot completely prevent swimming-related illnesses, they play a key role keeping pool users healthy.

Follow the steps below to help protect pool users from germs

• Obtain state or local authority-recommended operator and chemical handling training.
• Ensure availability of trained operation staff during the weekends when pools are used most.
• Maintain free chlorine levels continuously between 1–3 parts per million.
• Maintain the pH level of the water at 7.0–7.8.
• Test pH and disinfectant levels at least twice per day (hourly when in heavy use).
• Maintain accurate records of disinfectant/pH measurements and maintenance activities.
• Maintain filtration and recirculation systems according to manufacturer recommendations.
• Ensure cleanliness and safety of restrooms, showers, and diaper changing areas.
• Enforce bather load limits.
• Scrub pool surfaces to remove any slime layer.
• Drain and replace portions of the water on a weekly to monthly basis, depending on usage and water quality.
• Treat the pool with a biocidal shock treatment on a daily to weekly basis, depending on water quality and frequency of water replacement.
• Institute a preventive maintenance program to replace equipment or parts before they fail (e.g., feed pump tubing, injectors, sensor probes).
• Provide disinfection guidelines for fecal accidents and body fluid spills.
• Develop employee policies for staff who are ill with diarrhea and a communication chain for reporting operation problems.
• Implement bathroom break policies for swimmers.
• Educate pool users and parents about swimming-related illnesses and prevention measures (i.e., don't swim when sick with diarrhea, don't swallow the water, etc. ).

Operating and managing public hot tubs

Low water volumes combined with high temperatures and heavy bather loads make public hot tub operation challenging. The result can be low disinfectant levels that allow the growth and spread of a variety of germs (e.g., Pseudomonas and Legionella ) that can cause skin and respiratory illnesses. Operators that focus on hot tub maintenance and operation to ensure continuous water quality are the first line of defense in preventing the spread of swimming-related illnesses.

Follow the steps below to help protect hot tub users from germs

General maintenance measures.

• Ensure availability of trained operation staff during weekends when hot tubs are used most.
• Maintain free chlorine (3-10 parts per million or ppm) or bromine (4-8 ppm) levels continuously.
• Maintain the pH level of the water at 7.0-7.8.
• Inspect accessible recirculation system components for a slime layer and clean as needed.
• Scrub hot tub surfaces to remove any slime layer
• Enforce bather load limits
• Drain and replace all or portions of the water on a weekly to monthly basis, depending on usage and water quality. Depending on filter type, clean filter or replace filter media before refilling the hot tub.
• Treat the hot tub with a biocidal shock treatment on a daily to weekly basis, depending on water quality and frequency of water replacement.
• Institute a preventive maintenance program to replace equipment or parts before they fail (e.g., feed pump tubing, sensor probes).
• Develop a clear communication chain for reporting operation problems.
• Cover hot tubs, if possible, to minimize loss of disinfectant and reduce the levels of environmental contamination (e.g., debris and dirt).
• Educate hot tub users about appropriate hot tub use.

Safety measures

• Prevent the water temperature from exceeding 104°F (40°C).
• Exclude children less than five years old from using hot tubs.
• Maintain a locked safety cover for the hot tub when possible.
• Recommend that all pregnant women consult a physician before hot tub use, particularly in the first trimester.
• Prevent entrapment injuries with appropriate drain design and configuration.

Operating and managing splash pads

CDC's Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) has the following guidance for splash pad operation and management to help prevent the spread of germs, including Naegleria fowleri , in water.

Follow the steps below to help protect splash pad users from germs

• Minimum free available chlorine of 1.0 ppm (mg/L), if not using cyanuric acid (such as stand-alone cyanuric acid or stabilized chlorine, commonly known as "dichlor" or "trichlor")
• Minimum free available chlorine of 2.0 ppm, if using cyanuric acid
• Minimum total bromine of 3.0 ppm
• Maintain pH 7.0–7.8.
• Ensure disinfection, secondary disinfection (such as UV and ozone), and recirculation systems and filters are operating.
• Inspect for and remove biofilm on splash pad surfaces (such as the tank, spray nozzles, and drains) as required.
• Test free available chlorine or total bromine and pH before opening to the public each day and maintain adequate disinfectant level.
• Test free available chlorine or total bromine and pH every 2–4 hours while open to the public and maintain adequate disinfectant level.
• Maintain water turnover times at 30 minutes or less.
• Ensure drains prevent standing water from collecting in the water play area.
• Clean tank, as needed.
• Document operation and management activities such as water testing results, response to testing results, and equipment maintenance (such as tank cleaning) and repairs.
• Ensure all staff who handle pool chemicals (such as chlorine, bromine, and acid) are trained in pool chemical safety.
• Test the backflow preventers regularly to ensure they prevent backflow, or back siphonage, into the water distribution system serving the splash pad.

Naegleria fowleri infections—primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM)—linked to splashed water‎

Recommendations for regulating splash pads.

Environmental health programs can consult CDC's MAHC to propose updates to their jurisdiction's code to ensure the design, construction, operation, and management issues of splash pads are addressed in a way that prevents injury and illness. CDC has the following guidance to help prevent the spread of germs, including Naegleria fowleri * in water:

• Water is from a potable water source or other source approved by the authority that has jurisdiction.
• Size, number, and location of the drains prevent standing water from collecting in the water play area.
• Slope prevents surface water from draining into the splash pad system during rain events.
• Inspect splash pads regularly to ensure code compliance.
• Educate operators about proper operation and management of splash pads and jurisdiction requirements.

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CDC’s Healthy Swimming website provides information on how to have healthy and safe swimming experiences while minimizing illness and injury.

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