School and college students and adults can study for AS and A levels at college, or at schools with sixth forms.
Colleges may expect students to have gained a certain number of GCSEs at grades A-C, or equivalent, before enrolling for A level courses. This is to show that the student is likely to be able to cope with the advanced level of study.
In some subject areas, for example Chemistry or French, a certain amount of knowledge is needed before you can proceed to AS or A level. In other subjects, such as Sociology, you can start the course without previous related study. There are also A levels that provide a broad introduction to a vocational area, such as Health and Social Care.
An AS Level takes one year to complete. It is both a qualification in its own right and the first half of a full A Level. AS levels usually last 1 year. It is common for students to study 4 (sometimes 5) subjects at AS Level, then spend another year specialising in 2 or 3 subjects at A2 Level.
Successful completion of a subject at AS Level (first year of study) and at A2 level (second year of study) equals a full A Level.
A levels are the traditional route for entry to higher education and training for the professions, and are well regarded in the job market.
Bury College and Holy Cross Sixth Form College offer a range of A level subjects and many neighbouring colleges and schools with sixth forms may also interest you. Talk to your Connexions Personal Adviser in school about the options open to you and which subjects to consider, especially if you have a particular career in mind. You can also contact the colleges or visit their websites for further information.
If you are still at school, ask your careers teacher or Personal Adviser for an application form. Otherwise, contact the colleges direct. Make sure you apply as early as possible in Year 11, preferably before the end of the Autumn term, because colleges start interviewing for their courses in January.
Holy Cross College website
Bury College website
Connexions website
