A and AS levels

Full time further education. What qualifications can be taken?

There are many qualifications and subjects you can study after you are 16 - this is why you will often hear further education referred to as post-16 education. In addition to the A Level information below, you can read more about the post-16 qualifications you can choose to study on our Further Education web page.

A Levels

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

An AS level takes one year to complete. It is a qualification in its own right and the first half of a full A level. It is common for students to study 4 (sometimes 5) subjects at AS level and then spend the following year specialising in 2 or 3 subjects at A2 level. If you successfully complete a subject at AS level and at A2 (second year of study) this equals to a full A level.

A levels could be for you if you:

• have a strong interest in taking particular subjects further
• need specific subjects for the career you want to do
• don't want to commit yourself to a particular career but keep your options open

A wide range of subjects is available, including familiar subjects like English, sciences and mathematics, to the less familiar like Psychology and Film Studies. In most cases you need at least 5 GCSEs at grades A* - C. You might need a grade B at GCSE to take the subject at AS level.

You can combine A levels with applied courses if you wish. See the section on Further Education for more information on other courses you can choose at 16+

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