A Levels are also known as Advanced level qualifications. They are subject-based qualifications that can lead to university, further study, training, or work. You can usually choose to study three or more A Levels over two years. They’re usually externally assessed by a series of examinations.

What grades do I need to take A levels?

You would need:

  • at least five IGCSEs with grades 9 to 4/A* to C
  • at least grade B in the specific subject(s) you want to study

However, the specific requirements needed to study A levels will be different across each school and college. It’s important to check what you will need with the school or college you are looking to study at.

Who should study?

  • If you’re thinking about going to university abroad, most higher education courses require specific A levels or combinations of A levels (or alternative level 3 qualifications).
  • If you’re not sure what career or job you want to do, studying a selection of A levels can be a good way of keeping your options open.

Choosing A level subjects

The most important criteria for choosing A level subjects are:

  1. Think carefully about which subject you really enjoy and you are good at. The subjects which you have a passion for and are confident of scoring well should be the ones that you should choose while doing A levels.
  2. Always think of what your ultimate aim is at the end of the course. Your career, your job scope, your future studies should all be kept in mind while you choose your subjects for A level in order to meet the entry requirements.

What next after A levels?

The answers to the question  ‘What can I do after my A levels?’ are:

  • Start looking at the options available to you.
  • Moving into university. Post A level, most of the students continue on to university in order to pursue higher education.
  • Looking for employment options– students with A level qualifications are also valued by certain employers.
  • Going on internships/apprenticeship – some students take a break from higher education and go on internships/apprenticeships and the employers of some companies welcome on-board students with remarkable A level grades thereby helping students to gain work-based qualifications.