Students normally take at least 3 full A-levels between the ages of 16-18. A-levels is studied over the course two years. The first year is taken up with the AS, which is essentially half an A-level and is even used as a qualification in its own right. Many students normally take an AS subject in addition to their 3 or 4 A-levels. In the second year, known as the A2 year the students carry on from the AS to complete a full A-level. In most cases there are 3 modules per subject in each year, so 3 modules in the AS, 3 modules in the A2 so there are 6 modules to be studied for each subject at A-level.

A-levels (and AS levels) are graded from A-E then U for a very poor ungradeable exam. A university take into account predicted grades in its admission decision and will give an offer conditional on you getting certain grades in your 3 A-levels*, eg Oxford asks for AAA. Just for comparison Oxford would typically ask for 2 or 3 APs at grade 5 (in addition to SATs). In addition universities will normally ask for a specific A-level subject depending on what course you apply for. The UK education system specialises earlier than the US system does so we tend to have a deeper knowledge in a specific subject, though we sacrifice breadth. An effect of this is that we don’t have liberal arts degrees and you effectively have to declare your major before you start university and apply for a specific subject. So typically if you apply for an English degree you’ll probably need A-level English, a Physics degree will probably need you to take A-level Maths and Physics and so on.

*Just remembered some Universities quote your offer in points.

A-level

A=120

B=100

C=80

D=60

E=40

AS level

A=60

B=50

C=40

D=30

E=20

For example the University of Reading (pronounced red – ing) BA in French has entry requirements of 280 points from 3 subjects or 300 from four subjects to include a C in A-level French. You could satisfy that with grades AAE, BBC or CCCE.

So when someone talks about A-level exam they mean high school exam for the senior class…