A levels

Carry on studying subjects you took for GCSE to a higher level, or pick new ones you may not have done before like economics, law or psychology. You could take 3 very different subjects you are interested in to keep your career options open or choose more closely related subjects if you you need them for a specific career.

  • Duration: 2 years

  • Assessment: Mostly exams at the end of the course

  • Level of study: 3

  • Entry requirements: Typically 5 GCSEs Grade 9-4 (usually including English and maths)

  • Work experience: Your school or college may offer short periods of work experience, usually during year 12

  • Can lead to: University or college courses, higher and degree apprenticeships, work

Who are they for?

If you're thinking about going to university, 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 levels subjects are:

  1. Looking at what you are likely to enjoy and be good at. If you enjoy a subject or have an ability in it already, you are more likely to do well.

  2. Are there any particular subjects and/or grades you may need? If you have a particular career, job, or further study in mind, you may need to choose specific A levels in order to meet entry requirements.

  3. How open you want to keep your future study and career choices?

What you can do after A levels

Many people ask 'What can I do with my A levels?', here are some answers:

  • UCAS - What Can I Do Next -- look at all the options open to you.

  • Continue on to university – A levels are the most common qualifications studied to get into higher education.

  • Keep your options open if you’re unsure about what you want to do in the future.

  • Look for employment – they’re valued by employers because they show a good level of education.

  • Go on to vocational or work-based qualifications, such as an apprenticeship.