CPS Careers & Strategic Destinations

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:

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.
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.
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.

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