What is an A Level?
A Levels, short for Advanced Levels, are subject based qualifications for students in the UK. Typically taking 2 years, A Levels are highly regarded by employers and universities.
How does studying an A Level work?
A Levels can be taken by anyone 16 or above, however must be paid for if you take them after 18. These qualifications can lead to university, training, or even straight to work. You usually choose 3 A Level subjects to take over the course of 2 years but can choose to take more if you decide to. You are assessed through a set of paper exams at the end of the full course.
How is it different from a T Level or BTEC?
An A Level is much more academically focused compared to other options. You will learn all the content needed in a classroom at your sixth form or college (Some certain subjects may require time outside a classroom to do certain tasks such as sports subjects or science practical's) and you might get a chance complete a week of work experience.
BTEC will require the most “hands on” work, while T Levels are around 80:20 split between the classroom and work placement.
What GCSEs do I need to study A Levels?
You will need 5 GCSEs grade 4 or above and need at least English and Maths grade 4-9. Some colleges or sixth forms will require you have grade 6 in the subject you want to study at A Level, so check each specific requirements for each course you're interested in.
What A Levels can I study?
There are currently 85 different subjects to choose from, almost any subject will be available for you. However, some colleges/sixth forms may not teach them all.
Browse our A Levels here: https://www.nottinghamcollege.ac.uk/study/a-levels
What can I progress onto?
A Level grades are greatly respected, as a result you could find a job straight after your 2 years of studies or go straight into an apprenticeship of your choice. If working straight away isn't for you, you can apply to university, A Levels will give you enough UCAS points to apply for the course you wish.
