A-levels and BTEC certificates/subsidiary diplomas
If you think you will achieve at least five A*-C grades at GCSE, including English language, you will be able to select from almost 60 A-level and BTEC certificate/subsidiary diploma subjects. If you hope to progress to a very selective university or course you may need to study specific subjects, we can advise you about this at interview.
To ensure that you can cope with the workload involved with A-levels and BTEC certificates/subsidiary diplomas your average GCSE point score will be taken into account.
- If you have a point score of at least 5.6 you will normally study four AS-levels or BTEC certificates in your first year. If you achieve mainly A/A* grades you will be able to select four AS-levels or BTEC certificates to study.
- If you have a point score above 4.9 but less than 5.6 (typically B and C grades) we would guide your selection of AS-levels and BTEC certificates from an appropriate range of subjects.
Some subjects also have specific entry requirements such as AS-level mathematics students must achieve a grade B in GCSE mathematics. These requirements are detailed on each course page.
Certain A-level subjects are more challenging than others and therefore require higher overall achievement at GCSE. These subjects include accounting, biology, chemistry, computing, economics, further mathematics, mathematics, physics, psychology and statistics. More information can be found on specific course pages.
If you have completed an equivalent qualification such as a higher diploma, first diploma or first certificate you may also qualify for AS-level study.
How to calculate your average GCSE score
A* 8 points
A 7 points
B 6 points
C 5 points
D 4 points
E 3 points
F 2 points
G 1 point
Step 1
Using your predicted grades, add up the point scores for all the GCSE subjects you are taking. Double GCSE subjects are given double points and half GCSE subjects are given half points.
Step 2
Divide your total point score by the number of subjects you are taking.
What are BTEC certificate and subsidiary diplomas?
Studying a BTEC certificate/subsidiary diploma will help you to develop highly focused expertise and knowledge in a vocational setting. You will learn by doing which will involve a mixture of conventional classroom theory and ‘real world’ practical projects involving teamwork.
If you decide to study the subject for just one year you will achieve a BTEC certificate, if you continue with the subject in your second year you will achieve a BTEC subsidiary diploma. Students interested in studying a BTEC certificate/subsidiary diploma usually select one or two which they study alongside A-levels or a level 3 BTEC extended diploma.
You will be assessed mainly by coursework and projects which many students find a good fit alongside a programme of A-levels which mainly involve examinations. You will be graded with a distinction (120 UCAS points), a merit (80 UCAS points) or a pass (40 UCAS points).
The A-levels and BTEC certificates/subsidiary diplomas available at NewVIc are below: