A-levels
If you think you will achieve at least five A*–C
grades at GCSE, most probably including
English language, you will be able to select
from almost 60 A-level and national award
subjects. If you hope to progress to a very
selective university 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 national awards your average GCSE point score will be taken into account.
– If you achieve mainly A grades you may be able to select five AS-levels or national awards to study.
– If you have a point score of at least 5.6 (mainly B grades) you will be advised to study four AS-levels or national awards.
– If you have a point score of less than 5.6 (mainly C grades) you will be advised to select three AS-levels or national awards from a specific group 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. 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 |
D 4 points |
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 is a national award?
Studying a national award will help you to develop highly focused expertise and knowledge in an applied setting. You will learn by doing which will involve a mixture of conventional classroom theory and ‘real world’ practical projects involving teamwork.
Each national award is equivalent to one A-level and must be studied for two years. Students interested in national awards usually select one or two national awards which they study alongside their other AS-levels.
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).