AS And A Levels: Which Path Should You Take?

AS and A Levels are an important part of the UK education system. Offered by the Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) of the University of Cambridge, the qualifications offer students a pathway to higher education or the labour market. These distinctions are recognized by various schools and institutions beyond the UK, including international schools and prestigious private schools in some countries.

AS and A Levels can greatly impact your future as they can help you with your university course options. Many higher education institutions look at AS and A levels for certain courses, while others may have lists of subjects they don’t accept.  As such, it’s important to understand the differences between A levels and AS levels, and how they can help you on the right path to a successful future.

AS Level

Advanced Subsidiary (AS) Levels are a one-year qualification usually taken in the second-to-the-last year of high school (Class 11 or equivalent). They involve taking a broad range of subjects that you can later progress to the Advanced (A) Level. Many students choose to go through the AS to A Level pathway as a means to prepare for university. Obtaining these qualifications can help you get into the program that you want and equip you with the basic skills you need to succeed in your prospective academic and professional career.

The great thing about AS Levels is that they offer a lot of flexibility. It is ideal for students who are still undecided about the field that they want to enter or who want to keep their options open. You can take various subjects, allowing you to explore your interests and hone the most in-demand skills you’re good at. If you find something unstimulating or decide that a subject is too challenging, you can drop it at the end of the year and focus instead on the ones you’d like to keep pursuing. 

AS Levels are also a good way to build your academic confidence. They’re less challenging and demanding than A Levels and also require less time and commitment. This makes them an ideal stepping stone for A Levels, letting you test the waters and build the courage and capacity to take on the next step.

A Levels

Advanced (A) Levels encompass the entire two-year duration of taking both AS and A Level subjects, spanning the last two years of high school. The progression from AS to A Levels is ideal if you already know your desired university major and are confident in your ability to meet the academic requirements for it.

Unlike AS Level subjects, A Level subjects are more focused, tackling a higher level of comprehension than topics in A Level subjects. They’re also more rigorous, which could help you prepare for university-level schooling.

That said, A Levels are ideal for students who want to specialize in certain fields or want to deepen their knowledge and interest in a subject. A Levels also allow you to take more advanced courses that will prepare you for a pathway to higher education. They can also boost your grades, which could make a significant impact on your university admissions.

Should I Take AS or A Levels?

Deciding between AS and A Levels is a personal decision. Ultimately, this will depend on your academic ability, time commitment, and academic and career goals. Some students decide to take AS Level for one year and stop there, not progressing to A Level. This option is suitable for students who may be undecided on their plans for university or those who need to build a little bit more confidence before going into A Level qualifications.

Meanwhile, other students move forward and complete the two-year program, moving from AS Level to A Level subjects. This is the usual path for students who are keen on pursuing a certain field and can manage the commitment needed to pass the requirements.

Here is an example of how you may progress from AS to A Level:

Let’s say that your dream is to become a doctor and hope to get into a medical course in university. In your second-last year in high school, you take four AS Level subjects – Math, Physics, Chemistry, and English. Towards the end of the year, you decide that the former three are the most relevant to your academic pathway, so you continue with these three at A Level. You then take the exams in these subjects in the following summer. If you achieve the required grades, then you can apply to study medicine in your chosen university using the qualification to boost your application.

While the choice between AS and A Levels is entirely up to you, it’s also best to seek advice from your teachers and career advisors to assess your situation, abilities, and prospects.

What Happens After AS and A Levels?

After finishing your AS and A Levels, you can generally proceed with three options:

Get a Diploma or Certificate

If you’re still undecided about your academic or career options or would just like to take a break from the rigours of higher education, then you can get a diploma or certificate instead. These are shorter courses that can boost your credentials, enhance your skills, and prepare you for either university or employment when you decide to take on those next steps.

Apply for University

Having A Level qualifications can help you streamline your admission to a university. If you have the right subjects in your arsenal, you may find it easier to apply for your desired degree.

Seek Employment

AS Level and A Level subjects equip you with skills and knowledge that can kickstart your career. After receiving your qualification and graduating high school, you can immediately apply for jobs or take on additional training to begin your professional journey.

Tips for Taking AS and A Levels

Here are some tips to help you when you’re taking your AS and A Levels.

1. Think About Your Interests

When choosing your AS and A Levels, do some self-reflection and pinpoint what you’re interested in. Then, align these with your goals in life, finding the sweet spot where they can intersect. If you’re still unsure, you can explore the various options at AS Level but try to be mindful and choose subjects that may be recognised more generally later on.

2. Research on Your Chosen Degree and University

If you have your future set, research your chosen degree and university. Take a look into the entry requirements, subject matter, and prospective careers. Then, choose the AS and A Level subjects that are most relevant to the field and your line of work.

3. Seek Guidance

Don’t be afraid to ask for advice from your parents, teachers, and advisors. They may be able to see your situation from a different angle and help guide you through your decisions based on factors that you may not recognize yourself, such as your potential.

4. Learn How to Balance Your Studies

AS and A Levels take a lot of commitment to finish. You’ll need to learn how to be flexible and adapt to accomplish all of your academic requirements. This is a learning process, but it’s best to start early so you can be ready for when things get extra challenging after high school.

AS and A Levels are qualifications that can prepare a student for university or employment. They provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills for further education or a career and are valuable, especially for those who want to study abroad, particularly in the UK. AS Levels are a one-year qualification, while A Levels are a two-year qualification progressing from the former. Both are ideal pathways for a successful future, but choosing between the two will depend on your academic ability, time commitment, and academic and career goals. Get in touch with upGrad GSP’s business development experts to know how to use your AS and A Levels for university.