AS and A Level essays

Advanced level qualifications are generally studied during the ages of 16-18 after a student has taken their GCSE level qualifications. As the name suggests the level of study in the subjects is at a considerably higher level than that which the student will have studied. The amount of study involved in an A level generally means that three is sufficient challenge for the vast majority of students although some high-achievers may be entered for four (or even more).

Students can take a free-standing AS level in the first year as a separate qualification but all the marks for the Advanced level are awarded in the examinations at the end of the second year of study. Advanced level qualifications are used in university applications to allow universities to make decisions about potential students. If you have designs on a particular degree pathway, take care to find out if the subjects you will be studying at A level will be appropriate for the course.