When we think of GCE Advanced Levels (A Levels), some may think of the UK education system as many learners progress onto these qualifications following GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education). Would you believe me however if I said that these qualifications are also used within some schools in Sri Lanka, Singapore, Zimbabwe and the rest of the world? In this article we will explain the importance of this highly sort after qualification and the options you have available to you wherever you are based.
What is the GCE Advanced Level (A Level)?
Previously, our articles have covered the IGCSE including Full Form and the GCE O Level. But these qualifications alone would not allow you to apply to some universities. The GCE Advanced Level is a tier higher than the IGCSE and O Level and would form a natural progression onto University.
In a traditional school system, learners would sit their GCSE exams between the ages 14-16 and then progress onto Advanced Levels in preparation for University. A Levels would normally take two years and therefore students ages 17-19 would typically take these qualifications.
The GCE Advanced Level is a subject-based qualification. Learners would normally study approximately 3-4 subjects which would lead onto their chosen degree of study. For example, if someone is applying to study Medicine at University, they may choose to study A Level Biology, Chemistry and Physics. This differs slightly to something like the IB Diploma (International Baccalaureate) where you would not study the subject in such depth and have a broad understanding of more subjects.
Can anyone take the GCE Advanced Level?
Whilst we have mentioned that learners aged 17-19 take A Levels within a conventional school system, there is no upper age limit on these qualifications. We have many adult learners taking A Levels with our college for many different purposes. Some take A Levels as a hobby, to teach in a specialist subject or because they are applying to University.
Can you take GCE Advanced Levels outside the UK as a private candidate?
Yes you certainly can! The two main awarding bodies with centres based worldwide for exams are Cambridge International Education (CIE) and Pearson Edexcel. For more information on the International GCE Advanced Levels, please visit our IAL page.
How long does a GCE Advanced Level take?
Within school, learners would study an A Level for approximately two years. You can take the course over two years just like the traditional school system even if you are studying A Levels online. However, when you do study A Levels online, you are also able to have flexibility and could take them much sooner as a fast track course. Some learners will complete their A Levels within 12 months or even sooner.
Are International GCE Advanced Levels hard?
GCE Advanced Levels (A Levels) are going to be harder than the GCSE and O Level as they are a step up. What some learners struggle with when moving onto A Levels is the independent study aspect. At GCSE or O Level, you are taught pretty much everything you need to know in order to go into the exams and answer the questions. With A Levels however, learners will be expected to research a topic with little or no supervision. This prepares learners for independent study at University. In some ways, the A Levels are helping you begin you journey for University rather than independent study becoming a shock when you do start University.
How do I relieve pressure with A Levels?
Normally A Levels are 100% exam based unless the subject involves non-exam assessments.
If you are taking Cambridge or Edexcel A Levels, with most subjects, you can split the exams over two exam series if this helps. For example, if someone is taking Cambridge A Level Business, there are four papers in total:
Cambridge IAS Level Business (Year 1)
- Paper 1
- Paper 2
Cambridge IA2 Level Business (Year 2)
- Paper 3
- Paper 4
Some learners may take all four papers in one exam series but others may take the first two papers in Oct/Nov and the remaining two papers in May/June. – See how this would relieve the pressure? It could all still be completed within 1 year too if that is necessary.
Let’s now look at some countries where this qualification is extremely popular.
GCE Advanced Level UK
Applying to the UK for a University place with A Levels? You can do so through UCAS. Find out more by reading our articles:
GCE Advanced Level Sri Lanka
Cambridge International Advanced Levels in 3 subjects taken in a single sitting are generally accepted towards meeting entry requirements.
GCE Advanced Level Philippines
Learners (both Filipino and international) may apply to most Universities within the Philippines to any degree program with available places. The requirements are generally to have passed 2-3 A Levels and three Ordinary Levels (O Levels) / IGCSEs.
GCE Advanced Level India
You can apply to most universities within India using GCE A Levels. See our article:
GCE Advanced Level Poland
Most universities within Poland will accept International A Levels. They typically require 3-4 and the subjects needed will depend on the field of study.
Whilst we have stated requirements above, it is extremely important to check with the individual University to ensure that they don’t stipulate any other requirements.
We have mentioned a few countries above accepting International A Levels, however this is a worldwide recognised qualification. If you are unsure of whether or not these qualifications are accepted within your country, please get in contact where we can provide more information.