A-Levels

An A-Level, or an ‘Advanced Level’, is the primary type of qualification offered to students progressing from GCSE to further education at 16. Unlike GCSEs, A-Levels are graded from A* to E and, when applying to university, are attributed UCAS points depending on the grade achieved. We look at UCAS points further down this page. A-Levels take two years to complete, with the first year usually made up of three or four subjects studied at AS-Level. An AS-Level is a precursor to an A2 level, which, when combined, make up a whole A-Level. Students often pick four AS-Levels when they leave school at 16, dropping one at the end of the first year to focus on the three subjects they wish to achieve full A-Levels in. The subjects they choose are often dependent on what they want to study at university. Students are assessed primarily by exams, taking place at the end of the school year. However, some subjects are made up in part of coursework, which is a factor to consider when picking topics.

UCAS points for A-Levels

At A-Level, an A* is worth 56 UCAS points, an A is worth 48 points, a B 40 points, a C 32 points, a D 24 points and an E is worth 16 UCAS points. At AS-Level, an A is worth 20 UCAS points, a B is worth 16 points, a C 12 points, a D 10 points and an E is worth 6 UCAS points.

BTECs

BTEC, standing for the Business and Technology Education Council, is a vocational qualification that students can study as an equivalent to GCSE, A-Level and degree level. However, it is most commonly studied as an alternative to A-Levels. A BTEC is a practical-based qualification, which is an advantage for those who prefer not to sit exams or need vocational experience for the career path they wish to take. Whereas A-Levels are assessed via exams, BTEC qualifications are assessed as written assignments or practical activities. Furthermore, an additional difference is the grading system. BTECS are graded as Pass, Merit or Distinction. BTECS are equivalent to A-Levels but come in varying levels, which is something to look out for when looking into subject or course choices. Levels 1 – 2 = GCSE Level 3 = A-Level Levels 4 – 7 = Degree

UCAS points for BTECs

Whereas A-Levels are awarded UCAS points for grades A* to E, BTECs are awarded UCAS points based on Distinctions, Merits and Passes. For BTECS, the diploma is split into: National Extended Certificate, National Diploma and National Extended Diploma. At National Extended Certificate level, a D* (Distinction*) is worth 56 UCAS points, a D (Distinction) is 48 points, an M (Merit) is 32 points and a P (Pass) is 16 UCAS points. For National Diplomas, a D*D* is equal to 112 UCAS points, D*D is 104 points, DD is 96 points, DM is 80 points, MM is 64 points, MP is 48 points and a PP is 32 UCAS points. National Extended Diplomas are worth 168 UCAS points at D*D*D* grade, D*D*D is 160, D*DD is 152, DDD equals 144, DDM is 128, DMM is 112, MMM is 96, MMP is 80, MPP is 64 and PPP is 48 UCAS points.

International Baccalaureate Diplomas

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is similar to an A-Level in that it is studied over two years, but has a different format. Whereas each A-Level consists of a single subject (although several are usually studied), an IB is made up of three higher-level subjects plus three additional subsidiary standard-level subjects. In addition, there are extra elements, including the Theory of Knowledge essay. The six academic subjects consist of two languages, maths, humanities, science and an additional subject from the arts or an extra course from one of the existing subject areas. The IB is internationally recognised and accepted by UK universities, making it an excellent option for students who may wish to study abroad in the future. As the International Baccalaureate covers six subjects, it offers considerable breadth but can be academically challenging due to the workload required. Assessments consist of a combination of exams and coursework assessed by external examiners. International Baccalaureate grades differ from A-Levels in that there is a points-based grading system. Whereas A-Levels are graded from A* to E, each IB subject is scored from 1 to 7, plus an additional 3 points awarded for the Theory of Knowledge essays and extended essays. The maximum for International Baccalaureate grades is 45 points, while 24 points is the minimum required to obtain the IB Diploma. In terms of grading, 38 out of the maximum 45 points are equivalent to five A grades, and a score of 30 points equals three and a half A grades at A-Level.

UCAS points for the International Baccalaureate

While the IB as a whole does not gain UCAS points, individual components of International Baccalaureate grades do. At Higher Level, the grades and UCAS points equate to:

• 7 = 56 UCAS points
• 6 = 48 UCAS points
• 5 = 32 UCAS points
• 4 = 24 UCAS points
• 3 = 12 UCAS points

At Standard Level, the grades and UCAS points equate to:

• 7 = 28 UCAS points
• 6 = 24 UCAS points
• 5 = 16 UCAS points
• 4 = 12 UCAS points
• 3 = 6 UCAS points

The Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge both range from 12 UCAS points for an A, down to 4 UCAS points for an E.

Access to Higher Education Diploma

The Higher Education (HE) Diploma is for students who are aiming to go to university but do not have the necessary qualifications and need additional qualifications to meet the entry requirements. HE students are usually over the age of 19 and have taken time out of their studies. Whereas A-Levels are a two-year course, the Higher Education Diploma is a one-year intensive course with the option of completing it part-time. There are entry requirements for the HE Diploma, usually GCSEs in Maths and English. Students on the course not only develop subject knowledge, but are also taught how to study effectively.

A fundamental difference from A-Levels is the assessment process. Assessments are mainly made up of coursework, with some essays, practical tests and exams. Grading is made up of either a Pass, Merit or Distinction. All diplomas, regardless of subject matter, consist of either 3, 6 or 9 credits, which add up to 60 credits in total. Level 3 graded units can achieve a maximum of 45 credits, while 15 credits come from ungraded Level 3 or Level 2 units. For the Higher Education Diploma, tariff points range from 144 to 48. A Distinction with 45 credits is worth 144 UCAS points, 30 Distinction credits combined with 15 Merit credits equals 128 points, whilst 15 Distinction credits with 30 Merit credits is worth 112 UCAS points. 45 Merit credits alone will gain 96 UCAS points, while 15 Distinction, Merit and Pass credits will be worth 96 UCAS point as well. 15 Merit credits combined with 30 Pass credits is worth 64 UCAS points, and finally 45 Pass credits are worth 48 tariff points.

It’s clear that there are many ways into university and careers later in life, and they should all be given equal consideration during the hiring process. It’s also important to remember that holes in the desired qualifications can be fixed with an effective training and development plan. Whilst some students will be competent at exams, others showcase their knowledge through coursework or practical vocational assessment. It’s important to consider all routes into work and university, and the work a student undertook to achieve the required results. Differing types of assessment are all equal, but not every student is the same or has the same strengths.