These are the things to look out for on the Reasons to Study A level in UK for international students:
Introduction
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A-Level has its full meaning as Advanced Level. It is a subject-based qualification that is considered an essential part of the General Certificate of Education as well as a school-leaving qualification.
A-Level is offered by the educational bodies in the United Kingdom and other educational authorities of British Crown dependencies to most students completing secondary or pre-university education.
A-Level were introduced in England and Wales in the year 1951 to replace the Higher School Certificate. How essential is the A-Level?
A Level serves as an essential qualification, it is an entrance requirement for most universities. Being granted offers is based on grades achieved.
A-Level lasts for two years while students take about three or four A-Level courses.
A-Levels are generally worked towards over two years.
Normally, students take three or four A-Level courses in their first year of the sixth form, and most students taking four cuts back to three in their second year.
This is because university offers are normally based on three A-level grades, therefore taking a fourth can have an impact on grades as it entails more work for such students.
Unlike other level-3 qualifications, A-Levels have no specific subject requirements, Therefore students have the opportunity to combine any subjects they wish to take.
However, students normally pick their courses based on the degree they wish to pursue at university: most degrees require specific A Levels for entry.
A-Levels are divided into two parts:
- Advanced Subsidiary qualification
- A2 Level
within the first year, students pursue an Advanced Subsidiary qualification, commonly known as AS Level.
AS level exams may be taken after one year of study but result from AS level exams no longer count towards A level results. As level is now effectively a stand-alone qualification for some schools.
Then there is a second part which is known as an A2 or A2 Level.
The A2 Level is generally more in-depth and academically rigorous than the Advanced subsidiary levels.
The AS and A2 marks are combined in the end to get a full A-Level award.
The A2 Level is not a qualification on its own and must be accompanied by an AS Level in the same subject for certification.
Due to the fact that AS Levels are considered less academically rigorous, the A* grade is reserved for those taking the subject to A2 standard, so only A2 units contribute to this grade.
Also, students who are displeased with results from their AS units have the ability to resit.
A-Level in the United Kingdom is administered by five examination boards. They include:
- Assessment and Qualifications Alliance (AQA)
- Edexcel (Edexcel Pearson – London Examinations)
- Council for the Curriculum, Examinations & Assessment (CCEA)
- Oxford, Cambridge and RSA Examinations (OCR)
- Welsh Joint Education Committee (WJEC)
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A-level Entry Requirements
Just like your GCSE’s, it will be very dependent on the school which you have in mind to attend as to what the requirements are to study A-levels there.
For instance, a 6th Form College may require that you have at least 5 GCSE pass grades of C or above, but an independent school may just be needing 10 GCSE pass grades of B or above. So it is much dependent on the school.
You also must have in mind that A-levels are a much higher level of work and so a very good understanding of the English language will be required during your study period.
For Some people, A-levels are harder than most degrees programs as they prepare you to get into the universities.
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How A-levels are graded
Before we move on to the reasons to Study a level in the UK for international students, you must know that A-Levels are graded from A* to U. A* is the best possible mark which reflects a total score of 90 and above while U means unclassified.
| MARK | GRADES |
| 0-39 | U |
| 40-49 | E |
| 50-59 | D |
| 60-69 | C |
| 70-79 | B |
| 80-89 | A |
| 90-99 | A* |
Alternative to A-Level
Surprisingly there is an alternative to the A-Level. This alternative is available in some schools and most colleges in the United Kingdom. It is called International Baccalaureate.
It is an internationally recognized qualification which is considered by some people to be harder and even more reqourous than the A-Level.
There are compulsory six subjects, the International Baccalaureate comes with a wide range of tuition including compulsory English and Mathematics.
International Baccalaureate is marked on a scale between 1 to 7 for individual subjects. The International Baccalaureate is assessed with a single round of exams at the end of the two years.
However, you can go for the A-level if you are someone who doesn’t cope so well with stress.
But if you are academically ambitious and have a well-rounded knowledge base and skill set then you can take on the challenge of the International Baccalaureate. Read on to see the reasons to Study a level in UK for international students.
Reasons to study A-Level as an international student
If you are still in the process of making the decision of whether to study A-level, Below are some of the benefits of studying A-level as an international student. Here are the most common reasons to Study a level in UK for international students.
The great education system
The great education system of the United Kingdom is part of the reasons to Study a level in UK for international students.
It is such that is respected all over the world. Why is this so? This is because the United Kingdom has produced the greatest thinkers, politicians, writers, scientists etc.
Moving into the United Kingdom as an international student makes you a part of the long academic tradition while being in an environment where academic excellence is valued.
Easy application to Universities in the United Kingdom
The A-level is seen by universities as a standard measure of academic success in the United Kingdom.
While the International Baccalaureate is increasingly popular, an overwhelming majority of applicants to the Universities in the United Kingdom will have the A-level which is considered to receive an offer of admission.
The A-level is just like a solid introduction to what it is like to study in the UK which I consider very essential for you if you will finally decide to study in the UK. This, therefore, is one of the reasons to Study a level in UK for international students.
A chance to improve your English and Mathematics skills
As an international student, English might not be your native language.
I consider the opportunity to study A level in UK for international students as a means to develop their fluency in the English Language to the level that is required in the universities in the United Kingdom.
It might interest you to know there is a level of English Language proficiency that is required for students before they can be accepted in the Universities in the United Kingdom.
Each college has their admission policy and more likely will demand proof of English language proficiency.
Mathematics is one of the subjects taken, you will have the chance to have it improved in a much serene environment.
Therefore I consider that as one of the reasons to Study a level in UK for international students.
It boosts your job prospects
Studying abroad and having yourself in a new culture entirely will help you improve your interpersonal skills while giving you life experiences that will place you ahead of your competitors.
It enhances your cv as many employers are looking for graduates from Universities in the United Kingdom.
The UK education is such that is highly respected all over the world. I consider that as one of the major Study A level in UK for international students.
Explore the rich culture of the United Kingdom
While UK university graduates are recognized by employers, studying A-level in the United Kingdom gives you a chance to explore the rich culture of the UK.
The UK has placed interest in history and it is quite evident in the streets of ordinary towns and cities as a major cultural hotspot.
The few places you will have the chance to visit include the queen’s official residence, the ancient and mysterious prehistoric stone cycle etc.
Essential For your working life
Even after your A-level, you can decide to go to a university or not. It won’t stop the fact that A-level will remain beneficial to you.
By having the A-level qualification especially from any of the schools in the United Kingdom, you are demonstrating your ability to achieve success.
Not only that, you are equipped with tools that are essential for your working life. For instance, having the A-level means you have the ability to analyse and think critically and can build well-structured points of view which you can verbally communicate to colleagues and the senior team.
Connect with people from other cultures
One of the Reasons to Study A level in UK for international students is the opportunity to meet with students who are from other countries and other cultures.
The UK attracts so many international students, therefore you can look forward to making friends with people from many nationalities.
Channels your passion
Part of the reason to Study A level in UK for international students is the ability to channel your passion.
Since you can decide to choose to study subject-specific qualifications.
This means you can choose to focus your energy on excelling in your area of interest.
A-level gives you the opportunity to study subjects that you are passionate about.
A-level gives you the opportunity to study subjects that are most beneficial to your career.
So if you are interested in studying midwifery, a good level of midwifery will help you prepare for your midwifery career.
Different study routes
One of the reasons to Study a level in UK for international students is the different study routes which UK has to offer.
You can choose to study your A-level online or in a classroom. Studying in person means you have to appear in person typically in one of the six form colleges in the UK. This option is expensive because of the course materials and cost of commuting.
However, the online option means you can learn online from your home thereby benefiting from reduced cost since most of your course materials are online and there will be no need to commute. As a matter of fact, it’s one of the best reasons to Study A level in UK for international students.
Reasons to Study a level in UK for international students FAQs
Having come this far, you must have seen the reasons to Study A level in UK for international students, here are some common question by people.
How many years is A-level in UK?
Students study for A-level for a two year period. During this time, we have the AS level which will go on in the first year and then the second year A2 Level.
How much does an A-level Qualification cost in the UK?
As an A-Level student who is studying in-person through a sixth-form college, you should expect to pays £9000 upwards.
However, there are online A-level qualifications that can start as low as £340 and make their way up to around £1500.
As a matter of fact, some online providers offer low interest-free monthly payments just to assist students spread the costs.
Can I study A-levels for free?
A-level courses are provided for free to students between the ages of 16 to 18 in the UK. Most times they just have to pay a symbolic fee which is at a maximum of £100.
Students over this age will be required to pay some fees, which depends on your school of choice, course of study and mode of study. As an international student, expect to pay.
How do I study for A-levels?
Make sure you select subjects that you are passionate about.
Relax often in order to increase your concentration.
Write notes often. The faintest ink is sharper than the sharpest brain.
Use online resources always.
Make a personal learning schedule.
What can I do after my A-Levels?
You can decide to continue at a university.
You can look for employment
You can equally go for a Vocational or work-based qualification.
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Conclusion on the Reasons to Study a level in UK for international students
| Given these reasons, it is not a surprise that A-level for international students is becoming rampant. Therefore if you are looking for one of the easiest ways to move into a university, then you should consider A-levels. |
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