Many students and parents wonder what is the difference between A-Levels and AS Level, and which one they should choose. We have simplified this for you. Both are UK qualifications and they are a part of the General Certificate of Education (GCE) which covers years 11 and 12 of one’s education. Students who are not residents of the UK, especially those coming from Pakistan, India, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other countries, they get most confused. Students take these qualifications for bachelor’s studies, career advancement, and exploring the subject options they love and would love to choose from.
A Levels:
Advanced levels are qualifications in specific areas. In most cases, they serve as the final academic requirements before enrolling in a college for bachelor’s studies. Before starting university, you complete your A Levels, either privately, or going to some school. Its duration is 2 years and it has a minimum of 3 subjects which you choose according to your interest and the requirements of the university you aspire to take admitted for your bachelors. Although they originated in the UK, A-Levels and AS Level are the credential that is recognized the most globally.
A-Levels are split into two years, the first year is called AS Level, and the second year is called A2.
AS Level:
An AS Level is the first year of a complete A-Levels certificate or half of an A Level.
Difference Between A-Levels and AS Level
- Time Duration: An AS Level is 180 hours of teaching, while the full A Level is 360 hours.
- Grading Level: Unlike A Levels, you cannot achieve an A* at AS Level, and an A is the top grade you can achieve. While an AS Level is half the content of an A Level, it is worth less than half the UCAS points. An A grade at AS Level is worth 20 UCAS points, while an A at A Level is worth 48.
- Evaluation: Exams taken after the two-year program evaluate A-Levels. While AS Levels are evaluated through exams taken at the end of the academic year.
Importance: Since A Levels is a two-year program, it is more important when taking admission to universities. Whereas, AS Level helps you to demonstrate aptitude in a particular subject.
| A-Levels | AS Level | |
| Abbreviation | Advanced Level | Advanced Subsidiary Level |
| Qualification | It is a two-year degree program commonly pursued after completing secondary school (GCSEs) | It is a one-year qualification, frequently pursued during the first year of A-level coursework. |
| The number Of subjects | Minimum 3 | Minimum 3 |
| Duration | 2 Years | 1 year |
| Contribution to Final A grade Level | 100% | 50% |
| Exam Evaluation | Evaluated by exams taken after the two-year program, | Evaluated through exams taken at the end of the academic year. |
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