Post-GCSE qualifications
Find a way forward that helps you make the most of your future.
AS-levels & A-levels:
- An AS-level aims to give you a thorough insight into a subject, with a view to specialising in it at A2-level.
- One AS-level is the equivalent of half an A-level. It's usually taken in Year 12, followed by an A2 in Year 13 if you find the subject lights your fire (and you've completed all three units in the course).
- If you combine your AS with an A2-level (comprising another three units), it becomes the same as an A-level qualification.
- Many students study up to five AS-levels, and then choose to specialise in two to four subjects at A2-level.
- Most AS- and A2-levels are assessed through a combination of coursework and exams.
- In order to take an AS-level, you usually need four or more GCSEs at grade C or above.
A-level points
Each post-GCSE qualification you get earns you a number of points. If you're hoping to continue your education at degree level, you may need a certain number of points in order to qualify. Here's what your A-level qualifications are worth - an AS-level on its own is worth half the A-level value.
- Grade A = 120 points
- Grade B = 100 points
- Grade C = 80 points
- Grade D = 60 points
- Grade E = 40 points
Highers and Advanced Highers:
- These are the Scottish equivalent of AS- and A-levels, taken in the last two years of school respectively.
- Your Higher grade does not count towards your Advanced Higher grade, so Sixth Year (Year 13) is a fresh start.
- Usually, entrance to university is based on Advanced Higher results, a pass being grades A-C.
- They are the same standard and worth the same number of UCAS points as A-levels.
- For more information on qualifications available to Scottish students (Standard Grade, Higher or Advanced Higher) see this quick guide by the Scottish Qualifications Authority.
NVQ/SVQ:
- An industry-driven qualification, designed to help you qualify to work in a specific job or role;
- NVQs can be studied while you work or at college.
- NVQs are studied at different levels, and range from a basic overview of a certain occupation to a specialist understanding.
- There are over 1,300 course subjects to choose from.
- NVQs are designed to be taken at a pace that suits you. This is roughly one year for levels one and two and two years for level three.
- The Scottish equivalent of an NVQ is the SVQ.
Skills for life:
- If you are over 16 years of age, have left compulsory full-time education and don't have an up-to-date English or maths qualification at level 2 on the National Qualifications Framework (such as a GCSE), you can study a Skills for Life qualification.
- Also referred to as 'Basic Skills' qualifications.
- You can study literacy, numeracy and information and communication technology (ICT).
- They can help you boost your confidence in everyday skills, as well as improving your CV and helping to get on courses such as NVQs.
BTEC:
- BTECs offer a range of occupational-based subjects to study, with the aim of learning the relevant skills for a job.
- You can study BTECs at various levels. To study for a level 2 qualification you'll need D to G grade GSCEs under your belt. To study at level 3 you need A to C grades.
- BTECs aren't exclusively for post-GCSE students. Most students study them on a full-time basis, but it's possible to study part-time too.
- A level 3 BTEC will earn you points on the 'UCAS tariff'.
International Baccalaureate:
- The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is an internationally-recognised qualification taught in over 70 UK schools and colleges.
- You study a wide range of subjects such as languages, arts, science, maths, history and geography.
- You gain a single qualification rather than separate qualifications for each subject.
- From 2008 entry onwards, the diploma will count towards UCAS entry: 24 points will earn 280 UCAS points (the equivalent of two Bs and a C at A-level); the maximum of 45 points will earn 768 UCAS points - equivalent to more than six A-levels at grade A.
Diplomas
This is a new qualification that was introduced in to the English curriculum in September 2008 for 14 to 19-year-olds. You can take diplomas at three levels, all of which can start after your GCSEs:
- The Foundation Diploma starts in Year 10 or 12 and takes around the same time as four or five GCSEs.
- The Higher Diploma starts in Year 12 or above, and takes broadly the same amount of time as five or six GCSEs.
- The Advanced Diploma takes about the same time as three A-levels.
For more information about what subjects you can study, read our factsheet on diplomas.
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