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 being introduced 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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