The A-Levels

A-levels, or Advanced Levels, are often regarded as the gold standard certification for admission to elite colleges in the United Kingdom and elsewhere. In fact, students in the UK typically take them at the age of 17-18, after graduating Year 13.

A-levels Explained

A-levels are subject-specific qualifications. Students typically study three to four specific fields over one or two years. End-of-course tests, as well as coursework or continuous assessments, are used to determine final marks.

A-level stands for…

A-levels is an abbreviation for the General Certificate of Education – Advanced Levels. Undoubtedly, they have been the primary school leaving qualification for UK pupils seeking higher education since it was introduced in the 1950s.

Choosing Your A-level Subjects

A-levels provide in-depth study in a few specific disciplines. You can choose three or four subjects from your school’s offerings, with some freedom.

Important Note: Subject Requirements

Specific A-level subjects may be necessary for some university degrees. To ensure a smooth transition, check the entry requirements for your selected programmes, topic areas, or institutions. Make sure they don’t require specific A-level qualifications. For example, medical degrees often include Biology and Chemistry as requirements.

How Many A-levels Can You Take?

To be accepted into an undergraduate course at most top UK universities, applicants must earn three A-levels.

Where are A-levels accepted?

All of the best UK universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, recognise A-level qualifications. Most medical schools require exceptional A-level marks for entrance. Globally, A-levels are generally accepted by leading colleges and other educational institutions.

How are A-levels graded?

End-of-course exams serve as the foundation for final A-level results. Each subject is graded on a scale from A* (highest) to E with A* being the highest grade.

How difficult are A-levels?

The difficulty of A-levels is subjective and relies on a variety of variables. A-levels are generally considered difficult, requiring hard effort and perseverance to achieve high scores.

Students who have previously completed GCSEs in the UK may find A-levels less challenging than those joining the UK school system for the first time. Strong academic support and a positive mindset can help students from any background achieve A-level success.

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The International Baccalaureate (IB)

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) is an alternative to traditional A-Levels offered in the UK for students aged 16-19 (typically in Years 12 and 13). Moreover, it’s a challenging and well-respected program that prepares students for universities worldwide.

The IB program is a two-year programme that offers a broad curriculum compared to A-Levels. Students typically take six subjects from different subject groups, ensuring a well-rounded education.

Choosing Your IB Subjects

In the IB Diploma Programme (DP), students select subjects to study across six subject groups:

  • Studies in language and literature
  • Language acquisition
  • Individuals and societies
  • Sciences
  • Mathematics
  • The arts (or an additional subject from groups 1-5)

In addition to the core subject groups, students can choose to study extra sciences, individuals and societies, or languages instead of taking an art topic.

Students will study some subjects at a higher level (HL) and others at a standard level (SL). HL and SL subjects range in scope but are graded using the same descriptors, with students expected to demonstrate a larger body of knowledge, comprehension, and skills at a higher level.

Here’s the breakdown of subject levels: Each student takes a minimum of three or four subjects at the higher level, with the remainder at the regular level.

Where IB is accepted?

More than 2,000 universities throughout the world recognise the IB for university admissions in over 75 countries.

How are IB graded?

In the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, students receive grades ranging from 1 to 7, with 7 being the highest.

The International Foundation Diploma (IFD)

The International Foundation Diploma, also known as the International Foundation Program, University Foundation Year, or University Foundation Programme, is a challenging one-year or less program designed specifically for international students. In other words, it fills the gap between finishing 11-12 years of high school in another nation and meeting the academic requirements of a UK bachelor’s degree.

How does it work?

It is an intense programme based on A-levels, a well-known UK qualification for university admittance. Ensuring its alignment, Pearson, an external body that evaluates the program’s quality and efficacy in preparing students for UK degrees, validates the International Foundation Diploma (IFD).

What makes it unique for international students?

This program is specifically developed for international students. However, its curriculum is identical to that of A-levels. In contrast to traditional A-levels, the syllabus is more accessible to students from many cultural backgrounds. This promotes a smoother transition for overseas students.

Why choose IFD over other foundations?

The name “International Foundation Diploma” stands out from more general foundation programmes. These programmes may focus on a single subject or cater to specific universities. The IFD, on the other hand, provides a more comprehensive preparation for several undergraduate degrees in the UK.

What is the equivalent of the IFD?

The IFD is comparable to A-levels and other recognised high school graduation qualifications, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB). Universities recognise all of these qualifications as entry requirements for their degree programmes.

Students holding their international foundation diploma or A-levels certificate or an IB certificate from UK
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What is difference between A-Level and International Foundation Diploma?

The International Foundation Diploma is a powerful pre-university programme that offers international students two options: a fast-track 6-month program or a more comprehensive 9-month regular programme. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for overseas students hoping to pursue an undergraduate degree in the UK after completing 11 or 12 years of high school in another nation. The Foundation Programme is designed specifically for international students and can be completed in a shorter timeframe compared to the A-Level programme. In contrast, the A-Level programme is a traditional two-year course typically taken by the majority of UK Year 13 pupils for university entrance.

Academic Barriers of international Students

Lack of knowledge of the UK educational system can be a major hurdle for international students. In their native countries, students may not be familiar with the structure and expectations of the UK system, which can lead to confusion and trouble adjusting to the new curriculum.

Adding to these challenges, language barriers can persist even if students meet the English language proficiency standards. Understanding the specific language used in academic contexts and navigating different accents can still be difficult.

Finally, fulfilling entry requirements can be another source of stress. It may be unclear if their present credentials satisfy the minimum requirements for both their planned undergraduate program and the foundation course, if they choose that route.

Two boys Studying about A-Levels, IB, IFD.

FAQ’s

Q1. What is the credibility of A level course?

→ All the best UK Universities including Oxford & Cambridge value your A-level qualifications.

Q2. Do I have to take IELTS even after Studying International Baccalaureate (IB)?

→ Even having done with the IB Diploma may still not exempt you from needing to take the IELTS.

Q3. Who should consider enrolling in the IFD?

→ The IFD is suitable for students who 

  • Have completed high school but require more preparation before pursuing a degree.
  • Have to meet entry requirements for undergraduate programmes as an international student.
  • Want to improve their academic and language skills.

Q4. What topics are addressed in the IFD?

→ The IFD curriculum usually includes subjects such as:

  • English Language and Communication Skills 
  • Mathematics Science 
  • Business and Economics 
  • Social sciences

Q5. What are the entry requirements for the IFD?

→ The requirements for the IFD are:

  • Minimum Age is 16+
  • High School Graduation
  • Minimum IELTS 4.5, which is B1-Intermediate (Preferred).

Q6. Are there scholarships available for the IFD?

→ There are namely 2 scholarships available for the IFD

  • Global Ambassador Scholarship
  •  Income Based Scholarship

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