Do AS-Levels Still Exist? Still, a lot of students are unaware of its true meaning. In all honesty, AS-Levels were more common in the past. This indicates a decrease in the actual knowledge of them among students, with some even doubting their continued existence. AS-Levels still exist even in 2024.
AS levels, or Advanced Supplementary levels, are a type of qualification that students in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland can take after completing their GCSE exams.
They were first introduced in 1989 to broaden the range of subjects students could study post-16. AS levels are one-year courses that are equivalent to half of a full A level.
However, recently, the popularity of AS levels has declined making one wonder if they still exist. We will explain that in this article.
This is due to a number of factors, including changes to the A level system, the introduction of new qualifications such as BTECs, and the increasing cost of higher education.
AS-Levels is still in existence, they are offered by many schools and colleges, and they can be a valuable qualification for students who are considering going to university.
Table of Contents
- Do AS-Levels Still Exist?
- What are the AS-Levels?
- What Percentage of AS-Levels go toward A-Levels?
- Are AS-Levels Accepted by Universities?
- Are AS-Levels very Important?
- What are the Benefits of Taking AS Levels?
- What are the Disadvantages of taking AS levels?
- Do AS levels still matter?
- Must I take AS levels?
- How much Does AS Levels Cost in 2024?
- Can I reduce the AS Level Cost?
- How many UCAS points do you get from AS Levels?
- Do AS Levels Still Exist in UK?
- FAQs on Do AS-Levels Still Exist 2024
- Conclusion
- References
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Do AS-Levels Still Exist?
Yes they do! AS-Levels are still very much in use, as earlier said. They are not very well-liked, though. This is due to the current trend of students only taking A-Levels.
Though not in every subject, they are available in almost all of them, therefore it is best to do your own study. Even the AS-Levels are no longer offered by many universities and schools.
However, under some conditions, schools can be willing to award AS-Levels to students. For instance, if a student finds it difficult to complete an A-Level.
What are the AS-Levels?
An AS-Level is essentially the first full year of an A-Level. The majority of pupils continue studying the AS-Level subject for an additional year. A2 is the name for the second year.
To obtain an A-Level qualification, one must finish the first year and the A2 coursework in the second year. Nevertheless, you cannot hold both an A-Level and an AS-Level certification in the same subject.
Related: Is A-Levels Classified as Secondary Education?
You will sit for A-Level exams at the conclusion of Year 13 if you want to complete the two years rather than an AS-Level exam.
To obtain an AS-Level certification, you must take an exam at the end of this year if you just wish to study for a year. Thus, an AS-Level is essentially half of of an Advanced Level.
What Percentage of AS-Levels go toward A-Levels?
Everything you study in Year 12 is referred to as an AS-Level. This indicates that their contribution to each A-Level is roughly half.
About half of the UCAS points that an average A-Level grade would yield are awarded for them. More precisely, the UCAS point value of an A-Level is 40% of its AS-Level equivalent. You cannot, however, receive an A* at the AS-Level.
The same subject cannot be taken for both an AS-Level and an A-Level. This indicates that the majority of students complete three A-Levels and, if they so want, an additional AS-Level.
Students may be able to gain more UCAS points in Year 12 as a result, which may help them when applying to universities through UCAS. However, this doesn’t necessarily make Year 13 easier because many institutions now want specific A-Level grades rather than a predetermined number of UCAS points!
Read Related Post: When Should You Stop Putting GCSEs and A Levels on Your CV?
Are AS-Levels Accepted by Universities?
Your grades are usually converted into UCAS points by universities. Students must have a certain number of UCAS points in order to get admitted to a university course.
As a result, the UCAS points from an AS-Level achieved in addition to your A-Levels will undoubtedly increase your UCAS points for certain colleges. When utilized for additional points, AS-Levels are accepted by some universities.
In fact, some university courses mandate that students take both the AS-Levels and the A-Levels, and they find this to be beneficial. Still, this is limited to a handful of universities.
You may discover that courses often require three A-Level grades on university websites. But don’t let this deter you. Since they are frequently converted to UCAS points, AS-Levels are valid.
Since certain schools do not genuinely offer AS-Levels as a qualification, some colleges do not accept AS-Levels. Additionally, certain universities might only accept Scottish Higher or A-Levels together with certain grades associated with them.
AS-Levels still exist and valued by all colleges, and are taken into consideration when determining your acceptance rate.
Are AS-Levels very Important?
The AS subject you study in Year 12 is still very much important, even though AS-Levels aren’t as popular as they were before the reform and yield less UCAS points! By Year’s end, you are still tested on this material. Since AS-Levels still exist.
Furthermore, your predicted grades are still influenced by the Year 12 exams even if you choose not to sit for the actual AS certification.
At the end of Year 12, many schools administer internal mock exams to evaluate AS-Level material. These results are frequently used to calculate the expected grades that appear on your UCAS application.
Because these predicted results are a true reflection of how you perform in fast-paced, unseen tests, they are likely to be quite accurate.
As earlier mentioned, you can use your results from any national AS-Level exam to increase your UCAS score. If the universities you are applying to have flexible admissions rules, then this is the case.
Speak with your professors about your plans to take an AS-Level and find out whether it’s a viable choice for you if you want to score more UCAS points or less complete A-Levels.
If you wish to take three A-Levels and one AS-Level but are having trouble with a particular subject, you might want to consider taking the hardest subject as an AS-Level. This indicates a higher probability of receiving both an additional AS-Level grade and strong A-Level grades.
Also See: The Ultimate Guide To The Different BTEC Levels Existing | Expert Tips
What are the Benefits of Taking AS Levels?
There are several benefits to taking AS levels. These include:
Increased knowledge and understanding of the subject: AS levels provide students with a deep understanding of a particular subject. This can be beneficial for students who are planning to study the same subject at university.
Improved academic skills: AS levels help students develop their academic skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and research skills. These skills are essential for success at university.
Increased university options: AS levels can make students more competitive when applying to university. Some universities accept AS levels as part of their entry requirements.
Flexibility: AS levels can be taken as stand-alone qualifications, or they can be combined with other qualifications to create a bespoke study program.
What are the Disadvantages of taking AS levels?
There are a few drawbacks to taking AS levels. These include:
Cost. AS levels can be expensive, especially if students are taking multiple courses.
Workload. AS levels can be demanding, and they require a significant amount of time and effort to complete.
Linearity. AS levels are linear qualifications, which means that students must take the exams at the end of the course. This can be stressful for some students.
Read Also: What is an AS Levels? Everything You Need To Know About The AS Levels
Do AS levels still matter?
Yes, AS levels still exist, and so it still matters. They are still a valuable qualification for students who are considering going to university.
AS levels can help students improve their academic skills, increase their university options, and develop a deep understanding of a particular subject.
Must I take AS levels?
AS-levels are not essential for university admission.
Some universities only accept A-levels as part of their entry requirements.
Additionally, some students may choose to take other qualifications, such as BTECs or apprenticeships, instead of AS-levels.
If you are not sure what you want to do after school, then you may want to consider other options, such as BTECs or apprenticeships.
These qualifications can provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to start a career without having to go to university.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to take AS-levels is a personal one. You should weigh the pros and cons carefully and make the decision that is right for you.
How much Does AS Levels Cost in 2024?
The cost of AS levels in 2024 may vary depending on the school or college you attend, the number of subjects you take, and the exam board you choose. However, you can expect to pay around £300-£600 per subject for the cost of the exam and any associated fees.
For example, the Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) charges £178.60 for the AS level exam in a single subject. If you choose to take two AS levels in the same year, the cost will increase to £256.80.
Also Read: How To Get An A* In A-Level Maths ( Ultimate Guide)
In addition to the exam fees, you will also need to pay for the cost of tuition and any other associated costs, such as textbooks and resources. The cost of tuition will vary depending on the school or college you attend, but you can expect to pay around £1,000-£2,000 per year.
Can I reduce the AS Level Cost?
Check below for instruction n how to reduce AS Level cost:
Apply for scholarships and grants:
There are several scholarships and grants available to students who are taking AS levels. You can find out more about these opportunities by speaking to your school or college counselor or by searching online.
Consider taking AS levels at a community college
Community colleges typically charge lower tuition fees than four-year universities.
Take advantage of financial aid
If you are struggling to afford the cost of AS levels, you may be eligible for financial aid, such as student loans. You can speak to your school or college counselor to find out more about your options.
How many UCAS points do you get from AS Levels?
The number of UCAS points you get from AS levels depends on the grade you achieve. The following table shows the UCAS points awarded for each AS level grade:
AS level grade UCAS points
A – 20
B – 16
C – 12
D -10
E – 8
Read More: GCSE vs A-Level: What’s The Difference & Similarities Between A-Levels And GCSEs?
It is important to note that not all universities and courses accept AS levels. Some universities and courses only accept A levels as part of their entry requirements.
Additionally, some universities may weigh AS level grades differently from A level grades.
If you are considering taking AS levels, it is important to check the entry requirements for the universities and courses you are interested in.
You can also use the UCAS Tariff Calculator to find out how many UCAS points your qualifications are worth.
Do AS Levels Still Exist in UK?
However, the UK government announced a modifications to the AS-level curriculum in 2015, meaning these credentials are now regarded as stand-alone certificates and may not require test evaluations. Studying for the AS and A levels is no longer the only option available.
FAQs on Do AS-Levels Still Exist 2024
AS levels are equivalent to half of a full A level. A full A level is typically two years long, while an AS level is typically one year long.
No, not all universities accept AS levels. Some universities only accept A levels as part of their entry requirements. It is important to check the entry requirements for the universities you are interested in before you apply.
You can find out more about AS levels by speaking to your school or college counsellor. You can also visit the websites of the following organizations:
Ofqual: The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation is the government body that regulates qualifications in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
UCAS: The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service is the central organization that manages applications to higher education in the UK.
Conclusion
AS levels are still a valuable qualification for students who are considering going to university.
AS levels can help students to improve their academic skills, increase their university options, and develop a deep understanding of a particular subject.
References
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