This is the ‘gold standard’ of Cambridge and is accepted as an entry qualification by universities of the European Union and elsewhere around the world. These exams are usually taken after 13 years of education and are based on approximately 360 hours of guided learning per subject, normally over a two year period. Our students typically take three subjects at A level, although occasionally exceptional students take four or five.
Typically, UK university entrance requirements insist on three passes at grade C for academic courses in established universities. Very popular courses often require higher grades with medical schools asking for grades of AAB and the highly selective universities of Cambridge and Oxford requesting at least AAA. Good A Level grades can also be a key for our students to be eligible for admission to all the world’s major universities.
Some of our students go on to study in the USA and Canada, where entrance to university takes place after 12 years of education. Good grades in carefully chosen A Level subjects can result in our students receiving up to one full year of credit.
Further up-to-date information on universities that recognise Cambridge International AS and A Levels for entry to undergraduate programmes is available from the CAIE website.
The subject content of each of the A Level syllabuses has been subdivided into two parts: the AS syllabus content, which is expected to be covered in the first half of the course, and part two of the syllabus commonly referred to as ‘A2’. This flexible approach enables students to choose from three options:
NOTE: The A2 examination cannot be taken as a standalone qualification.
AS Levels may be taken as a freestanding qualification and are accepted in all UK universities. They carry half the weight of an A Level so, for example, students may be admitted with suitable grades in two A Levels and two AS Levels. Details of the tariff operated by the UK Universities are given on the UCAS website.
In addition to information provided on the Cambridge Assessment web site, students and parents are provided with ongoing information and advice from CIS Armenia teachers regarding course requirements and career options.