A levels
The A levels − short for Advanced Level General Certificate of Education − was introduced in 1951 as a standard requirement for entry into universities in the UK. Today, the A levels is widely recognised by many reputable institutions outside of the UK.
A levels courses are offered through private colleges in Malaysia. Students may elect to take a minimum of three subjects from a range of 60 subjects. There is technically no limit to the number of A levels you can take. Most universities require a minimum of three A level subjects for entry. Some require four (the fourth subject may be an AS level).The entry requirement for A levels courses is SPM, O levels or an equivalent qualification.
Choosing a course
Students who wish to undertake an A levels course locally should know that only two examination boards are represented in the country, namely the University of Cambridge International Examinations and Edexcel Limited. Although they vary in assessment methods and course syllabi, both A levels types are equally recognised by universities.
More importantly, you should understand the individual subject requirements of your undergraduate courses of interest before undertaking either of the A levels courses. Due to the disparities in the courses offered by different colleges, the subjects offered vary from one institution to another. Therefore, it would be beneficial for you to research the different colleges available and narrow down your A levels course choices according to the needs of your desired undergraduate course and your personal learning ability.
University of Cambridge International Examinations
The University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) conducts A levels examinations in 125 countries around the world.
Students who undertake A levels through the CIE can select one of three assessment methods:
Option 1
Take all papers of the Cambridge International A level course in the same examination session, usually at the end of the second year of study
Option 2
Take a staged assessment route – ie complete the Cambridge International AS level in one examination session and complete the final Cambridge International A level at a subsequent session*
Option 3
Take the Cambridge International AS level only, either at the end of a one- or two-year course. The Cambridge International AS level syllabus content is half of a Cambridge International A Level programme.
* The staged assessment route is not available for all subjects. The outcomes awarded for Cambridge International AS level language syllabi cannot be carried forward to Cambridge International A level.
Edexcel Limited
Edexcel Limited is one of the five main examination boards in England, Wales and Northern Ireland’s. It operates globally and awards 1.5 million certificates to students annually.
The A levels course offered by Edexcel is modular, ie every subject is made up of six units. The exams for this course are taken in stages:
Stage One
Passing units 1, 2 and 3 to earn the Advanced Subsidiary (AS) level qualification which is half of the A level
Stage Two
Passing units 4, 5 and 6 to earn the Advanced (A2) level qualification and thus the full A level.
The Edexcel A levels permits students to retake individual units without having to repeat an entire stage.
The A levels grading system
| Grade | Percentage of exam marks |
| A* | 80% overall plus 90% in A2 units |
| A | 80%+ |
| B | 70% - 79% |
| C | 60% - 69% |
| D | 50% - 59% |
| E | 40% - 49% |
Note: The A* grade is only awarded for papers leading to A2 level qualifications.
An A levels programme is right for you if...
- you have an interest in pursuing studies overseas where English is the native language
- you enjoy a flexible yet challenging syllabus
- you want to keep your study options open.
This article first appeared in doctorjob's CoursesNOW! Pre-University 2011.
