AS and A levels can be a great choice for learners looking to continue their education after finishing school at 16. These qualifications open doors to university, further training, or a dream career.
What AS and A level subjects are available in Wales?
There are almost 50 different AS and A level subjects schools and colleges can offer in Wales.
These are divided into approved and designated qualifications. Approved qualifications are those that have been specifically developed to meet the needs of learners in Wales.
Designated qualifications are those which are available to learners in Wales, but have been developed for learners living elsewhere (typically in England).
Approved A levels in Wales are structured in two parts:
Together, these make up the full A level.
Some learners choose to take AS levels in certain subjects without continuing to A2. This can be a good way to:
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- keep options open
- study a broader range of subjects
- show skills in areas that complement full A levels
In Wales, AS grades appear on learners’ certificates. This evidences all learners’ achievements, even if they don't continue onto the full A level. AS levels are graded A–E and A levels are graded A*–E.
Reviewing approved AS and A levels in Wales
In light of the introduction of the National 14–16 Qualifications, we have asked WJEC to conduct a targeted review of its approved AS and A level qualifications to ensure they are up to date and to identify any inconsistencies with, or gaps in relation to, the new GCSEs and related qualifications.
As these National Qualifications have been carefully designed to fully support progression to the current range of approved AS and A levels, we do not anticipate significant changes will be needed in the majority of subjects.
If changes are needed, amended specifications will be published one year in advance of first teaching of the new GCSEs.
Approved AS and A level subjects
Approved AS and A level qualifications are delivered bilingually by WJEC.
Designated AS and A level subjects
Designated AS and A level qualifications are available in English (with the exception of electronics, which is available in Cymraeg and English) and are delivered by the awarding bodies AQA, Eduqas or OCR.
For these subjects, AS levels are a standalone qualification and grades do not contribute to the full A level.
Qualifications in Wales database
Schools and colleges can find details of all the approved and designated AS & A level qualifications, including qualifications titles, numbers, and start and end dates, on our Qualifications in Wales (QiW) database.
Progression to and from AS and A levels
Prior learning
Before starting an AS course, learners will have completed their Key Stage 4 study (Years 10 and 11). They will have completed Level 1 or Level 2 qualifications, often GCSEs or equivalents.
The majority of AS and A levels do not have prior learning requirements and any requirements set for entry onto a course are at the discretion of the school or college. Learners will typically have achieved qualifications equivalent to a Level 2 at Key Stage 4 (a C or above in GCSEs), with a focus on Cymraeg, English and mathematics.
Some AS and A level specifications, such as those in mathematics and the sciences, build on the knowledge, understanding and skills developed during GCSE study.
What next after AS and A levels?
Following A level study, learners have a number of pathways to choose from, including:
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- university study
- other higher education study, such as foundation degrees, Higher National Diplomas or Higher National Certificates
- apprenticeships or other work-based learning
- going straight into paid employment
Comparing AS and A levels in Wales, England and Northern Ireland
AS and A levels are the same size and rigour across Wales, England and Northern Ireland. They're equally respected by universities and employers across the UK.
For AS and A levels in Wales:
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- a Welsh perspective is included in course content where appropriate
- practical assessment is used to assess a full range of skills and contribute to the final grade
- both AS and A2 units contribute toward the final A level grade
Here is a summary of the similarities and differences of AS and A levels across the three countries:
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Wales
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England
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Northern Ireland
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Regulator
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Qualifications Wales
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Ofqual
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CCEA
(Not available in Wales)
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Qualifications and Assessments Framework level
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Level 3
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Level 3
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Level 3
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Options to take a standalone AS level?
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Yes
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Yes
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Yes
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Contribution of AS units to the final A level grade?
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40%
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0%
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40%
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Grade structure
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AS levels: A–E
A level: A*–E
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AS levels: A–E
A level: A*–E
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AS levels: A–E
A level: A*–E
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Guided learning hours
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AS level: 180
A level: 360
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AS level: 180
A level: 360
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AS level: 180
A level: 360
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Assessment
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Unitised: assessments can be taken throughout the qualification.
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Linear: all assessments are taken at the end of the year.
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Unitised: assessments can be taken throughout the qualification.
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Retakes
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Each unit can be retaken once.
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Learners must retake all exams, but non-exam assessment marks can be reused.
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Each unit can be retaken once.
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Our role in regulating AS and A levels
As a regulator, we must ensure that approved qualifications awarded by recognised awarding bodies meet the needs of learners in Wales and retain public confidence in their rigour and value. We also work with Ofqual to oversee the secure delivery and awarding of the designated.
In order to do this, we set certain criteria that AS and A levels must meet. This enables us to ensure they are fit for purpose and comparable to similar qualifications delivered elsewhere.
