Selby College, Abbot's Road, Selby, YO8 8AT. Tel. 01757 211000

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Advanced Level Qualifications

Advanced Level Qualifications

Many people will choose to study Advanced Level qualifications at Selby College. This page gives a more detailed explanation of the different types of Advanced Level courses available.

‘A’ Levels – (‘AS’ Level and ‘A2’ Level)
GCE ‘A’ Level is well known as one of the main academic routes into Higher Education as well as for professional employment. It is an intensive course of study requiring motivation and a high level of study skills, which prepares students for learning at higher levels. Our wide range of subjects allows students many routes of progression to suit their own individual needs. ‘A’ Levels are divided into ‘AS’ Level and ‘A2’ Level. Usually these are studied over two years with the ‘AS’ Level being taken at the end of year one and the ‘A2 Level at the end of year two.
We expect that most students will take four subjects at ‘AS’ Level in year one and then progress into year two concentrating on three of these subjects at ‘A2’ Level. Students who wish to take more subjects can take up to five ‘AS’ Levels in year one or may supplement their year two ‘A2’ Level subjects with additional ‘AS’ Level programmes. Opportunities also exist to take ‘AS’ Level Critical Thinking to enhance skills for progression to Higher Education.
It is also possible for ‘AS’ and ‘A2’ Level students to mix and match their qualifications with Applied ‘A’ Levels.

Applied ‘A’ Levels
Applied ‘A’ Levels are a more vocational and practical form of ‘A’ Levels in the same way that Applied GCSEs are. They are likely to appeal to students who prefer more coursework-based assessment. They can be mixed into your selection of ‘AS’ levels in the same way as the traditional ones, and are equal to ‘A’ Levels for university entry. Some may be offered as double ‘AS’ or ‘A’ Level awards, in which case they count as two ‘A’ Levels.
National Diplomas
Diplomas are high quality qualifications recognised by employers, professional groups and universities. They are among the best work-related alternatives to ‘A’ Levels and are equivalent to three ‘A’ Levels.
NVQ Level 3
You may choose to study an NVQ, which provides a specialist course, closely related to an occupation. There are no examinations. All you have to prove is that you are competent to carry out your work activities.