Do you intend to study abroad after your SPM/IGCSE? Do you want a degree that will be recognised in practically any country where you choose to study? If this is the case, you should think about taking A-Levels as your pre-university course in Malaysia. Grab a cup of tea and continue reading as we explain what it will include and why it may be ideal for you.

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WHAT IS A-LEVELS?

 

A-levels, or Advanced Level Qualifications, is a popular pre-university programme based on the UK school system. It is a certificate issued by the Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) and is equal to STPM or Form 6 in Malaysia. A-Levels is the UK's equivalent of STPM and can last up to 18 months with 3 intakes, depending on the college or university. In Malaysia, it is overseen by two major examination bodies: Cambridge Assessment International Education and Edexcel. 

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WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS TO STUDY A-LEVELS?

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These are the general entry requirements to pursue A-levels.  Entry requirements for some universities and courses may be higher, so do make sure you check the details carefully.

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SPM/O-Level​: A pass with minimum of 5 credits including English and Mathematics

UEC​: A pass with minimum of 3Bs

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WHAT WILL YOU BE STUDYING IN A-LEVELS?

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You will be studying 3 main subjects in A-Levels that you may choose depending on what you wish to pursue for your degree as it may act as a prerequisite. The Cambridge International Advanced Level offers up to 50 subjects.

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Here are some of the subjects offered in A-Levels that you can choose from:

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• Economics 

• Accounting 

• Computer Science 

• Psychology 

• Biology 

• Chemistry 

• Physics 

• Law

• Further Mathematics 

• Mathematics

• Business 

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RECOMMENDED SUBJECTS COMBINATION​

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• Medicine: Chemistry, Biology, Further Mathematics, & Mathematics

• Engineering: Mathematics, Further Mathematics, & Physics 

• Computer Science: Computer Science,Physics, Mathematics, & Further Mathematics 

• Finance, Law, Mass Communication, Education:

  • Core: Mathematics & Economics 

  • Recommended: English Literature, Law, Business, Further Mathematics, & Accounting 

• Pharmacy: Biology, Chemistry, & Physics 

• Economics: Business, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, & Economics 

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WHAT IS THE PROGRAM STRUCTURE IN A-LEVELS?

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(i) Curriculum:

 

A-Levels consists of two parts which are AS Level and A2 Level.

 

• Advanced Subsidiary (or better known as AS Level): AS Level is the first half of the programme and forms the foundation of A-Levels.

• A2 Level: A2 Level is the second part of the syllabus, covering more complex topics in the subjects that you have chosen.

 

You will typically take exams at the end of each level, with each level contributing 50% towards your final grade. Basically, 50% of your final grade is from AS, and the other 50% is from A2.

 

(ii) Grading System

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Your final results will be a grade of A* to E for each subject taken. The maximum score is A*A*A* for 3 subjects, and A*A*A*A* for 4 subjects.

 

(iii) Duration:

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A-Levels takes anywhere between 18-24 months, depending on the institution and when you start your course.

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(iv) Recognition

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A-Levels is widely recognised by many of the finest universities around the world. While it is commonly taken to study in the UK, it is also approved by many other top universities in other countries such as Canada, Singapore, Australia and the United States. Scoring well in your A-Levels can also give you a higher likelihood of being accepted by the top universities around the world. 

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WHERE CAN YOU STUDY A-LEVELS IN MALAYSIA?