A Level courses

Study A Levels in the UK

A Levels offer the best route for ambitious international students aiming to study medicine or at high ranking UK universities.

What are A Levels?

A Levels (Advanced Levels) are subject-based qualifications in UK schools. International students typically study three or four A Level subjects over two years.

A Levels are accepted by every university in the UK, and recognised worldwide. This means you have the opportunity to apply to universities and degrees that may not accept a foundation course. Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, Imperial College, UCL and most medical degrees, for example, all require A Levels.

You will be assessed after your first year of study to ensure that you are on track to achieve the grades you need, but these results generally do not count towards your final A Level grade. They are, however, a good way to monitor your progress and great practice for your final exams. Your final assessment is by a series of examinations which take place at the end of your second year.

Why choose our A Level programme?

Studying A Levels at Bellerbys means you can make your university choices while you are here in the UK, benefiting from expert advice and campus visits during your studies.

  • Apply to any university and course in the UK including Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, Imperial College and UCL.
  • Support in choosing the right subjects for your degree and career ambitions, from application to starting the programme.
  • In-depth university application support, including practice interviews and support writing your personal statement.
  • Weekly meetings with your personal tutor to guide you on your options.
  • The opportunity to visit your chosen university campus whilst in the UK.
  • Meet universities and discuss your options at our bi-annual university fair.
  • Specialist preparation for students wishing to study medicine or at the University of Oxford or Cambridge.
  • A wide choice of structured enrichment activities tailored to your interests and what you want to study at university.
  • Small classes with an average of eight students.

Choosing to study the right A Level subjects is very important as universities look for students who not only have good grades, but grades in the right subjects. If you know what degree subject you would like to study, then we can help you choose the best A Level subject combinations to suit your university choices. If you are unsure which degree you would like to study then we can recommend subjects that allow for flexibility with your degree choice.

Our A Level programme lasts between 3 and 6 terms depending on your requirements. We also offer the opportunity to study the full A Level programme in just one year, or three terms, at our Brighton College.

At Bellerbys Cambridge, you can study International A Levels, which are designed with international students in mind, and feature AS examinations at the end of your first year. If you have already achieved a minimum of three B grades or above at AS Level CIE (Cambridge International A Levels) can the second year (A2) of the A Level programme.

Some A Level subjects are more frequently required for entry to university than others. These are known as ‘facilitating’ subjects, because studying them at A Level opens up a wide range of options for university study.

If you are undecided on what to study at university, consider studying two facilitating subjects at A Level to keep a wide range of degree options open to you.

Bellerbys' teaching style is specifically designed for international students, allowing students from overseas to excel within the British education system. As well as offering quality academics, we offer support to students through the exam period and the university application process.

Support ranges from help with UCAS and writing your personal statement, to attending our Easter Revision Programme. You can use the Easter holidays to improve your exam techniques and understanding core subjects such as Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Economics.

You will be assessed after your first year of study to ensure that you are on track to achieve the grades you need, but these results generally do not count towards your final A Level grade. They are, however, a good way to monitor your progress and great practice for your final exams. Your final assessment is by a series of examinations which take place at the end of your second year.

Your first year results will only count to your final grade if you are studying the International A Level syllabus at Bellerbys College Cambridge.

Key facts:

  • Age: 15.5+
  • Course length: 3, 5, 5.5 or 6 terms
    (3-term available in Brighton only)
    (5.5-term available in Cambridge only)
  • Locations:
    • Bellerbys Brighton
    • Bellerbys Cambridge
    • Bellerbys London
      (Subjects vary by location)
  • English language entry requirements:
    IELTS 5.5 (IELTS 6.0 for 3 term and A2 level) or equivalent
  • Academic entry requirements:
    4 GCSE passes at grade C or above in relevant subjects, or equivalent
  • Start dates:
    • September - All Colleges
    • October - Cambridge only
    • January - Brighton and Cambridge only
    • April - Brighton only
      See term dates

Subject choices

* This is a facilitating subject preferred by UK universities.

Oxbridge preparation

An international student studying in the library at Bellerbys College Cambridge

Develop the skills you need to progress to top-ranking universities such as the University of Oxford and the University Cambridge. Bellerbys College provides support during the application process and entry exams, as well as quality academics.

Medical school preparation

International students doing a practical activity on the Elite Medics programme with Bellerbys College and Brighton and Sussex Medical School

If you are a gifted student aiming for medical school, A Level students can prepare for a medical degree at our Brighton and Cambridge Colleges. Develop the skills you need to begin your career in medicine, all whilst developing your English language abilities.

English Language Preparation

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If you don’t meet the English language entry requirements for the GCSE, A Level or Foundation programme, you can first study one to three terms of English speaking and writing.

Arathi from Malaysia

Arathi, a Bellerbys Cambridge student

"The teachers have been phenomenal in assisting me with my coursework and guiding me in my personal development. They helped me get placements for my voluntary work and work shadowing, which are pertinent in securing an admission into a reputable university."

Arathi from Malaysia - Studied A Levels and achieved A*AAB, now studying Medicine at University of St Andrews