A Level courses

Study A Levels in the UK

A Level is the most common route to Higher Education in the UK, and are recognised by universities across the world. Studying A Levels is the advised route for international students who are aiming towards the highest ranking universities, or are looking to study medicine.

What are A Levels?

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

You will be assessed after your first year of study, but these results 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.

A Level subjects and facilitating subjects

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 already know what you want to study at university, you should think about choosing subjects which give you the best possible preparation for your chosen degree.

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.

Direct entry to Year 2

Bellerbys College Cambridge offers A2 Level entry to students who have achieved a minimum of three B grades or above at AS Level CIE (Cambridge International A Levels). Students will be able to join the second year 3 term programme starting in September.

Key facts:

  • Age: 15.5+
  • Course length: 3, 5, 5.5 or 6 terms
  • 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)

Subject choices

Accounting

Choose A Level Accounting if you plan to study a business, accounting, computer science or economics degree. Enrichment activities include visits to multinational banks and a Barclays’ mentoring scheme.
Locations: Brighton or London

Art

Prepare for further study in all areas of art, design and the history of art. You'll develop practical skills and theoretical knowledge of art. A Level Art also focuses on the key skills you'll need for university study, such as critical thinking.
Location: Brighton or London

Biology *

Gain the skills and knowledge you need to study a range of science degrees – such as environmental science, geology or engineering. Enrichment activities include Senior Biology, field trips and lectures from experts.
Locations: Brighton or Cambridge

Business Studies

Learn about business structures, ethics, the economy, finance, marketing, human resources and management. Enrichment activities include the Enterprise Club, Investors Challenge, CISI and visits to the Bank of England.
Locations: Brighton or London

Chemistry *

Choose chemistry if you plan to study science, physics or chemical engineering at university. Enrichment activities for this subject include the Senior Chemistry Challenge, Chemistry Club and national competitions.
Locations: Brighton or Cambridge

Computer Science

This A Level will encourage learners to develop an understanding of the fundamental principles of computer science and how computer programs work in a range of contexts. Enrichment activities include visits to the Computer History Museum and using the Oculus Rift.
Locations: Brighton (from September 2018) or Cambridge

Economics

Economics will give you a solid grounding for degree study in business, management, finance, humanities and law. Enrichment activities include guest speakers, lectures at the London School of Economics and visits to the Bank of England.
Locations: Brighton, Cambridge or London

English Literature *

Study novels, plays and poetry within their wider historical contexts, and learn about literary language and culture. This is a great subject to choose for a wide range of degrees such as law, history and politics.
Location: Brighton

Further Mathematics *

This is an advanced subject that will teach you how to solve complex mathematical problems. You will learn many of the skills needed for a degree in physics, engineering, applied mechanics, science and statistics.
Locations: Brighton, Cambridge or London

Geography *

Learn about populations, and local and global environments. You'll develop research skills, take part in field trips and learn about different types of landscapes. Enrichment activities include guest lectures and Classics Club.
Location: Brighton

Government and Politics

You will develop your critical thinking skills through debates and real-world scenarios. Enrichment activities include trips to political debates in London, Current Affairs Club and Debate Club.
Location: Brighton or London

History *

You will learn about the history of different countries and study events that have changed their culture, religion and politics. An important subject if you are considering studying law, politics, or Classics at university. 
Location: Brighton

History of Art

Learning about the history of arts will give you an excellent foundation for arts degrees. Classes are taught in our modern facilities. Enrichment activities include guest lectures, Creative Coding Club and the ARTiculation competition.
Location: Brighton


Law

Law will develop your understanding of legal rules, legal method and reasoning. Enrichment activities include the opportunity to practise debating skills and Current Affairs Club.
Location: Brighton


Mathematics *

A Mathematics A Level will help prepare you for a degree in science, medicine, computing, economics or engineering. You can join the College's Maths Club or Creative Coding Club to improve your mathematics skills.
Locations: Brighton, Cambridge or London

Modern Foreign Languages *

An A Level Modern Foreign Languages is ideal if you want to study a language alongside your degree at university. Tutors are bilingual or native speakers of French or Spanish, and experts in their subject area.
Location: Brighton

Photography

You will develop practical photography skills, techniques and processes. A useful subject for further study in arts or design fields. Students can compete in national competitions or take part in film or art clubs.
Location: Brighton

Physics *

The ideal choice if you want to study engineering or medicine at university. Your classes will combine theoretical study and practical experiment time. Enrichment activities include the Physics Olympiad and Further Robotics Club.
Locations: Brighton, Cambridge or London

Psychology

Psychology is the scientific study of the human brain and behaviour. You will explore cognitive, social, physiological and development psychology as well as key research studies. A diverse and interesting course, this A Level is becoming one of the most popular sciences studied at A Level in the UK.
Locations: Brighton, Cambridge or London

Sociology

When you study Sociology A Level you’ll study a range of research methods in particular how sociologists study people and the difficulties involved with this; topics such as families and households, the role of education in society, beliefs in society and crime and deviance. This A Level will prepare you for a degree in Sociology, Politics, International Relations, Law, History or Economics.
Location: Brighton

* This is a facilitating subject preferred by UK universities.

Foundation

Bellerbys London Star Student Mark Lee

A one-year course for international students that builds specialist subject knowledge and language and study skills. It is more focussed than A Levels making it good preparation for university. It is recognised for entry onto a range of degree programmes at more than 70 universities in the UK.

Oxbridge and medical preparation

Oxbridge and medical preparation

If you are a gifted student aiming for medical school we offer the Elite Medics programme alongside your A Level programme. Elite Medics are guaranteed an interview at Brighton and Sussex Medical School. We also offer specialist preparation for students aiming for Oxbridge and medical school.

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