A Level Equivalents & Alternatives

Estimated reading time: 12-15 minutes

The UK education system offers various qualifications catering for the diverse learning styles and career aspirations of students. From traditional academic routes to vocational training, students can follow various paths to success. However, understanding the different qualifications and their equivalents can be confusing. In this article, we will explore the various UK qualifications including:

• A Levels

• International Baccalaureate (IB)

• BTECs

• NVQs

• GNVQs

• EPQs

• Access courses

• T levels

• Apprenticeships.

What are A levels?

Advanced level qualifications, or A levels, are subject-based qualifications that can lead to higher education, training and work. They are the most traditional academic qualification available to 16-18 students, who are typically looking to progress to university. Usually, a student will study three or more A levels and be assessed through a series of modular or terminal written examinations. The grades range from A* to E and can be an important factor in university admissions and career decisions. 

For more information about A level qualifications and university applications, read our article on “What are UCAS points?”

What are IB DP Qualifications?

The IB is an internationally recognised educational foundation based in Switzerland, known for its rigorous academic standards and holistic approach to education. Although it is not a common qualification in the UK, IB qualifications are designed to provide students with a well-rounded education that fosters intellectual, personal, emotional, and social growth.

IB Diploma Programme (DP): The DP is a rigorous two-year curriculum for students aged 16 to 19. It is recognised worldwide for its challenging nature and academic breadth. Students study six subjects from different disciplines, write an extended essay, complete a theory of knowledge course, engage in creativity, activity and service (CAS) activities and take part in an examination at the end of the program. 

The scores from each component are converted into points using an IB-specific 7 point grading scale. The academic subjects are worth 42 points, and the remaining 3 points from the extended essay and TOK course

IB Total Points: Most universities specify a minimum total points requirement for the IB diploma, which usually ranges from 30 to 40 points. However, more competitive programs and universities may require higher scores.

• 45 points: Maximum achievable score

• 24 points or above: Diploma awarded

• 0-23 points: No diploma awarded

What are BTECs?

BTEC stands for Business and Technology Education Council. BTECs are courses and qualifications that are provided by the Pearson / Edexcel exam board. They are designed to provide practical, work-related skills and knowledge in areas such as business and management, engineering, health and social care, media and more. 

Although they are, arguably, the next most common qualification, Level 3 BTEC Nationals are equivalent to A levels. It should be noted that they have a different focus and are more suitable for students that prefer a practical approach to learning and want to gain industry-specific knowledge and skills. They can provide direct entry into the workplace through a combination of theory and practical assessments / assignments. They can also give access to higher education, depending on the grade and subject as well as the course that you are applying for.

Comparing UCAS points for BTEC National Level 3 courses with A level courses

Level 3 BTEC National qualifications are considered equivalent to A levels, while Level 2 BTEC Nationals are equivalent to GCSE. The three different BTEC National Level 3 courses available are:

• Foundation Diploma

• Diploma

• Extended Diploma 

The grades are Pass (P), Merit (M), Distinction (D) and Distinction Plus (D*) and can be accepted by universities counting towards entry requirements, on their own or alongside other qualifications. This means that they provide UCAS points:

The key A level grades are grade C, which is considered a “pass” following on from GCSE, and the A / A* border. As shown, merit grades in BTEC are equivalent to grade C for the corresponding number of A levels:

• Level 3 Foundation Diploma grade M = A level grade C

• Level 3 Diploma grade M = A level grade CC

• Level 3 Extended Diploma grade M = A level grade CCC

Equally, Distinction and Distinction Plus grades are equivalent to A and A* grades at A level respectively:

• Level 3 Foundation Diploma grade D = A level grade A

• Level 3 Foundation Diploma grade D* = A level grade A*

• Level 3 Diploma grade D = A level grade AA

• Level 3 Diploma grade D* = A level grade A*A*

• Level 3 Extended Diploma grade D = A level grade AAA

• Level 3 Extended Diploma grade D* = A level grade A*A*A*

Is NVQ equivalent to A level?

National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) and A levels are both types of qualifications in the United Kingdom, but they differ in terms of their focus and structure. NVQs are work-based qualifications, in a wide range of sectors including construction, healthcare, hospitality and administration, that are designed to assess a person's competence and skills. They focus on practical skills, demonstrating competency and skills in a particular field but they may not cover the same breadth and depth of academic knowledge as A levels. NVQs are often taken by people looking to enter a specific occupation or progress in their careers. 

NVQs are usually offered at Levels 1 to 5. Based on the level of study and difficulty, some Level 3 NVQs are considered equivalent to A level and Level 2 NVQs are sometimes considered equivalent to GCSE. It is worth mentioning that NVQs and A levels serve different purposes and are valued differently in different contexts. A levels are generally needed for university entry, while NVQs are more relevant for specific trades and professions. 

If you are specifically looking for qualifications that are academically equivalent to A levels, you should consider other options such as BTECs, which are designed to be more closely aligned with A level in terms of academic study. Even so, NVQs are highly regarded by employers as they showcase an individual's skills.

What are GNVQs?

General National Vocational Qualifications or GNVQs were popular vocational qualifications but have been replaced by BTEC and other qualifications. They were offered at different levels, including Foundation, Intermediate, and Advanced in subjects such as Business, Engineering, Health and Social Care, and Hospitality. Although GNVQs were phased out in 2007, their legacy of combining practical and theoretical learning in various industries can still be seen within the vocational education framework.

What is an EPQ?

An EPQ is the Extended Project Qualification which is an optional qualification available to students alongside their A levels or other Level 3 qualifications. Like A level, the EPQ is graded from A* to E and is equivalent to half an A level in terms of UCAS points. 

The EPQ is an independent research project where students choose a topic of interest and produce a written report or create a practical project. It allows students to delve deeper into a subject they are passionate about, develop critical thinking skills, and demonstrate their ability to work independently. It is highly regarded by universities, providing a unique chance for students to showcase their abilities and stand out on applications.

What are T Level Qualifications?

T Levels are technical qualifications introduced by the UK government, primarily aimed at 16-19-year-old students. Launched in September 2020, they are equivalent to three A Levels and are designed to provide students with a blend of classroom learning and industry placements. There are many T Level providers across the UK, offering a unique combination of academic knowledge and practical skills, ensuring that learners are well-equipped for their next steps, which could be:

• An apprenticeship

• Skilled employment

• Higher Education

T Level qualifications comprise two separate components:

• Core - Assessed by one or more written exams and an Employer Set Project

• Occupational Specialism - A practical project / assignment

All T Level courses include an industry placement focused on developing the practical and technical skills required for the job. Placements are a minimum of 315 hours but can last longer and can be completed in one block, on day release or a combination.

Like BTECs, students can achieve grades of Pass (P), Merit (M), Distinction (D) and Distinction Plus (D*). The overall qualification shows a breakdown of their achievement and, also, confirms that the student has met the minimum standard for English and Maths qualifications. T level qualifications also provide UCAS points and are accepted by a number of universities and higher education establishments.

What are Access Courses?

Access courses, also known as Access to Higher Education (HE) courses, are designed for students that wish to pursue higher education but:

• Lack traditional qualifications such as A levels

• Have been out of education for a while

While Access Courses are available to any student, the following key statistics from 2021-2022 suggest that mature students are more likely to take this qualification.

They are available in various subjects and typically last one year, although they can also be studied part-time over two or more years. They help students to develop the necessary skills and knowledge for higher education and bridge the gap between prior qualifications and university requirements.

Students must successfully achieve 60 credits to be awarded a Diploma, which are broken down as follows:

• 45 credits at Level 3 and graded

• 15 credits that can be at Level 2 or Level 3. 

Access courses enable progression to some university courses. The number of UCAS points obtained from an Access to HE Diploma depends on the grades achieved. However, 45 credits at Distinction is equivalent to 144 UCAS points / AAA at A level. For further information about the number of UCAS points awarded by different grades, you should use the UCAS Tariff Calculator.

What are Apprenticeships?

Apprenticeships are work-based courses that allow you to earn a wage while you learn job-specific skills alongside studying. 

Apprenticeships in England

There are over 600 apprenticeships available through the https://www.gov.uk/become-apprentice website. They can take between 1 and 5 years to complete, depending on the level. The different levels of apprenticeship have equivalent education levels:

Apprenticeships in Scotland

There are over 500 apprenticeships available through the https://www.apprenticeships.scot website. They are grouped into:

• Foundation Apprenticeships

  • There are 3 Foundation Apprenticeship subjects available at SCQF level 4 / 5

    • Automotive

    • Construction

    • Hospitality

  • There are 12 Foundation Apprenticeship subjects available at SCQF level 6

    • Accountancy

    • Engineering

    • Scientific Technologies

    • Business Skills

    • Financial Services

    • Social Services, Children and Young People

    • Civil Engineering

    • Food and Drink Technologies

    • Social Services and Healthcare

    • Creative and Digital Media

    • Hardware and System Support

    • Software Development

• Modern Apprenticeships

  • There are over 100 available in various industries

• Graduate Apprenticeships

  • There is a variety of apprenticeships available that have entry requirements similar to a degree, but they will consider alternative qualifications

    • Accounting

    • Construction and the Built Environment

    • Early Learning and Childcare

    • Business Management

    • Cyber Security

    • Various Engineering subjects

    • Civil Engineering

    • Data Science

    • Various IT subjects

Apprenticeships in Wales

Apprenticeships are available in 23 sectors available at 4 levels through the https://www.gov.wales/apprenticeships-genius-decision website. They can take between 1 and 4 years to complete, depending on the level. The different levels of apprenticeship have equivalent education levels:

Apprenticeships in Northern Ireland

Apprenticeships are available through Further Education colleges and universities in Northern Ireland as well as the https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/apprenticeships website. They can take between 1 and 4 years to complete, depending on the level. There are around 150 Level 2 and Level 3 apprenticeships with over 45 Higher Level Apprenticeships to choose from, including:

• Accountancy

• Construction

• Engineering

• Healthcare

• ICT and computer science

• Pharmacy services

• Retail

Higher Level Apprenticeships (HLAs) offer qualifications from Level 4 to Level 8 and take at least two years to complete. Most HLAs are Level 5 which is equivalent to a Foundation degree, while Level 7 is equivalent to a Master’s degree.

A Level Equivalents in Other Countries

In Scotland, the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) oversees the education system. A levels are not offered in Scotland but Scottish students can take:

• Highers, which are loosely equivalent to AS / A level

• Advanced Highers, which are considered more comparable to university level studies

• Vocational qualifications like National Certificates (NCs) and National Progression Awards (NPAs).

All of these qualifications are accepted by universities and colleges throughout the rest of the UK. Similarly, Scottish universities and colleges accept A levels and other qualifications.

In the Republic of Ireland, the Leaving Certificate is the standard post-16 qualification. It is not directly equivalent to A level but is their main route to higher education. Alternative qualifications such as the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) awards and Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC) qualifications are recognised and widely accepted. These qualifications provide pathways to further education and employment. However, BTECs, NVQ, and other vocational qualifications are considered for admission on a case-by-case basis, depending on the institution and the course.

The education system in the United States of America (USA) is significantly different from the UK and the Republic of Ireland. There is no direct equivalent of an A level in the USA but students can take various courses such as Advanced Placement (AP) courses, International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, vocational training programs or community college courses, depending on their academic and career goals.