Percentage Uniform Marks (PUM) Explained: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding your Cambridge International exam results can often feel like decoding a complex language. While your final letter grade (A*,
Learn how to write step-by-step answers, and score A* in your exam!
Announcement: Cambridge IGCSE, O Level and AS & A Level June 2025 past papers are now available.
If you are wondering what is A level, it is one of the most recognised pre-university pathways in the world, widely used by students aiming to enter top universities in the UK and internationally. A Levels allow students to specialise in subjects aligned with their university and career goals, making them one of the most focused academic routes after IGCSE, GCSE, or equivalent secondary education.
A Level qualifications are typically studied over 18–24 months by students aged 16–18, with students usually taking three to four subjects depending on university requirements.
Because of their academic rigour and global recognition, A Levels remain a preferred pathway for competitive university admissions worldwide.
A Levels (Advanced Levels) are subject-based qualifications taken after secondary education. Unlike broader programmes, students focus deeply on a smaller number of subjects.
Typical structure:
• Study duration: 1.5–2 years
• Subjects taken: usually 3–4
• Assessment: final examinations or modular exams depending on exam board
Students normally choose subjects aligned with future university courses, such as:
This focused approach makes A Levels ideal preparation for specialised university degrees.
A Levels are suitable for students who:
Students aiming for Medicine, Engineering, Business, or Computer Science often choose A Levels due to subject depth.
There are two common forms of A Levels:
International A Levels are primarily offered by two exam boards — Pearson Edexcel and Cambridge International Education — allowing students outside the UK to take globally recognised A Level qualifications through international examination centres.
• Taken mainly within the UK
• Linear structure — exams at end of course
• Regulated by Ofqual
• Standard for UK school students
• Designed for students outside the UK
• Modular exam options available
• Greater exam session flexibility
• Suitable for private candidates and online learners
Academically, both lead to the same university recognition.
Both are globally recognised, but they differ in structure and flexibility.
| Feature | Edexcel International A Level | Cambridge International A Level |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Structure | Modular | Mostly linear |
| Exam Sessions | Multiple per year | Fewer sessions |
| Retake Flexibility | Retake individual units | Usually retake full subject |
| Subject Availability | Wide range | Wide range |
| University Recognition | Global | Global |
| Ofqual Regulation | Pearson qualifications aligned with UK standards | No longer Ofqual-credited but still globally accepted |
Key difference: Edexcel IAL offers more flexibility for retaking specific exam units, which many international students prefer.
Both programmes are globally respected pre-university pathways.
| Feature | International A Level | IB Diploma |
|---|---|---|
| Subjects studied | 3–4 specialised subjects | 6 subjects across disciplines |
| Assessment style | Exam-focused | Coursework + exams + core components |
| Depth vs breadth | Depth | Breadth |
| Ideal for | Students with clear career direction | Students wanting broad academic exposure |
| University recognition | Global | Global |
International A Levels and IB Diploma are considered comparable in academic standard for university entry.
Subject selection affects university admissions.
Common combinations:
Medicine
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Mathematics or Physics
Engineering
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Further Mathematics
Business & Economics
• Mathematics
• Economics
• Business or Accounting
Computer Science
• Mathematics
• Physics or Computer Science
Students should check university entry requirements before choosing subjects.
A Level qualifications are accepted by universities in:
• United Kingdom
• United States
• Canada
• Australia
• Singapore
• Europe
• Asia and Middle East
Top universities worldwide regularly admit students through A Levels due to their academic rigor and subject depth.
This summary table helps students quickly compare options.
| Pathway | Subjects | Flexibility | University Acceptance |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK A Level | 3–4 | Low | Global |
| Edexcel IAL | 3–4 | High | Global |
| Cambridge Int A Level | 3–4 | Medium | Global |
| IB Diploma | 6 | Low | Global |
Students seeking flexibility and exam retake options often prefer Edexcel IAL.
Choosing the right support system significantly impacts exam success.
Our online A Level programmes have consistently helped students achieve A and A* grades through:
• Structured exam-focused lessons
• Step-by-step concept mastery
• Extensive past-year exam practice
• Proven answering strategies
• Flexible online learning suitable worldwide
Students from multiple countries use our courses to prepare effectively for Edexcel and Cambridge examinations and gain entry into competitive universities.
👉 Explore our online A Level courses and start preparing for top results today.
How many subjects should I take?
Most students take 3 subjects; competitive courses may require specific combinations.
Are International A Levels accepted worldwide?
Yes, they are recognised by universities globally.
Can I study A Levels online?
Yes, many students now complete preparation through online programmes.
Is A Level harder than IB?
A Levels are deeper in fewer subjects; IB is broader across disciplines.
Join 62,169 (and counting) IGCSE & AS/A Level subscribers who’ve taken our insanely valuable FREE email courses. Learn exam tips & score A* in your exam!
Akshaya S T
Singapore
Understanding your Cambridge International exam results can often feel like decoding a complex language. While your final letter grade (A*,
Preparing for your IGCSE English as a Second Language (ESL) exam can feel daunting. You are not just learning grammar
Choosing the right educational pathway for your child is one of the most significant decisions a family can make. In
The IGCSE English First Language exam places a strong emphasis on creative writing, with writing descriptive and narrative essays being
110 responses
Can I take economics advanced level without economics igcse edexcel
Hi Arnob,
It is not required by Pearson. But taking Economics at iGCSE level will prepare you for the required knowledge for A Level.
We hope this helps. Thank you.
I need to register for edexcel accounting and business studies advanced subsidiary but I did not take maths igcse but I have completed other 5 igcse subjects including accounting and business studies so will British council and Pearson let me register for advanced subsidiary and accept my registration for advanced level accounting and business studies or it is against the rules of Pearson and British council because I did not taken maths igcse
Hi Arnob,
It’s not against Pearson’s rules to not take Maths. However, without taking Maths, it will limit your opportunity to enrol into a wider range of courses in the university later.
Furthermore, we learned from your earlier comments that you received a grade of E at iGCSE Accounting. We strongly suggest that you check with your exam centre if they have grade requirements for A Level.
We hope this helps. Thank you.
I need to register for Advanced subsidiary edexcel accounting and business studies and I am prepared for it but few days ago I received igcse grades of accounting edexcel maths the grades were very poor and retake is highly recommended so can I retake igcse accounting and maths after completing advanced level accounting and business studies will Pearson and British council accept this and let me register for edexcel advanced subsidiary or it is against the rules
Hi Arnob,
We believe that they will accept your A Level registration for Business Studies. However, please check with your exam centre if they have a grade requirement for A Level Accounting.
Thank you.
I have completed edexcel igcse 5 subjects but I have received poor marks in accounting and maths in igcse and retake is highly suggested but I have completed business studies and accounting in advanced level so if i retake igcse accounting and maths will I have to start over all again from igcse to advanced level , i mean igcse 3 subjects again and advanced level accounting and business studies again
Hi Arnob,
We strongly suggest that you ask the university you wish to apply to and confirm with them if you need to retake these subjects at iGCSE and A Level. In this way, you would have 100% assurance that you have fulfilled the university requirements.
Thank you.
I have taken igcse 3 subjects as a private candidate but now I will have to register other remaining 3 subjects as a school candidate because of covid situation the private candidate service is off but school service is on is it OK and justified
Hi Arnob,
Thank you for writing in.
There will be no problem if you will register with another exam centre. In your case, you will be registering as a schooled candidate and not as a private candidate.
You only need to provide your Unique Candidate Identifier (UCI) number when you register since you have taken a Pearson exam previously.
We hope this helps.