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.
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Amal Elsayed
Kuwait
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110 responses
So if I pass in Edexcel IAS accounting but got poor grades or fail in A2 . i will just have to retake A2 accounting is that right.
Hi Arnob,
Yes, that’s correct. Edexcel International AS/A levels use a modular assessment structure. You can choose to repeat a single unit on its own without having to repeat an entire level.
We hope this helps!
If I got good grades in Edexcel IAS accounting and business studies but low grades in Edexcel A2 accounting only will I retake only A2 accounting then or retake business studies and accounting A2 again
Hi Arnob,
If you got low grades in Accounting A2, you could choose to repeat a single unit on its own, without having to repeat an entire level.
If you got good grades in Business Studies in both International AS and A Level, you do not need to retake it.
However, please also check the requirements of the university you wish to apply to.
We hope this helps.
I have E grade in Edexcel IGCSE English language B so should taking the IELTS is ideal or retaking English language B igcse . because if I take IELTS and get good results I think , there will be no one who cares for English IGCSE
Hi Arnob,
Since you are familiar with Edexcel English Language B, it is advisable to resit Edexcel English Language B than learning a whole new thing of IELTS. Please also remember, that your IELTS result is only valid for 2 years.
Lastly, please find out from the respective university about their entry requirements.
Good luck!
Which is more easy English language A or B in Edexcel IGCSE .
Hi Arnob,
Usually, students taught in school take Edexcel iGCSE English specification A. On the other hand, candidates who want to prove that they have competence in English take Edexcel iGCSE English specification B.
Home-schooled candidates usually take specification B too because of the complications of completing coursework and having it authenticated.
i have collected my Edexcel IGCSE certificate which include accounting E grade but I need to retake accounting igcse again to improve grade so what will happen if I retake accounting igcse after collected edexcel igcse certificate or can I even retake accounting igcse after collecting igcse certificate ? Please reply
Hi Arnob,
Thank you for writing in.
You are allowed to retake the Accounting exam after collecting your Edexcel iGCSE certificate. You do not have to worry about it.
We hope this helps!