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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Somya Damania
India
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South Africa
Omayma Muhammad
Saudi Arabia
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110 responses
hi
do you have a-level past papers? or do you know websites which offer them?
Hi Kimberly,
Yes, we do have. We will launch the A-Level site soon. Please make sure you have signed up to receive our news at the right sidebar.
Dear IGCSE Team,
is it possible for EU but non-UK* adult citizens to take A-level exams without taking a course?
*i. e. I don’t have O-levels
Thank you!
Hi Robert,
Yes, you can do that. Just go to your local British Council and register yourself as private candidate.
what subjects are on offer at as and a level?
Hi Leticia,
Please go to the A Level site to find out more: https://alevelcentre.com
Thanks for your kind work!
Can I take my O and A-Levels just online? And which centre in Uganda can I sit for my examinations?
Maxwell.
Hi Maxwell,
You can’t sit for your exams online. You must sit for your exam with an exam centre, such as a school or British Council.
Hi there at IGCSE CENTRE,
I’m an international student from India doing my A levels right now. My subjects include – Math, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, D&T and English. The problem here arises with D&T. I’m one of the only students from my city who has taken up D&T as a subject and consequently the first from my school. As a result the school has no particular information about the course and I was asked to take up tuition/private classes for the course as they couldn’t provide a teacher for just one student. We were quick to finish off the syllabus, but the problem came up with the projects. The school couldn’t provide us with any inputs on the project requirements and examples to start off citing lack of help from CIE. Both, my parents and I have mailed CIE and their representatives around Asia multiple times to no benefit. There is no reply. This has repeated many times and we would like to give it one last try. We would like to know:
* why D&T exams are held during only the November series?
*even though we finished my syllabus in May we have not been able to start off with our projects due to lack of information. Would you be able to help us with the requirements and examples?
*even though there is information listed on the CIE website, my sir doesn’t find it completely beneficial as he thinks if he misinterprets something I might lose marks.
*Is it possible for me to request CIE for a special allowance? Something like an exam during the March or June series?
You’re help would be appreciated as otherwise the only option that would be left for us would be to drop the subject, which I wouldn’t want to.
Thank you,
Vishal.
Hi Vishal,
You may start using our A Level site here: http://www.alevelcentre.com
Here are the answers to your questions:
1. The exam availability is being decided by CIE. They have weighted many factors to decide on the frequency and the examination series. So, the only person could answer this question is CIE 🙂
2. This has raised our doubt that your school is NOT a registered Cambridge School. If your school is a registered Cambridge School, they definitely will receive all the supporting materials, and also teacher’s training courses. You might want to find out whether your school is a registered Cambridge School here: https://www.cie.org.uk/i-want-to/find-a-cambridge-school/
3. You might want to ask your teacher to take up the subject training courses with CIE, if your school is a registered Cambridge School. Otherwise, you might need to find another school that is a registered Cambridge School.
4. There are only 2 examination series in a year: May/June and Oct/Nov. If everyone is asking for a special treat, CIE would be in chaotic mess. 🙂
You do not have to drop the subject, just find out which school is offering this subject in a professional way.