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
What is cash in code when registering for A level edexcel Is cash in code statement of results or statement of entry of igcse
Hello Arnob,
As far as we know, Cash in code is used when you have completed all the required units for International AS/A Level. You will ‘cash in’ these marks to get an overall International AS/A level grade.
How many subjects are necessary to do A level
Hi Omer,
We strongly suggest that you check with the university (or any higher qualification than diploma for your future study) on the required subjects at higher education level. Universities and/or bachelor programs’ entry requirements are usually based on subjects taken, not the amount of subjects. As long as you take the required subjects, you don’t have to worry.
Hi I am an international student and I have 5 O level subjects and 1 Higher subject and I was wondering If I could take my A levels online and write them at a center which allows private candidates how long would it take me to finish 3-4 A level subjects and would I be allowed to do my A levels for eg maths which I have on Ordinary level would i be able to do A levels for maths if I revised/got myself a private tutor to do higher maths would I be able to pass my A levels for maths?
Hi Lean,
Yes, you may take A-level as a private candidate. AS/A-level is typically a 2 year course wherein AS levels can be taken as a stand-alone qualification, or as the first part of an A-level course. Then A2 exams and coursework are added on to an AS level, bringing it up to A-level standard. Or you can choose to take all A-level course in the same examination series at the end of the course. You can refer to Assessment section in this article: https://www.skolatis.com/what-is-cambridge-international-as-a-level/ for assessment options.
If you?ve completed O-level Math, yes you will be able to take Math at AS/A-level and if you think you will be able to get higher grades with a private tutor, you are free to do so.
Do you have AS and A2 past papers?
Hi Daniel,
You can find AS and A Level past papers here: https://alevelcentre.com/as-a-level-past-exam-papers/
Hey igcse team , I am a student from India who’s has been repeating gases As level English for the past two years and still I am not able to make it yet and I am writing it this coming October/November session to.. Would you please give me few tips and advices about approaching the exam .. I really need to make it through this time
Hi Akshay,
We feel you might be too nervous. This article will help: https://www.skolatis.com/how-to-handle-your-stress-when-exam-is-approaching/
Secondly, you must find out which section is your weakness and concentrate to improve on that part. You might get some help from your teacher on this.