Approval Code: (A3707; 02/2012)

The Advanced Level (‘A’ Levels) examinations are internationally recognised as entry requirements into various undergraduate degree courses in institutions around the world. UCSI offers an 18-month London Examinations Modular ‘A’ Level programme.

With so many other pre-university and matriculation programmes you could undertake, you might be wondering why you should choose to do the 'A' Level examinations.

The primary reason for choosing to complete the 'A' Level examinations is that these examinations are still one of the most widely recognised and highly regarded examinations throughout English-speaking countries and amongst the most established institutions of higher education around the world.

The 'A' Level programme will provide exposure to learning at a more advanced level. UCSI's 'A' Level programme is aimed at equipping you with critical thinking, research and analytical skills, all of which are crucial to your competitiveness in today's job market. This programme is also designed to develop your perception and understanding of ideas and events, which in turn will prepare you to make independent decisions, especially in your pursuit of higher education.

In Modular A-levels, each A-Level subject is subdivided into SIX UNITS where each unit is separately assessed. With this new system the subjects follow a STAGED ASSESSMENT in contrast to the traditional linear A-Levels where all the subjects will be assessed in a single examination session at the end of the course. The A-Level subjects are divided into 6 units for each subject.

In the Staged assessment the assessment can be divided into stages and in each stage the candidates get to select any number of the six units to be assessed in each examination session. An assessment is done every six months and the number of units selected for each examination session is entirely up to the candidate and often based on the candidates’ abilities and preparation. At the end of the course the better grades for all the 6 units will be added together for a full A-Level final grade.

Students can now choose to take any number of units for each examination session depending on the students’ level of preparation. Students can spread the units’ assessment into two or more examination sessions.

Furthermore, candidates will have an opportunity to retake the examination for any unit of the subject in which they feel they may be able to perform better. The better result will count towards the final A-Level result.

With the staged assessment, candidates can concentrate better on fewer units per examination session therefore increasing the success rate. In addition, the candidate knows how many marks he has in the mark bank for a subject and so is able to work towards the grade he wants to achieve.

Finally candidates will pay a lower unit examination fee for any repeat of a unit instead of a much higher fee for a repeat of a subject. The full Modular A-Levels maintains a high standard and enhances the success rate of a student’s performance. This new system is comparable in standard and value to the traditional Linear A-Levels.