How to choose a course at 16

A full A level is also known as A2.

Where you can do A levels:
School, college, or distance and online learning

Course length:
Usually studied over 2 years if full-time

What can I do after A levels:
University, college, apprenticeship or job

How many A levels you can take:
Usually 3 A levels are studied over 2 years

Assessment type:
Exam with course work for some subjects, like art and design

Grades:
In Wales A levels are graded as A*-E. Universities will usually require you to achieve specific grades in your A levels, and some courses require specific subjects. Visit ucas.com to check the grades required for degree courses you are interested in.

An AS level is one half of an A level. You would study AS in Year 12 and A2 (full A level) in Year 13 if you decide to progress.

Where you can do AS levels:
School, college, or distance and online learning

Course length:
Usually studied over 1 year if full-time

What can I do after AS levels:
Go on to a full A level in either school or college, apprenticeship or job. AS levels do carry UCAS tariff points for some courses.

How many AS levels you can take:
Usually 1 or 2 AS levels are taken in Year 12 or college, and either completed to full A level in year 13 or college, or left as half an A level

Assessment type:
Exam with course work for some subjects, like art and design

Grades:
In Wales graded as A-E. If you are intending to go on to do full A levels and then university, the school or college may require you to achieve certain grades in order to progress

Where you can do BTECs:
BTECS are mainly studied in college. Some schools and distance learning opportunities may be available

Course length:
Usually studied in 2 years if full-time

What can I do after BTECs:
Go on to a full A level in either school or college, apprenticeship or job

How many BTECs you can take:
Usually 1 BTEC course is studied as it is equivalent to 3 A levels

Assessment type:
A BTEC is a more practical qualification so is usually assessed by coursework, assignments and projects

Grades:
3 grades could be awarded, Distinction (D), Merit (M) and Pass (P). BTECs do carry UCAS tariff points. However, because they are focused on one subject area, they tend to be accepted for the courses related to that subject

Where you can do QCFs:
Training providers, college or on employer’s premises as part of an apprenticeship

Course length:
Usually from 1 to 3 years depending on the level

What can I do after a QCF:
Usually progresses to a job

How many QCFs you can take:
Usually 1 QCF qualification is studied

Assessment type:
QCF qualifications are vocational and often work based so are usually assessed by course work, assignments and projects. You may also be observed and assessed carrying out tasks while in a job

Grades:
With a QCF qualification you may gain an Award, a Certificate or a Diploma. QCFs have levels from 1 to 8

Jobs Growth Wales+ might be suitable for you if you didn’t get the GCSE grades you need, or if you don’t yet have the confidence to progress.

It is a training and development programme for 16-19 year olds that gives you the skills, qualifications and experience you need to get a job or go on to further training in college or on an apprenticeship.

Find out more about Jobs Growth Wales+.

If you are progressing straight into a job you may need to get a card, license or certificate specific to the job.

For example, to work on constructions sites, you will need to hold a CSCS card. To work with food and catering you will need a Food Hygiene Certificate.

Search for job specific courses on Course Search.