Are A Levels Important? What Jobs Can I Do With My A Levels?

A Levels often feel like the big stepping stone after GCSEs—but just how important are they? Whether you’re planning your future or still unsure of your path, it helps to know what your options really are.

Are A Levels important? They are often a common path for students to take after completing their GCSEs, but are they really necessary? Are there alternate paths you can take once you have turned 16 and left school? In this article, we will discuss just how important A Levels really are when it comes to university, jobs, and alternative routes. You’ll learn how many GCSEs you need, how long A Level study takes, what grades matter, and what careers you can pursue with your A Levels. 

Key Points:

• You usually need 5 or more GCSEs at grade 4 or above to start A Levels
• Most students take 3 A Level subjects over 2 years
• A Levels can lead to university, higher apprenticeships, or direct employment
• Vocational qualifications like BTECs can be studied alongside A Levels in some cases
• You don’t always need a degree—many jobs can be accessed with A Levels alone

How Many GCSEs Will I Need to Start an A Level Course?

Before you can begin studying A Levels, you’ll need a solid set of GCSE results. Most schools and colleges ask for at least five GCSEs at grades 9–4 (or A*–C in the old system). This often includes a minimum of grade 4 in English Language and Maths.

However, entry requirements can vary since A levels are outside the national curriculum. Some sixth forms or colleges might ask for six or more passes, while others may accept fewer. If you’re hoping to take a specific subject at A Level—like Biology or History—you’ll usually need a grade 5 or 6 in that subject at GCSE. Always check what your chosen school or college expects before applying.

You’ll typically need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9–4
• Grade 4 in English and Maths
• Higher grades (5 or 6) in subjects you want to study at A Level

How Long Do A Levels Take and How Many Should I Take?

A Level courses are designed to last two years. You usually start with three subjects, although some students take four, particularly if they have very strong GCSE results. Some sixth forms allow you to start with four and drop one after the first year.

The number you take can depend on your academic ability, your future goals, and what the school or college recommends. Most universities only require three A Levels, so three is usually enough—especially when combined with strong grades and the right subjects.

Each school or college will offer different subject choices and combinations, so it’s worth researching which centre offers the best fit for your interests, career plans, and study goals.

What About AS Levels?

AS Levels used to be more common, but fewer schools now offer them as standalone qualifications. That said, they are still recognised and can earn you UCAS points. They’re often taken in the first year of A Level study and can give you a feel for a subject before committing to the full course.

Can I Study Vocational Qualifications With A Levels?

Yes. In many sixth forms and colleges, it’s possible to combine A Levels with vocational qualifications like BTECs or OCR Nationals. These are great for students who prefer coursework-based learning and can also help when applying for university or jobs.

If you’re wondering how important are A Levels or are A Levels important for your future, remember that they still open many doors—whether that’s university, apprenticeships, or thinking about what jobs you can do with your A Levels later on.

Here is how many tariff points you will receive per grade achieved:

After A Levels: What Comes Next?

Completing your A Levels opens the door to a wide range of opportunities. Whether you’re aiming for university, an apprenticeship, or straight into work, these qualifications can play a big part in shaping your next steps.

So, are A Levels important for your future? In many ways, yes. They’re still one of the most widely accepted and recognised qualifications in the UK and beyond—by universities, employers, and training providers.

A Levels and the Workplace

If you’re wondering what jobs you can do with your A Levels, the answer depends on the subjects you studied and the field you’re interested in. While some careers require a degree, others allow you to begin right after your A Level studies.

A Levels show employers that you can commit to long-term study, manage deadlines, and understand complex ideas. These are skills valued in all kinds of industries, from business and law to healthcare and IT.

Even when a job doesn’t require A Levels, having them can still work in your favour. They show you’re capable of independent learning and problem-solving—something many employers look for.

Examples of jobs you can apply for with A Levels:

• Marketing Assistant – Ideal for those with A Levels in Business, English or Media.
• Recruitment Consultant – Good communication and confidence often matter more than subject choice.
• Junior Data Analyst – Strong IT skills plus A Levels in computing or maths can help.
• Police Constable – Maths or Business A Levels are useful, but not always required.
• Accounts Trainee – Many forces accept A Level qualifications alongside other training.

A Levels and Higher Education

If you plan to go to university, A Levels are often the standard entry route. Most universities ask for three A Levels and may also specify certain subjects depending on the course. For example, A Level Chemistry is often needed for Pharmacy, while Maths might be a requirement for those that want to go into Engineering.

This is where thinking about how important are A Levels becomes more practical and bespoke for your educational journey. If you have a dream job that needs a degree—like teaching, medicine, or architecture—then getting the right A Levels is the first major step in that journey.

You can also study A Levels online through home learning courses, giving you the freedom to learn at your own pace. This is a flexible learning option if traditional sixth form or college doesn’t suit your circumstances.

Explore Higher Apprenticeships

A Levels also qualify you for a wide range of apprenticeships. Higher Apprenticeships are designed for people with A Levels or Level 3 vocational qualifications and offer a great alternative to university.

You’ll be employed and paid while gaining experience and working towards a recognised qualification. In some cases, this can even lead to a full degree.

If you’re unsure how important are A Levels when applying for apprenticeships, remember that they can give you a strong application—especially if your subjects relate to the job. They show you’ve already completed two years of focused study and are ready for a new challenge.

Some examples of Higher Apprenticeship pathways include:

• Business and Administration
• Engineering and Manufacturing
• IT and Digital
• Healthcare and Social Work

Planning to earn while you learn? If you’re considering an apprenticeship or working alongside your A Level studies, find out how to balance both successfully with our tips on working and studying at the same time.

What Careers Can I Do With My A Levels?

If university isn’t your preferred path, that’s okay too. Many successful careers begin with A Levels. You might decide to join a Higher Apprenticeship, where you work, earn a salary, and train towards a qualification.

You could enter roles in administration, sales, finance, IT support, and many more. Some employers even offer graduate-style schemes to A Level holders, giving you the chance to progress quickly within the company.

Still Unsure What to Do?

If you’ve finished your A Levels and still feel unsure about your next step, don’t worry—you’re not alone. There are lots of options, from applying to university and exploring job vacancies, to speaking with a career advisor or taking a gap year.

Whatever path you choose, remember: A Levels are a solid foundation that can lead to higher education, employment, or further training. Whether you follow a traditional route or go your own way, they’re a step forward.

Retrain in a New Direction

Not everyone sticks with the path they started on at A Level. Your interests and career goals can shift, and that’s completely normal.

Maybe you studied Science A Levels but discovered a passion for creative writing, or you began working in finance but found yourself drawn to education. A Levels still have value here. They show you’ve completed a challenging course of study and have the ability to learn—two things that matter when retraining.

So, are A Levels important even if you plan to change careers later? Yes. The skills you gain—research, critical thinking, communication—are useful in almost any job.

If you decide your new educational or career goal requires a different qualification, you can always return to education. Many people choose to take an Access to Higher Education Diploma to help them move into a new field quickly. These focused courses prepare you for university-level study in a specific subject, without needing to go back and study unrelated A Levels.

Can You Study A Levels With NCC Home Learning?

If you’re thinking about your next steps after GCSEs or A Levels, NCC Home Learning can help you move forward with confidence. Whether you’re looking to study A Levels online, build industry-specific skills, or simply explore a new interest, our flexible home learning courses are designed to fit around your lifestyle. With tutor support, recognised qualifications, and a wide range of subjects—from business and education to health and social care—you can start building the future you want, on your terms. Discover what you’re capable of with NCC Home Learning’s trusted online courses. 

FAQs

Sources

GOV.UK. The national curriculum. [online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/national-curriculum [accessed 09/05/2025]