A Levels (AS & A2)
You can choose from an extensive range of A Levels. We offer 20 AS Levels, most of which can be taken through to A2 Level, giving you a real opportunity to progress on to Higher Education or into work. We will help you choose your A Level subjects based on your existing qualifications, subjects you enjoy or a career in which you’re interested. Each subject is taught within a specialist area of the College, using up-to-date equipment, and you’ll find course tutors approachable, enthusiastic and committed to helping you gain the best results. You might like to consider new subjects you haven’t studied before, such as Economics, Media Studies or Sociology and more.
Accounting
Art (Fine Art)
Art (Photography)
Biology
Business Studies
Chemistry
Communication & Culture
Drama and Theatre Studies
Economics
English Literature & Language
English Language
Film Studies
Geography
History
Mathematics
Media Studies
Physics
Psychology
Religious Studies
Sociology
Financial Studies
Further subjects such as French, German, Spanish and Music may be available through partnership arrangements with local schools.
During your time at college, you’ll be assigned a Personal Tutor, who will be responsible for monitoring your academic progress. You will attend a tutorial session every week. Part of this time will be allocated to group activities, such as helping you to recognise your best learning style, study skills, revision skills, careers education, financial matters and much more. You will also have individual progress reviews to check on your progress against your targets.
In your first year, you will study three AS Levels. Students with a high average GCSE score can study four subjects at AS Level.
In your second year, you can continue those successfully completed for the full A Level qualification.
What will I study?
Each subject is taught for up to five hours per week with further time for Study Skills, Tutorial and Enrichment as appropriate.
What can I do next?
Employment or Higher Education or study for a Professional Qualification.
How to choose your subjects
- What do you want to do after A levels? Do you have a particular career in mind? Do you want to study for a degree? Certain careers and degrees will call for particular subjects. If you aren’t sure, ask a member of our Advice and Guidance team, who are here to help you.
- If you want to progress to Higher Education, read the university prospectuses in our careers library or look at the UCAS website: www.ucas.co.uk. They will often give special requirements. Russell Group universities and Oxbridge have very specific requirements.
- What have you enjoyed doing at GCSE level? In which subjects have you got the best grades? Choose a subject that you are really interested in. Each year, you’ll be taught for up to 160 hours in this subject, and will spend more time studying on your own.
- Find out about new subjects that you haven’t studied before. Take a look at the following pages – there’s a wide range of subjects to choose from.
Enrichment programme
As well as the main academic programme, you'll also be expected to take part in the College Enrichment Programme, which offers a wide range of activities such as sign language, sports, drumming, driving test theory and many more.
For more information please see our Enrichment area.
Success stories
Abigail Shaylor
Abigail had previously dropped out of college as she didn’t feel ready. Her time out paid off as she now has an A* in Chemistry and two As in her Maths and Physics A Levels. “I was so nervous about getting my results but I am really pleased. I wasn’t expecting to do so well. I chose my subjects because I had an interest in them but I found I enjoyed learning even more than I initially thought. College is great – the facilities are fantastic and the tutors are brilliant. I am now off to The University of Birmingham to study for a degree in Physics and my A Level grades have definitely helped me get on.”
Personal tutor
During your time at College, you'll be assigned a personal tutor, who will be responsible for monitoring your academic progress. You'll attend a tutorial meeting every week and part of this time will be allocated to group activities, such as recognising your best learning style, study skills, revision skills, careers education, financial matters and much more. The other part will be dedicated to an individual progress review, enabling your tutor to make sure you're on track to get the best grades possible.
Further subjects
At Northampton, you may be able to study further subjects at local schools though the cluster arrangements in place. Please ask about these at our Open Events or at your interview.
Subjects and Entry Requirements
The standard minimum entry requirements to study on the full time A Level programme are five GCSEs at Grade C or above including English Language, or an equivalent qualification for example, a BTEC Level 2 qualification at Merit grade. (Some subjects will require a Distinction grade). Please note the vocational qualification will need to be in related curriculum discipline. In addition, some A Levels require relevant GCSEs at Grade C or above. See each subject for specific entry requirements.
In most cases, we do not offer applicants a place on the AS programme if they have previously studied either these or different subjects. Please refer to alternative courses.
