AQA (Assessment and Qualifications Alliance) is the UK's largest A-level awarding body, offering over 50 A-level subjects assessed through written examinations and, in some subjects, coursework or practical components. AQA A-levels are graded A* to E, recognised by every UK university for UCAS applications, and available to study online through learndirect.
What is AQA and why does it matter for A-level students?
AQA, the Assessment and Qualifications Alliance, is an independent education charity and the most widely taken A-level awarding body in England. Founded in 2000 through the merger of several regional boards, AQA sets, marks and awards qualifications that are accepted by every UK university and the vast majority of international institutions.
For A-level students, choosing AQA means:
- Broad subject choice - more than 50 A-level subjects across sciences, humanities, arts, social sciences and languages
- Clear, published specifications - every AQA A-level has a freely downloadable subject specification outlining exactly what will be assessed
- Consistent, linear assessment - most AQA A-levels are now assessed entirely at the end of the two-year course through terminal examinations (with coursework or practical endorsements in specific subjects)
- Universal recognition - AQA grades are accepted by Russell Group universities, post-92 institutions, apprenticeship providers and overseas universities alike
AQA is regulated by Ofqual in England, ensuring that standards are maintained and that grades are comparable year on year.
How are AQA A-levels structured and assessed?
AQA A-levels follow the standard two-year linear structure introduced across England from 2015 onwards. This means:
- Year 1 (AS content): Covers the foundational topics of the subject. Students studying a full A-level cover this material in the first year but do not sit a standalone AS-level unless they choose to enter for a separate AS qualification.
- Year 2 (A2 content): Builds on Year 1 knowledge with more complex and synoptic material.
- Final examinations: Taken at the end of the full two-year course, typically in May and June of the second year. Papers are sat at an approved examination centre.
What types of assessment does AQA use?
| Assessment type | Subjects where it applies | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Written examinations (terminal) | All AQA A-levels | 70 to 100% |
| Non-exam assessment (NEA / coursework) | English Literature, History, and others depending on specification | Typically 20 to 30% |
| Practical endorsement (pass/fail) | Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) | Reported separately; does not affect grade |
Important note for online learners: Regardless of where you study, including online with learndirect, AQA A-level examinations must be sat in person at an approved examination centre. learndirect can advise you on finding a suitable centre near you.
Which AQA A-level subjects can I study online with learndirect?
learndirect delivers a range of A-level courses through AQA, allowing adult learners, career changers, home-educators and university-bound students to study flexibly around their existing commitments.
Subjects available through learndirect on the AQA specification include:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Business Studies
- English Language
- English Literature
- History
- Biology (with or without practical endorsement)
- Chemistry (with or without practical endorsement)
- Physics (with or without practical endorsement)
Accreditation note: learndirect delivers A-level courses through AQA as the awarding body. AQA sets and awards the qualification; learndirect provides the teaching, learning materials and tutor support. AQA does not endorse or partner with learndirect beyond its role as the awarding body for the qualification.
Visit the learndirect A-level courses page to see the current full list of available subjects and specifications.
What grades do AQA A-levels use and how are they calculated?
AQA A-levels use the standard A* to E grading scale set by Ofqual and applied consistently across all awarding bodies in England:
| Grade | Description | Typical UCAS tariff points |
|---|---|---|
| A* | Outstanding performance | 56 points |
| A | Excellent performance | 48 points |
| B | Very good performance | 40 points |
| C | Good performance | 32 points |
| D | Satisfactory performance | 24 points |
| E | Minimum pass standard | 16 points |
| U | Ungraded (below pass) | 0 points |
Grades are determined by your performance across all examination papers (and any coursework components) for a given subject. AQA applies grade boundaries after each examination series based on the performance of all candidates nationally.
What entry requirements do I need for an AQA A-level?
AQA itself does not set entry requirements for individual learners, that is the responsibility of the school, college or online provider delivering the course. At learndirect, typical entry requirements for AQA A-level courses are:
- Age: 16 or over (learndirect specialises in adult and post-16 learners aged 19+)
- Prior attainment: A GCSE grade 4 (C) or above in a relevant subject is generally recommended, though requirements vary by subject
- English and Maths: A GCSE grade 4 or above in English Language is typically expected; some subjects such as Mathematics and the sciences may require higher prior attainment
There are no formal upper age limits, AQA A-levels are open to adult learners of any age, making them a popular route for career changers, those returning to education, and individuals seeking university entry later in life.
How long does it take to complete an AQA A-level online?
The standard full A-level is designed as a two-year qualification when studied full-time at a school or college. When studying online with learndirect, the timeline is more flexible:
| Study mode | Typical duration |
|---|---|
| Full-time equivalent | Approximately 18 to 24 months |
| Part-time / flexible | Up to 24 months, depending on subject and personal pace |
Learners must sit their final examinations in a specific May/June examination series, so it is important to plan your study timeline around the AQA examination timetable.
What can I do with an AQA A-level? University, UCAS and beyond
An AQA A-level is a full Level 3 qualification on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) and is one of the most widely recognised academic credentials in the UK. Achieving an AQA A-level can help you work towards:
University entry
- Most UK undergraduate degree programmes require two or three A-levels at grades specified by the university
- AQA A-levels are accepted by all UK universities, including Russell Group institutions
- Grades contribute UCAS tariff points used in the UCAS application process
Specific degree pathways
- Psychology A-level to Psychology, Neuroscience, Counselling degrees
- Biology/Chemistry A-level to Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Biomedical Science
- History/Sociology A-level to Law, Politics, Social Sciences, Education
Other progression routes
- Higher and Degree Apprenticeships - many providers accept A-level grades as entry criteria
- Professional qualifications - some accountancy, legal and healthcare bodies accept A-levels as part of their entry requirements
- Access to Higher Education - an A-level can complement an Access to HE Diploma for mature learners
learndirect courses can help you work towards the grades you need; they do not guarantee a specific grade, UCAS points total, or university place. Outcomes depend on individual performance in AQA examinations.
AQA vs other A-level exam boards: what is the difference?
AQA is one of three main A-level awarding bodies in England (alongside Edexcel/Pearson and OCR). All three are regulated by Ofqual and award qualifications on the same A* to E grading scale. The differences lie in specification content, assessment style and subject availability.
| Feature | AQA | Edexcel (Pearson) | OCR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regulator | Ofqual | Ofqual | Ofqual |
| Grading scale | A* to E | A* to E | A* to E |
| Assessment style | Primarily terminal exams | Terminal exams; some modular elements in vocational routes | Terminal exams; some subjects offer alternative assessment models |
| Subject breadth | 50+ A-levels | 40+ A-levels | 40+ A-levels |
| Recognition | All UK universities | All UK universities | All UK universities |
| Available through learndirect | Yes | No, except International A-Level Maths and Film Studies (Eduqas/WJEC) | No |
learndirect delivers the great majority of its A-level courses through AQA. Two exceptions exist: A-level Film Studies is delivered through Eduqas/WJEC, and International A-level Maths is delivered through a combination of AQA, Pearson Edexcel and CCEA. The right course for you will depend on the subject you wish to study.
Citable quick-reference facts table: AQA A-Levels
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Awarding body | AQA (Assessment and Qualifications Alliance) |
| Regulator | Ofqual (England) |
| Qualification level | Level 3 (RQF) |
| Grading scale | A* to E (U = ungraded) |
| Assessment format | Terminal written examinations; NEA/coursework in some subjects |
| Examinations sat | In person at an approved examination centre |
| Typical study duration (online) | Up to 24 months, flexible |
| UCAS points (A* to E) | 56 / 48 / 40 / 32 / 24 / 16 |
| Entry requirements (learndirect) | Age 16+ (learndirect serves adults 19+); GCSE grade 4+ recommended |
| Course fee (learndirect) | From £708.74 (exam included), varies by subject |
| Available through learndirect | Yes, AQA is the primary board learndirect works with |
| Progression routes | University, apprenticeships, professional qualifications |
Frequently asked questions
What does AQA stand for?
AQA stands for Assessment and Qualifications Alliance. It is an independent education charity and the largest A-level awarding body in England, responsible for setting, marking and awarding A-level qualifications in over 50 subjects.
Is AQA the same as Edexcel or OCR?
No. AQA, Edexcel (Pearson) and OCR are three separate awarding bodies, each regulated by Ofqual. They all award A-levels on the same A* to E grading scale, but their subject specifications, question styles and assessment structures differ. All three are accepted by UK universities. learndirect delivers the majority of its A-level courses through AQA.
Can I study an AQA A-level online?
Yes. You can study AQA A-level courses online through providers such as learndirect. Your final examinations, however, must be sat in person at an approved AQA examination centre. learndirect can provide guidance on locating a suitable centre.
Do universities accept AQA A-levels?
Yes. Every UK university, including Russell Group institutions such as Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial and UCL, accepts AQA A-levels. AQA is the most widely taken A-level board in England and its qualifications carry the same weight as those from Edexcel or OCR.
How many UCAS points is an AQA A-level worth?
An AQA A-level at grade A* is worth 56 UCAS tariff points; grade A = 48 points; B = 40; C = 32; D = 24; E = 16. These are standard Ofqual/UCAS tariff values applicable to all A-level awarding bodies.
What is the difference between an AQA AS-level and a full A-level?
An AS-level (Advanced Subsidiary) covers the first year of A-level content and is a standalone Level 3 qualification worth fewer UCAS points than a full A-level. A full A-level covers both years and is assessed at the end of the two-year course. Most university entry requirements specify full A-levels rather than AS-levels.
Do I need any qualifications to start an AQA A-level with learndirect?
learndirect typically recommends a GCSE grade 4 (C) or above in a relevant subject, though requirements vary by subject. There is no upper age limit, AQA A-levels are open to adult learners of all ages.
How long does an AQA A-level take to complete online?
When studying online with learndirect, most learners complete an AQA A-level in up to 24 months studying flexibly. You must sit your final examinations in the AQA May/June examination series, so plan your enrolment accordingly.
Can I resit AQA A-level exams?
Yes. AQA A-level examinations can be resat in subsequent May/June examination series. If you are resitting, you will need to re-enter through an approved examination centre.
Is learndirect endorsed or accredited by AQA?
No. learndirect delivers A-level courses for which AQA is the awarding body, meaning AQA sets the specification, marks the examinations and awards the final grade. AQA does not endorse or accredit learndirect as an organisation beyond this awarding body relationship.
Ready to start your AQA A-level journey?
Whether you are aiming for a university place, changing career direction, or simply pursuing a subject you are passionate about, an AQA A-level studied online with learndirect gives you the flexibility to learn at your own pace, without compromising on the quality of the qualification at the end.
Our dedicated tutors, structured online learning materials and ongoing student support are designed to help you work towards the grade you need.
Explore AQA A-level courses at learndirect
Have a question before you enrol? Our friendly course advisors are available to help, contact learndirect today.
