Choosing The Right Pre-University Programme: A levels
by StudyMalaysia.com on January 4, 2018 | Top Stories, Pre-University Programmes & Foundation Studies
If you have an SPM qualification and you are planning to pursue a bachelor degree, you would most likely need a pre-U qualification to gain admission to a university or college. So which pre-U programme should you choose?
The Cambridge A level programme
The A level programme is the most popular pre-university programme offered by private higher education institutions in Malaysia. Also known as the Advanced Level programme, the A levels is comparable to the Sixth Form in Malaysia and is awarded by .
The A level subject syllabi are divided into two levels: Advanced Subsidiary (AS) and Advanced Two (A2) levels, each contributing 50% towards the final A level grade. The A level programme offers two streams – Science and Arts and is conducted over one-and-a-half to two years. Students typically take 3-4 subjects – the subjects offered and its combination varies from one college to another, so you need to check that out before enrolling.
If you have an idea what bachelor degree you plan to pursue after A levels then you need to make sure you take the correct combination of required subjects. If you haven’t decided what you want to study at degree level, you still need to narrow down your field of interest so that you can pick the subject combination that gives you the most advantage later.
Advantages:
- The A levels has long been considered the “gold standard” for pre-university qualifications.
- If you haven’t decided what and where you want to study at university, the A levels (in the right combination) gives you many options in choice of course and university as it is a qualification accepted globally.
- If you are vying for a scholarship, the A levels is one of the most highly regarded qualifications used as a benchmark for academic achievement.
- If you plan to apply for a top university, chances are they will consider A levels a better gauge of your academic prowess compared to internally awarded pre-university qualifications.
Drawbacks:
- Because it is a rigorous programme, many students tend to drop one subject after the AS level. This means that you would need to make sure you score the minimum required grade in the remaining three subjects.
- The course takes a longer duration compared to most foundation programmes.
Think that the A level programme could be right for you? Here’s a list of A level providers you can consider:
A-Level Edexcel International Advanced Levels
Offered by: SEGi College, Sarawak
Cambridge A Level (Arts & Science Stream)
Offered by: Kolej Yayasan UEM
Offered by: Terra College
Offered by: Terra College
Offered by: TAR UC - Tunku Abdul Rahman University College
Cambridge GCE A Levels (Science)
Offered by: TAR UC - Tunku Abdul Rahman University College
Offered by: UCSI University
GCE A Level (Cambridge) - Arts
Offered by: KDU College, Damansara Jaya Campus
GCE A Level (Cambridge) - Pre-Law
Offered by: KDU College, Damansara Jaya Campus
GCE A Level (Cambridge) - Science
Offered by: KDU College, Damansara Jaya Campus
GCE A Level Science (3 Subjects)
Offered by: Brickfields Asia College (BAC)
GCE A Level Science (4 Subjects)
Offered by: Brickfields Asia College (BAC)
Offered by: First City University College
General Certificate of Education – Advance Level (GCE ‘A’ Level) (2 subjects)
Offered by: Brickfields Asia College (BAC)
General Certificate of Education – Advance Level (GCE ‘A’ Level) (2 subjects-Express route)
Offered by: Brickfields Asia College (BAC)
General Certificate of Education – Advance Level (GCE ‘A’ Level) (3 subjects)
Offered by: Brickfields Asia College (BAC)
General Certificate of Education – Advance Level (GCE ‘A’ Level) (4 subjects)
Offered by: Brickfields Asia College (BAC)
Offered by: Taylor's College - Subang Jaya Campus
Offered by: Taylor's College, Sri Hartamas
Offered by: HELP Academy
Offered by: Sunway College KL
Edexcel International Advanced Levels
Offered by: HELP Academy
German A Level Preparatory Programme
Offered by: German Malaysian Institute (GMI)
Students typically take 3-4 subjects. Here are examples of subjects offered in Malaysia:
| Science subjects | Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
| Mathematics | Mathematics, Further Mathematics |
| Humanities | Accounting, Computer Science, Psychology, Law, Economics, Literature in English, Business Studies, Global Perspectives and Research, Thinking Skills (at AS level only) |
Read more:
- Choosing the right pre-university programme: Foundation Studies
- Choosing the right pre-university programme: IB Diploma
- Choosing the right pre-university programme: CIMP
- Choosing the right pre-university programme: AUSMAT, SACE, NSW HSC
- Choosing the right pre-university programme: STPM
Source:
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