A Levels also give greater access to the U.K. third - level system as prospective undergraduates from Ireland will be entering at the same standard as their English counterparts. Subjects may be taken in one year including some not available in Leaving Certificate, for example Law, Philosophy, Politics and Psychology. These are shorter examinations, with less depending on each individual paper. Each A Level subject is marked on between two and four papers. Good timetabling avoids students having to sit too many papers within a short space of time.
Stress is reduced by lessening the emphasis on examination performance.
This is an approximate guide as offers are made on the basis of letter grades. Your application to a college will be enhanced by the fact that you have demonstrated an ability to study successfully under a lecture system, particularly if you are combining study with employment. Being specialised, A Level courses offer more subjects and options than the Leaving Certificate. Some subjects, for example Politics, Philosophy and History of Art, suit mature students and can be taken in one year, without previous knowledge. Advice on this is given at interview.