Biology - A Level (AQA)

A Level Biology will introduce you to a range of core components, including energy for life, continuity of life and requirements for life. Together, these cover subjects ranging from DNA, genetics and cells to whole organisms and ecosystems. You will explore up-to-date issues such as epigenetics, stem cells and planetary boundaries. 

The course also includes a substantial practical element, allowing you to carry out a number of significant practical activities relating to topics including microbiology, genetics, biochemistry and ecology. Your practical skills will be assessed and will lead to an endorsed certificate awarded alongside the A Level.

Topics covered can include:

• How chemical elements are joined together to form biological compounds
• Cell structure and organisation
• Cell membranes and transport
• Biological reactions are regulated by enzymes
• Nucleic acids and their functions

You will need:

• Grade 5 or above in GCSE English Language
• Grade 6 or above in GCSE Maths*
• Grade 6-6 or above in GCSE Combined Science (if you are studying GCSE Triple Science, you will need grade 6 in Biology and grade 6 in either Physics or Chemistry)
• A further GCSE at grade 4 or above

*If you have a Grade 5 in GCSE Maths, a Maths for Biology class will be added to your study programme

If you wish to study 4 A Levels, you will need 7 GCSEs at grade 7 or above, including two at grade 8.

All applicants must have an interview to confirm that A Levels are suitable for them.

We recommend studying another science or maths subject, such as Physics, Chemistry, Psychology or Electronics, alongside Biology.

Assessment is through examination at the end of two years.

School Leavers

If you will be aged 16, 17 or 18 on 31 August in the year you begin your course, and have been resident in the UK/EU/EEA for the past 3 years, it will be free. Some courses will have other costs associated, such as for materials and trips. Many of our students are eligible for financial support when studying at college – please click here for more information.

A Levels are widely regarded as the standard entry qualification for top universities in the UK, and the rest of the world. Many of our students go on to study for a degree at the university of their choice, with some choosing to progress into apprenticeships or other employment.