All You Need to Know About A-Levels in Malaysia

Study A-Levels in Malaysia

A-Level is one of the available options for pre-university that Malaysians can choose from. This course’s curriculum is modelled on the UK education system.

It’s equivalent to the STPM here. It is also known as GCE Advanced Level, and it prepares you for a university degree by allowing you to study a variety of subjects in depth.

The Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) and Edexcel are the two examination boards that deliver the A-Levels in Malaysia. The Cambridge A-Level is offered at most Malaysian colleges.

In A-Level, you will typically select three or four subjects to study. Some students study extra topics in order to apply to prestigious institutions or courses.

You may also be interested to read:

• Best A-Levels Subject Combinations at Malaysia’s Top Private Colleges
• Top 5 Private Colleges in Malaysia Offering the Best A-Levels Programme
• Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) A-Level Grading System or Assessment in Malaysia
• Cambridge CIE A-Levels vs Pearson EdExcel A-Levels in Malaysia
• Top 10 Most Popular Pre-University (Pre-U) Programmes in Malaysia
• Which Course Should I Study After SPM? Diploma or Pre-University (Foundation, STPM, A-Levels, etc)
• Comparison Malaysia’s Best Pre-university Programmes to Study after SPM/IGCSE/O-Levels

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Why study A-levels?

The Cambridge International Examinations is the world’s largest provider of international education programs and qualifications, especially for the CIE GCE A Level program. Around the globe, it enjoys a reputation for academic excellence. It is part of the Cambridge Assessment, a department of the University of Cambridge.

• CAIE is a part of the Cambridge Assessment Group (UCLES) and a not-for-profit organisation.
• Cambridge International AS and A Levels are taken by over 175 000 students in more than 125 countries every year.
• There are 350 000 entries for Cambridge International A Level annually and growing.

Although there are many Pre-University Programmes available in Malaysia, the A-Level has been one of the most popular choice for students after SPM and IGCSE/O-Levels.

Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) A-Levels

Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) A-Levels is an A-Levels course run by the University of Cambridge International Examinations Syndicate (UCLES). The Cambridge GCE A-Level programme follows a ‘staged’ assessment, in contrast to the traditional linear A-Levels where all subjects are assessed in a single examination session at the end of the course.

Students are prepared for the examinations in 2 stages, which takes away the pressure of one set of final examinations at the end. Students will sit for their AS examinations at the end of Semester Two and their A2 examinations at the end of Semester Three. The examination papers at both the AS and A2 Levels are set and marked by examiners from Cambridge International Examinations.

SPM – Semester 1 (6 months) – Semester 2 (6 months – Sit for AS exams contributing 50% to final grade) – Semester 3 (6 months – Sit for A2 exams contributing 50% to final grade) NOTE: The A2 examination cannot be taken as a standalone qualification.

Top Reasons to Choose the A-Level Programme

• It is recognised by top universities globally – The A Level is known for its high standards and is recognized by universities in the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Singapore and the USA.
• A Level resources are readily available and accessible – There is a lot of study materials available on the internet such as past year papers and revision questions that will help you to prepare for exams.
• It lets you keep your options open – Upon the completion of the A Level, you can choose to continue your studies in a wide range of fields. Comparatively, certain pre-university programs will only enable you to continue in the field that you have chosen. Thus, the A Level is a good option if you’re not very sure what degree you want to pursue in university.
• It gives you in-depth knowledge – Students will take 3 to 4 subjects for about 18 months hence you will cover your chosen subjects extensively.

Is the A-Level Programme in Malaysia Recognised?

The A-Level Programme offered by private colleges in Malaysia is recognised. The A-Levels is widely recognised as the gold standard of pre-university education and is accepted by many of the world’s best universities.

Many students choose the A-Levels to study in the United Kingdom (UK), however it is also accepted by top universities in countries such as Australia, the United States, Canada, and Singapore. In addition, over 450 US universities including Harvard, Yale, MIT and Stanford accept the A-Level for entry.

Is A-levels hard?

A-Levels subjects are often regarded as challenging since they demand for you to analyse and apply logical reasoning while answering test questions. In comparison to other courses, such as Australian Matriculation, you’ll also notice that the study content is more in-depth.

The degree of difficulty, however, is determined by the subjects you pick and your time management abilities.

Remember how we mentioned that it is important to choose things that you enjoy and excel at? This is essential for your success as you will have to put in the necessary effort and time to comprehend your study materials.

Who should study A-levels?

Since this course is 100% exam based, it might not be suitable for everyone. Nevertheless, you should continue your studies by pursuing A-levels if:

You like academic learning and want to study a wide range of courses.
You’ve made the decision to continue your studies at a university.
If you’re unsure about what degree or career you want to pursue, taking a variety of A-levels subjects might help keep your choices open.

What’s the difference between AS & A2?

AS level is essentially half of an A-level; they provide a broad grasp of a topic but not as much depth as an A-level. The AS level was used to count towards a full A-level until recently. The A2, on the other hand, is the full A-level.

So, at the end of the first year, you’d earn the AS level, and at the end of the second year, you’d get the A2 (full A-level). AS levels have been taken alongside – rather than as part of – A-levels from 2015.

This implies they won’t count towards your total A-level grade. As a result, you’ll only take your AS examinations at the conclusion of your first year and all of your A-level exams at the end of the two-year program.

What are the Entry Requirements into the A-Levels in Malaysia

Generally you will need at least 5 Credits in SPM or IGCSE to enter into the A-Levels. However, there are specific requirements for various fields of study.

For example, if you plan to study Medicine, Pharmacy or Dentistry, you will need at least 5Bs in the science.

For Engineering, you will need credits in Mathematics and Physics while for Computer Science, Actuarial Science, and Accounting, you must have a credit in Mathematics.

What is the Duration of the A-Level Programme in Malaysia

• January and July intakes are 18 months or 12 months
• March intakes are 16 months

What are the Subjects Generally Offered for the A-Levels Programme in Malaysia

• Mathematics
• Further Mathematics
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Biology
• Economics
• English Literature
• Law
• Accounting
• Business Studies
• Psychology

How many subjects should I take for the A-Level Programme in Malaysia?

• The number of A-Levels you take depends on a number of things. In particular, it can depend on the reason you are taking A-Levels. If you are taking the A-Levels as a stepping stone to university, then the number you take may depend on what the university requires or the number of UCAS points you need to get into your course. You should check with the universities you are thinking of targeting to see how many they want you to have.
• For UK universities, students need a minimum of two A Level passes. Generally, students are encouraged to choose a minimum of 3 A Level subjects and maximum of 4 subjects. Some colleges allow for 2 subjects for a fast track route for the Law degree.

How do I Choose the Subjects for A-Levels?

With A-Levels, there are no compulsory subjects. You are free to pick the topics that interest you or that you believe would be most useful to your future studies or careers.

English Language & Literature, Mathematics, Biology, Physics, and Chemistry are among the topics studied by students. It’s usually a good idea to double-check if the courses are offered at the institution you’re considering ahead of time, as this varies from school to school.

You should always pay extra attention to what subjects you want to take on for the semester as they can make or break you.

Here are some things you can keep in mind while choosing:

• Are there any specific topics or grades that you require? If you want to pursue a certain career, employment, or higher education, you may need to select a specific subject to fulfil the admission criteria.
• Examine what you are most likely to love and excel at. You are more likely to succeed if you like a subject or already possess a skill in it.
• How broad do you want your future education and job options to be?

Which are the Best Subject Combinations for the A-Levels in Malaysia

Students are required to take a minimum of 3 subjects and a maximum of 4. While subject combinations are left to the student’s interest and degree requirements of the different universities.

 

Below is a guide for the A-Level Subject Combination:

Degree Programmes	Recommended A-Level Subjects
Applied Sciences –  Biotechnology, Food Science, Biomedical Science, Nutrition etc	Pre-Requisite: Biology & Mathematics Recommended: Chemistry
Psychology	Pre-Requisite: None. However, some universities may require Mathematics Recommended: Biology
Communications – Mass Communication, Public Relations, Journalism, Media, Branding & Advertising, etc Business – Human Resources Management, Digital Marketing, International Business, eBusiness, Management, Business Administration, etc Hospitality – Hotel Management, Culinary Arts, Event Management, Tourism Management, etc Design – Interior Design, Graphic Design, Multimedia Design, Animation, Film Studies, etc. (You will need a credit in your SPM or IGCSE in Design or you may have to take a semester of Design subjects before entering  into Year 1 degree.) Education – Early Childhood Education Law	Pre-Requisite: None
Computer Science – Cybersecurity, Data Science, Ai, IoT, Software Engineering, Network Computing, Game Design, etc Business – Actuarial Science, Accounting, Finance, Fintech, Marketing, etc	Pre-Requisite: Mathematics Recommended: Physics, Further Mathematics, Computing
Engineering – Civil Engineering, Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Telecommunication Engineering, etc	Pre-Requisite: Mathematics & Physics Recommended: Chemistry, Further Mathematics
Law	Pre-Requisite: None Recommended: Mathematics, Economics, Law, English Literature, Accounting
Health Sciences –Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Nursing, etc	Pre-Requisite: Chemistry, Biology & Mathematics Recommended: Physics

How is the A-Level Assessed?

100% EXTERNAL EXAMINATIONS IN 2 PHASES

• Advanced Subsidiary Level (AS Level)
• A2 Level

EXAMINATION SESSIONS

• May/June
• October/November

Does the syllabus include any coursework?

No. However, unit 3 of science subjects is a practical examination in which students are assessed based on their laboratory skills. The practical is conducted up to 2 hours under controlled conditions. The whole unit is marked by CAIE.

What happens if I am dissatisfied with my results? Can I retake an exam if I am unhappy with my marks?

• You can discuss your options with your subject lecturer. It is possible to retake subjects.
• However, students unsatisfied with any of their individual units must re-sit the entire level.
• Also, some university courses, such as medicine, sometimes require students to have taken all their AS or A2 units in a single sitting without any re-sits.
• It might be worth considering having the paper remarked.

How do I get an A* for CAIE?

• You can discuss your options with your subject lecturer. It is possible to retake subjects.
• However, students unsatisfied with any of their individual units must re-sit the entire level.
• Also, some university courses, such as medicine, sometimes require students to have taken all their AS or A2 units in a single sitting without any re-sits.
• It might be worth considering having the paper remarked.

How are the Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) A-Level Graded?

The A-Level subject syllabi are divided into the AS Level, which is the first half of the programme and form the foundations of A-Level, and the A2 Level, which is the second part of the syllabus and covers more difficult topics, with each level contributing 50% towards the final A-Level grade.

There is also a performance feedback session where students who have completed the AS level will receive valuable feedback on their performance, thus identifying their own strengths and weaknesses that will help them set learning goals for the A2 level.

The subject content of each of the A Level syllabuses has been subdivided into two parts: the AS  (Advanced Subsidiary) syllabus content which is expected to be covered in the first half of the course, and part two of the syllabus commonly referred to as ‘A2’.

A typical Cambridge A-Levels student would take the AS-Level papers for each subject at the end of the 1st year and the A2 papers of each subject at the end of 1.5 years.

Some papers are actually practical papers, in which you have to do experiments and answer related questions.

Grading of the Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) A-Levels in Malaysia

Each subject that a learner takes receives a separate grade.

Grades are benchmarked using internationally recognised grades, which have clear guidelines to explain the standards of achievement.

The Cambridge International A Level is reported on a grade scale from A*, A, B, C, D and E. There is no A* grade for Cambridge International AS Levels, which run from grade A to E. The A* grade is awarded to candidates who achieve an A in their overall A-level, with a score of at least 90% at A2. There is no A* grade at AS or unit level.

A candidate’s Cambridge International A Level grade is determined by their total mark for all the papers of the Cambridge International A Level qualification, including the Cambridge International AS Level papers. The Cambridge International AS Level papers always account for 50% of the weighting of the total Cambridge International A Level.

For example, a candidate obtained 55 marks out of 100 in their Cambridge International AS Level Economics in June 2020. In June 2021 they took the two remaining Cambridge International A Level papers in Economics and obtained 20 out of 30 and 37 out of 70 for them, a total of a further 57 marks. Their total mark for International A Level Economics was therefore 112 out of 200.

We compared that with the thresholds for different grades for International A Level Economics used in June 2020 and determined that 112 marks was worth a grade C at International A Level.

If the candidate had obtained 72 marks in their June 2020 papers instead of only 57, their aggregate Cambridge International A Level total would have been 127 marks out of 200, which in that particular subject in that particular year would have been enough for a grade B at International A Level.

Marks

Your results slip will also show a score on something called the ‘uniform mark scale’ (UMS). The AS is scored out of 300 UMS marks, and the A level out of 600 marks.

‘Cashing in’

Once you have taken the three units for the AS level, and are happy with your award, you let the exam board know. This is called ‘ cashing in’. If you’re not happy, you can opt to resit a unit.

If the exam doesn’t go well

If on the day of the exam something happens outside your control to affect your performance, you may be eligible for special consideration. Speak to your teachers as soon as possible.

Resits

You can also choose to resit individual units (although there are time limits and some are not available in January). The awarding body will count the higher mark from your two attempts.

Re-marks and recounts

If you think something may have gone wrong with marking your exam, we can try to ask for a re-mark or recount. You also have the right to request your marked exam script.

Appeals

If you are still unhappy, the college can appeal to the awarding body, and then finally, if necessary, to the independent Examinations Appeals Board.

Cambridge A-Level Exam Dates in Malaysia

The Cambridge AS and A2 Level examinations are conducted in May/June and October/November. Results are released in August for the May/June examination and in January for the October/November examination.

Students receive a certificate after completing the AS Level examination, and the A Level certificate after completing both the AS Level and A2 Level examinations.

How to choose the Best College or University for the A-Levels in Malaysia?

To succeed in the A-Levels, it is important to choose the best college or university in Malaysia that fits you. A-Levels is a tough programme and if you just choose the cheapest or nearest to your house, you may well just not do well in the exams.

To choose the best college or university for A-Levels in Malaysia you should consider the following:

1. Experience of the lecturers. A-Levels is about the lecturers and not the college. The lecturers are the ones who will help you to succeed. The more experienced they are, the better they are at helping you to understand the concepts and principles of the course, so that you are able to answer properly.
2. Length of time the lecturers have been with the college. How long the lecturers have been with the college is also important. the longer they have been with the college, the better because they would be familiar with the systems in the college, scholarship and university applications to top overseas universities. They will know how to prepare you from the beginning to make sure you fulfil the requirements for the scholarships and the applications.
3. Personal attention. If the classes are too big, you would not have personal attention from the lecturers to help you in your studies. Just like a Tae Kwon Do class, if the class has 100 students, do you think you would be able to improve your skills?
4. Facilities. Top colleges and universities for A-Levels in Malaysia will have good facilities so that you can perform the experiments well and gain in-depth understanding of the course.
5. Student culture. If you join a university or college where there is too much distraction, you may not be able to focus. A-Levels is a tough course and if you join a college where most students are partying or playing around, your dream of being a doctor or dentist may just fly away.
6. Award-winners. Awards won by students are an indication of the quality of the course at the college.
7. Student support. The university should have student support in place to help you to study and to focus on your studies. The student support will also help you in your university applications and scholarship applications.