If you’re an adult thinking about going back to education, one of the first questions that comes up is: Do I need A levels? Should I take them? Can I even take A levels at my age?
This guide answers every question clearly so you know exactly when A levels matter, when they don’t, how to get them, and what your options are as a mature student.
What are A levels?
A levels (Advanced Level qualifications) are Level 3 academic qualifications typically taken by students aged 16–18 in the UK. They are subject-based — for example: Maths, Biology, Business, Psychology, Chemistry, English, or Sociology.
You usually choose 3 subjects and study them over two years. At the end, you sit national exams.
Universities use A-level grades to decide whether you qualify for specific courses, especially competitive ones.
But for mature students, the story is more flexible — and that leads to the next section.
Do you actually need A levels as a mature student?
Many adults believe they must have A levels or some sort of a qualification to enter university. In reality, UK universities offer multiple alternative entry routes for mature applicants.
What matters most is whether the course you want to study specifically requires A levels or whether they accept other Level 3 qualifications or work experience.
Let’s break down entry requirements for mature students.
When A levels are required
A levels are required mainly for highly competitive or regulated courses, such as:
- Medicine (usually Biology + Chemistry)
- Dentistry
- Veterinary Medicine
- Pharmacy
- Physiotherapy
- Biomedical Science (at top universities)
- Some Engineering degrees (Maths + Physics)
- Nursing at some universities (usually Biology)
These fields require strong science backgrounds, and A levels are the most recognized pathway.
If you’re planning to enter one of these fields, A levels (or equivalent science Level 3 qualifications) may be required.
When you don’t need A levels
Most university courses do not require A levels.
Instead, mature students can use:
- Foundation Year degrees (4 years in total)
- Access to Higher Education Diplomas
- HNC/HND → Top-Up degrees
- Relevant work experience
- Level 3 diplomas (e.g., BTEC)
Examples of degrees that accept students without A levels:
- Business
- Accounting
- Marketing
- Criminology
- Cyber Security
- Computer Science
- Psychology (many universities accept a Foundation Year)
- Construction Management
- Public Health
- Project Management
- Hospitality
- Graphic Design
- Social Sciences
If a university offers a Foundation Year, it is designed specifically for adults with no qualifications.
So the real question becomes: what do you want to study?
Once you know your degree path, you can decide whether A levels are necessary or not.
And if you have no qualifications know that there are degrees designed specifically for you.
Can you do A levels at any age?
Yes. You can take A levels at any age, whether you are 21, 35, 50 or older.
There is no upper age limit.
Adults choose A levels for many reasons:
- Changing career
- Entering a competitive degree (medicine, engineering, etc.)
- Improving academic skills
- Meeting professional requirements
- Personal achievement
Universities do not disadvantage older applicants with A levels — in fact, they often value the motivation and maturity behind them.
How to get A levels (study routes for adults)
Adults can study A levels in different ways depending on their schedule, childcare needs, job hours, and learning style.
Evening/FE college
Many further education colleges offer:
- Evening classes
- Weekend classes
- Part-time study
This is ideal for adults who prefer structure, in-person teaching, and regular deadlines.
Pros:
- Teacher support
- Classroom environment
- Structured learning
- Affordable fees
Cons:
- Fixed schedule
- Limited subject choice at some colleges
Online/distance learning
Online A levels are extremely popular for mature students.
You study at your own pace using:
- Video lessons
- Online tutors
- Practice exams
- Digital textbooks
Pros:
- Flexible — study anytime
- Work while studying
- Choose from any subject
- Fast-track options
Cons:
- Requires self-discipline
- Exams still must be taken in person
Private candidate & exam centres
If you self-study, you can book exams at private centres across the UK.
You do not need to attend a school.
This is useful for adults who:
- Already know the subject
- Want to study independently
- Prefer fast-track routes
Most exam centres accept mature students for:
- Written exams
- Coursework submission (if your subject has it)
- Practical endorsements (science)
Science practical endorsement
If you take Biology, Chemistry, or Physics, you need the A-level practical endorsement to apply for science-based degrees.
This involves 12 required lab experiments assessed in person.
Options for mature students:
- Colleges that offer practical sessions
- Exam centres with lab partnerships
- Private lab providers
Most adults choose centres that bundle the exam + practical endorsement together.
Subject choice: map A levels to degrees & careers
Choosing your A-level subjects as an adult depends heavily on the degree and career you want.
Here is a detailed breakdown by subject area:
Maths A Level
Leads to degrees in:
- Accounting & Finance
- Economics
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Mathematics
- Business Analytics
Careers include:
- Accountant
- Data analyst
- Software developer
- Financial advisor
- Civil engineer
Biology + Chemistry (Science route)
Required for:
- Medicine
- Dentistry
- Veterinary Medicine
- Pharmacy
- Biochemistry
- Biomedical Science
- Dietetics
- Physiotherapy
Careers:
- Doctor
- Dentist
- Pharmacist
- Biomedical scientist
- Research scientist
Physics + Maths
Ideal for:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Science
- Aerospace Engineering
Careers:
- Engineer
- Software developer
- Robotics specialist
- Architect (with further study)
Business / Economics / Sociology / Psychology
Useful for:
- Business Management
- Criminology
- Psychology
- Law (many unis accept any A levels)
- Marketing
- HR
Careers:
- Manager
- Marketer
- HR advisor
- Youth worker
- Analyst
English / History / Politics
Good for:
- Law
- Journalism
- Education
- International Relations
- Social Sciences
Careers:
- Lawyer (after postgraduate training)
- Teacher
- Civil service
- Journalist
Oh, and in case you missed it, you can apply as a mature student without any qualifications.
How long do A levels take? (standard vs fast-track)
A-level duration for adults depends on how you study:
Standard route:
2 years
This is the same as school-aged students.
Fast-track route:
9–15 months
Available through online providers and self-study routes.
Intensive route:
6–9 months
Only recommended for highly motivated adults or those retaking a subject.
Costs & funding for A levels (adults)
A-levels for adults are usually self-funded.
Typical costs:
- FE college: £0–£1,500 per subject
- Online courses: £300–£600 per subject
- Private exam centre fees:
- £150–£250 per exam paper
- £700–£1,200 for science practical endorsements
- £150–£250 per exam paper
Funding notes:
- Student Finance England does NOT fund A levels
- Funding becomes available only at the degree level
- Some colleges offer reduced fees for low-income adults
- Some adults use Advanced Learner Loans (for Level 3 alternatives, not A levels)
For university study, mature students can get:
- Tuition Fee Loan
- Maintenance Loan
- Parent/child grants
But that applies after A levels, not before.
And if you are asking how student finance works, we discuss more about it here.
Now, let’s move on.
English & Maths requirements (before/alongside A levels)
Universities often expect:
- GCSE English
- GCSE Maths
OR their equivalents.
If you don’t have them, you may need:
- GCSE resits
- Functional Skills Level 2
- Access to HE Diplomas with English/Maths embedded
Some adults study English & Maths alongside A levels or before starting them.
There are also different entry requirements for mature students.
Resits, predicted grades & references for mature applicants
Mature students can still apply through UCAS with:
Resits
Universities accept A-level resits, especially for adults looking to increase their grades.
Predicted grades
Online tutors or college teachers can provide predicted grades even if you’re studying privately.
UCAS reference
Your referee can be:
- A tutor
- An employer
- A mentor
- A previous teacher
They should comment on:
- Motivation
- Work ethic
- Study skills
- Predicted performance
Personal statement
As a mature student, your personal statement or UCAS reference should link:
- Your experience
- Your motivation to change or grow
- Why the degree matters now
Study plan & support for A levels as a mature student, time-blocking, blended/evening classes, wellbeing, and childcare.
Balancing work, family, and study is challenging — but completely possible with planning.
Tips:
- Use time-blocking to plan weekly study sessions
- Choose evening or blended classes if you need external structure
- Use childcare support if available
- Break study into small, manageable sessions
- Use past papers early to build confidence
- Ask tutors for help with difficult topics
- Join online A-level communities or groups
Adult learners often perform extremely well because they are more motivated and goal-driven.
FAQs
Can you do A levels at any age?
Yes. There is no upper age limit. Anyone 21, 35, 50, or older can register for A levels.
How long do A levels take?
Between 1–2 years, depending on whether you choose standard, fast-track, or intensive routes.
Do you have to do A levels to go to university as a mature student?
Not usually. Many degrees are accepted:
- Foundation Year
- Access to HE
- HNC/HND
- Work experience
- Level 3 diplomas
A levels are mainly needed for medicine, dentistry, science or competitive degrees.
How to get A levels as an adult?
You can study through:
- FE colleges
- Evening classes
- Online distance learning
- Private exam centres
- Self-study
Science subjects require a practical endorsement.
What courses can I do with my A levels?
A levels can lead to degrees in:
- Business
- Computing
- Psychology
- Law
- Medicine
- Engineering
- Social Sciences
- Health Sciences
- Architecture
…depending on the subjects you choose.
What does “A levels for adults” mean?
It simply means A levels taken by students over 18 — usually flexible courses designed for people who work, care for a family, or want to change careers.
