The Relationship Between the IGCSE and A-Level Curricula

IGCSE and A-Level are closely related. In many ways, A-Level can be seen as a continuation of IGCSE—without a solid IGCSE foundation, A-Level studies can be very challenging. Although students in some systems can apply to universities using AS results from the first year of A-Level and A2 results from the second year, achieving high scores at the A-Level stage is difficult without prior IGCSE preparation.

The IGCSE curriculum is widely recognized as one of the most mature and well-established educational systems in the world, and one of the best secondary-level programs. Students who complete the IGCSE curriculum are well prepared to transition smoothly into A-Level courses, and even IB or AP programs.

What is the difference between IGCSE and A-Level?

1. A-Level results can be used to apply for university, while IGCSE results cannot.

Although IGCSE results cannot be used directly to apply for university, this does not mean they are unimportant for admissions. An IGCSE English result of B or above is accepted by many UK universities (including Oxford and Cambridge) as an alternative to an IELTS score of 7.0 for a wide range of courses.

When applying to G5 universities such as Oxford and Cambridge, having more than five A grades at GCSE/IGCSE level makes an applicant more competitive—especially when candidates are otherwise similar. In such cases, the number of A grades or grade 9s at IGCSE can become a key selection factor.

In addition, when applying to the National University of Singapore (NUS) or Nanyang Technological University (NTU) using IB results, IGCSE results are also assessed. Many schools further require prior study of a subject at the IGCSE level before allowing students to take it at A-Level. Some schools set specific IGCSE grade requirements for A-Level subjects; generally, students need at least a B or C in the corresponding IGCSE subject to continue studying it at A-Level.

2. Different Number of Subjects

The IGCSE programme lasts two years and offers around 70 subjects to choose from. In UK schools, students usually begin their GCSE/IGCSE studies after completing Year 9 (equivalent to the end of lower secondary school).

Students can freely select and combine subjects based on their own strengths, familiarity, and interests. This allows them to achieve the best possible results while building an academic background closely aligned with their intended university major, giving them a stronger advantage in university applications.

At the IGCSE stage, students may take a relatively larger number of subjects. However, in the final two years of A-Level study, subject choices are usually limited to 4–5 subjects per academic year. According to information in the University of Cambridge Prospectus, taking five A-Level subjects does not offer an advantage over taking four. What matters most is achieving top grades. Students should therefore focus their efforts on subjects most relevant to their intended university course and aim to achieve A or A* grades to be competitive for top universities.

With reforms to the A-Level examinations in the UK, second-year A-Level exam results have become even more important. As a result, GCSE/IGCSE results are now receiving increased attention, and universities place greater emphasis on IGCSE performance during the admissions process.

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