Studying A-Levels can feel like a whirlwind of pressure and hard work. Even when you’ve given it your all, sometimes the results might not match your hopes. But here’s the truth: it’s okay not to achieve what you expected.
The path to success is often peppered with detours and unexpected turns. If the doors to your dream schools didn’t swing open as anticipated, fear not. There exist alternative routes offering a chance for A-Level students in Malaysia to still grab a chance to study abroad in United Kingdom.
We want to emphasize that no matter what occurs, it might seem overwhelming, but it’s crucial to understand that it’s not the end of your journey, even if it feels that way. There are still plenty of opportunities ahead, even if your A-level results don’t turn out as expected.
Can I Still Study Abroad in UK If I Have Bad A-Level Results?
The answer is YES!
There is still some time until A-Levels Result Day 2024 but we’re here to assure you that there are plenty of backup options you can take even if you did not score as expected for your A-Levels in 2024.
Here are some alternative pathways for students who did not score in A-Levels but wish to progress into a UK university:
- UCAS Clearing – If your top university choices seem out of reach due to your A-Level results, UCAS Clearing offers a lifeline. Running from July 5th to October 18th 2023*, Clearing reveals available course spots. Don’t fret; you’re not alone! A cool feature, ‘Clearing Plus,’ utilizes your application details to match you with potential courses, offering a helping hand in this critical decision-making process.
- Resit – Consider retaking your A-Level exams if illness, panic, or inadequate preparation impacted your grades. Retaking offers a chance to boost results and strengthen your academic standing. There are varied options for retaking—returning to your initial sixth-form college, selecting a different local college, or even exploring online course alternatives to enhance your academic prospects.
- Pathway Programmes – Many UK universities do offer pathway programmes including International Year One (IYO) and International Foundation specifically designed for international students who show academic promise but do not meet the A-Levels requirement to develop skills to progress into the undergraduate degree.
Guide for International Students Who Scored Badly In A-Levels
In this article, we will focus on sharing the International Year One (IYO) programme and how is it going to help students who did not score as expected in A-Levels 2024 to realize their study abroad dream.
▶︎ What is International Year One?
If you aim for a UK university bachelor’s degree but presently don’t fulfill the entry requirement for A-Levels, or even any relevant Year 12 qualification such as IB, STPM, and UEC, an International Year One (IYO) might be the ideal solution for you.
International Year One (IYO) is perfect for international students aiming for a UK bachelor’s degree. It’s like a first-year course and helps those who don’t qualify for direct university entry. If you’re certain about your subject, this is a great option. After finishing IYO, you move straight to the second year of your degree, saving time and money. By meeting course requirements and attending well, you’re guaranteed a university spot. Tailored for international students, IYO supports adjusting to UK education and improving English skills, leading to graduation in just three years.
▶︎ Key Characteristics of International Year One (IYO):
- Preparation Pathway: IYO serves as a bridge for international students who don’t meet direct entry requirements to start a UK bachelor’s degree.
- Equivalent to First Year: It mirrors the content of the first year of an undergraduate degree, providing foundational knowledge and skills.
- Progression to Second Year: Successful completion allows students to seamlessly advance to the second year of their bachelor’s program, saving time and expenses.
- Guaranteed University Placement: Meeting course requirements and maintaining good attendance ensures a confirmed spot at the university.
- Tailored Support: Specifically designed for international students, IYO offers support to ease the transition into the UK education system, emphasizing English language enhancement and facilitating a faster path to graduation in three years.
▶︎ What You Will Study for International Year One (IYO)
Throughout this program, you’ll engage with a mix of core and subject-specific modules designed to match your chosen subject pathway, aligning with your career aspirations and chosen degree.
Additionally, as an integral part of the International Year One, you’ll delve into targeted English language materials, aiming to enhance your speaking, writing, and academic language abilities.
Find out what are the pathways to study in UK here.
Cardiff University International Study Centre offers International Year One that leads to year two of an undergraduate degree at Cardiff University. Four subject routes include: Accounting and Finance, Business Management, Engineering and Law.
Check out the video above about International Year One leading to LLB Law at Cardiff University.
Click here to contact our counselors to find out more about Cardiff ISC.
UWE Bristol’s International College offers International Year One that leads to year two of an undergraduate degree at UWE Bristol. Three subject routes include: Business, Computing and Engineering.
Check out the video above about UWE Bristol’s International College.
Click here to contact our counselors to find out more about UWE Bristol’s International College.
Leeds International Study Centre offers International Year One which is a two-semester programme that is equivalent to the first year of an undergraduate degree. Four subject routes include: Biological Sciences, Business Management, Business Management with Marketing and International Relations.
Check out the video above about International Year One leading to Biological Science at Leeds ISC.
Click here to contact our counselors to find out more about Leeds ISC.
INTO University of Exeter offers International Year One which is equivalent to the first year of an undergraduate degree and leads to Year 2 of a degree programme. The courses they offer include engineering, business, biosciences, and psychology, or can be found here.
Check out the video above about International Year One in Biosciences at University of Exeter.
Click here to contact our counselors to find out more about INTO University of Exeter.
INTO Queen’s University Belfast offers International Year One which is equivalent to the first year of an undergraduate degree and leads to Year 2 of a degree programme at Queen’s. Its IYO is combining a university pathway with the following undergraduate degrees.
- BEng Aerospace Engineering with International Year One
- BEng Chemical Engineering with International Year One
- BEng Civil Engineering with International Year One
- BEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering with International Year One
- BEng Mechanical Engineering with International Year One
- BEng Product Design Engineering with International Year One
- BSc. Computer Science with International Year One
Check out the video above about International Year One leading to engineering programme at Queen’s.
Click here to contact our counselors to find out more about INTO Queen’s.
How to Get Started?
Our services are free of charge for students applying to our partner universities. University application fees, if any, are paid directly to the respective universities.
Contact us to find out what your study options are. It’s never too early to start planning for your overseas education.