Biology A Level AQA

Applications Open – 3rd November 2025

Applications Close – 31st July 2026

Entry Requirements –We do have entry recommendations for some courses, especially A-levels, as we would not want you to start a course that would not be suitable for you. We want to give you the best chance of future success.

The course programmes are flexible: students can mix Level 3 courses with Level 2 courses, or A-levels with BTECs. We provide impartial advice and guidance and seek to put you on the courses you want and are likely to be successful in.

Students are expected to study up to 3 A level equivalent subjects (this can be from either A levels and/or Level 3 BTEC subjects) building their own personalised combination of Level 3 subjects OR a full time Level 2 course.

The sixth form runs on a flexible timetable with some courses running until 6.00pm. This flexibility means we can offer as much as possible, to as many as possible, as often as possible.

How to Apply – Please apply via Kent Choices.

View our courses here

Biology is one of the most popular A Level subjects in the country, attracting students studying a wide range of other subjects. Many of these students enjoy the subject so much they eventually choose a biologically related degree course. Others go on to careers in law, computing, accounting or teaching. Whatever field students eventually choose to work in, they will find biology a very rewarding and challenging course which will develop many of the skills essential for a successful career.

Biology involves the study of a wide range of exciting topics, ranging from molecular biology to the study of ecosystems, and from microorganisms to mammoths. Biology is never far from the headlines either; the human genome has been sequenced and we know the complete arrangement of the three thousand million bases that make up human DNA. In Kenya 350 people die every day from AIDS and in South East Asia the skies are dark with smoke as the last Bornean rainforests are burned to grow oil palms. Biology has strong links to all of these issues. They work in the fields of cell biology, medicine, food production and ecology; the work they do is vital to us all.

The A Level course is comprised of 8 units examined at the end of the second year.

The A Level biology course consists of: Unit 1, biological molecules; Unit 2, cells; Unit 3, organisms exchanging substances with their environment; Unit 4, genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms; Unit 5, energy transfers in and between organisms; Unit 6, organisms responding to changes in their internal and external environments; Unit 7, genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems; Unit 8, the control of gene expression.

As part of the A Level there are 12 mandatory practical investigations. You will be expected to carry out dissections as part of the requirement of the course.

We would recommend a grade 7,7 at GCSE combined science or biology grade 7 and grade 5 in mathematics.

Students will also need to have GCSE English Language grade 5.

Vocation

Biology is essential for further study and careers in physiotherapy and veterinary or medical science. This would also provide skills needed for careers in laboratory research and technician work.

Academic

This course will enable students to study biology, biochemistry or further sciences at university. This A-Level is a great choice of subject for people who want a career in health and clinical professions, such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, physiotherapy, pharmacy, optometry, nursing, zoology, marine biology or forensic science.