Are Advanced Highers Harder Than A Levels?

If you have ever wondered, ‘Are Advanced Highers harder than A Levels?’, you are not alone. Many students compare these two qualifications when choosing subjects, moving between education systems or planning for university. It can be difficult to work out how they differ, especially when both are respected, challenging and widely recognised by universities.

This guide breaks everything down clearly. You will learn how Advanced Highers and A Levels compare in depth, workload, assessment and university recognition, so you can make confident decisions about the qualification that suits you best.

Key Takeaways

• Advanced Highers and A Levels are both respected qualifications used for university entry, although they sit at different levels within their countries’ frameworks (SCQF Level 7 for Advanced Highers and Level 3 for A Levels).

• Advanced Highers often involve more independent research, while A Levels usually include a larger volume of taught content.

• Universities across the UK recognise both qualifications, although entry requirements may combine Highers with Advanced Highers.

• Which qualification feels harder depends on your subjects, your learning style and your future plans.

What Are Advanced Highers and A Levels?

Before comparing difficulty, it helps to understand what each qualification involves.  Students typically follow the qualification used in their part of the UK, so your route is usually determined by where you study rather than a free choice between the two.

Both are used for university entry, but they sit within different systems and prepare students for further study in slightly different ways.

Overview of Advanced Highers

Advanced Highers are the highest level of school qualification in Scotland. Administered by the SQA (opens in a new tab), most students take Advanced Highers in S6, after completing Highers in S5. They are designed to develop strong subject knowledge, independent learning and the research skills needed for university.

In a nutshell:

• One year of study, usually in S6

• Most students take one to three subjects

• Strong focus on depth, analysis and extended writing

• Graded A to D

• Many subjects include a project or dissertation worth a significant part of the overall grade

• Available in a wide range of subjects, including Maths, Sciences, Languages, Humanities and Social Sciences

Overview of A Levels

A Levels are the main post-16 qualification in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Students usually begin in Year 12 and complete the course over two years.

In a nutshell:

• Two years of study

• Most students take three subjects

• Assessment is mainly by final exams in Year 13

• Graded A* to E

• Coursework is included in a few subjects, although exam performance is the main focus

• A large choice of subjects, including Sciences, Maths, Humanities, Arts and Languages

A Levels allow students to specialise while still covering a broad range of content over the two years, with a significant emphasis on strong exam technique.

Key Differences Between Advanced Highers and A Levels

Advanced Highers and A Levels share the same level of academic challenge, but they are positioned differently within their frameworks and assessed differently. The table below gives you a clear snapshot before we look at each in more detail.

Curriculum Depth and Subject Difficulty

Advanced Highers often take students further into a subject than A Levels. Many subjects include university-style content and require extended reading, detailed analysis and independent research. For example, Advanced Higher Chemistry, English or History often include complex topics that build directly on Higher courses.

A Levels also cover subjects in depth but with a different structure. Students often study a broader range of material across the two years, and difficulty can come from the volume of content that needs to be revised for the final exams. Subjects like A Level Biology, Psychology or Geography include large amounts of detailed information that students must recall accurately under timed conditions.

Both qualifications are demanding, but they emphasise different skills and challenge students in different ways.

Assessment and Grading Systems

The assessment style is one of the most significant differences between the qualifications.

Advanced Highers

Students are assessed through a mix of exams, coursework, and a major project or dissertation. In many subjects, the project is worth up to a third of the final grade. This structure suits students who enjoy independent research and extended tasks.

A Levels

A Levels rely mainly on final exams at the end of Year 13. Coursework exists in some subjects such as English, Geography and Art, but it usually contributes a smaller percentage of the final grade than in Advanced Highers.

While A Levels sit at Level 3 on the English system, Advanced Highers sit at SCQF Level 7. This is why they attract slightly more UCAS tariff points per grade.

Workload and Study Expectations

The workload for Advanced Highers and A Levels can feel demanding in different ways.

Advanced Highers

Students often describe Advanced Highers as more similar to university study. You are expected to work independently, complete extended reading and manage a project or dissertation alongside normal classwork.

A Levels

A Levels involve steady work spread across two years. You will balance content learning with exam-focused work.

The workload differs in style rather than overall intensity. Advanced Highers require depth and independence, while A Levels require breadth and long-term revision.

Do Universities Prefer Advanced Highers or A Levels?

Universities across the UK and internationally recognise both Advanced Highers and A Levels. Admissions teams understand how each qualification fits into its national system, so neither is automatically preferred. Instead, universities look at the full picture of your grades and subjects.

UCAS tariff points help university admissions teams compare different qualifications fairly. Advanced Highers attract slightly more points per grade than A Levels because they build on Highers and include extra depth. For example, an A in an Advanced Higher carries more UCAS points than an A at A Level.

In Scotland, universities usually expect a mix of Highers and Advanced Highers. Elsewhere in the UK, universities accept Advanced Highers as equivalent to A Levels for entry and adjust offers to reflect the different pathways. International universities also recognise both qualifications, although A Levels may be more widely known simply because more students take them.

Find lots more university advice in our Learning Hub.

Which Qualification Is Harder?

There is no single answer to whether Advanced Highers are harder than A Levels, because the level of challenge depends on your strengths, subjects and preferred way of working.

Advanced Highers often feel harder for students who prefer structured teaching while A Levels often feel harder for students who struggle with heavy exam loads.

Both are rigorous, respected and excellent preparation for university study.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Advanced Highers equivalent to A Levels?

Yes. They are different levels within their own national frameworks, but universities treat them as equivalent routes into higher education.

Can I get into university with just Advanced Highers?

Yes. Many Scottish students apply with Highers and one or more Advanced Highers. 

Requirements vary by course, so check the details for the specific courses you wish to study.

How many UCAS points are Advanced Highers worth?

Advanced Highers carry slightly more UCAS tariff points than A Levels. For example, an A in an Advanced Higher is worth 56 UCAS points, compared with 48 points for an A at A Level. This reflects the extra depth in the Advanced Higher course.

Final Thoughts

Advanced Highers and A Levels differ in structure and depth, but the one that feels more challenging will depend on your subject choices and your preferred learning style.

If you enjoy independent research and exploring topics in depth, you may feel more at home with Advanced Highers. If you prefer structured teaching and exam-focused assessment, A Levels may suit you better.

Whichever route you follow, use Save My Exams to simplify revision and build real exam confidence. Trusted by 2 million students, you’ll find expert-written exam-board-specific resources and revision tools for both A Levels and Highers to help you get the best possible grades.

References:

• National Qualifications explained - SQA (opens in a new tab)