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The AQA Baccalaureate
What is the course about?
The AQA Baccalaureate (AQA Bacc) is an innovative academic qualification which greatly enhances your Higher Education and employment prospects by building on your core A Level subjects.Achieving the AQA Bacc demonstrates a wider scope to your learning and highly developed skills. Enrichment opportunities allow you to extend your education and personal growth beyond your A Level studies.
Having the AQA Bacc shows that you are imaginative, resourceful and can work independently – all core skills that employers and universities look for.
The qualification is made up of four essential elements:
1. Recognised In-depth Academic Study: you can take any three A level subjects
2. Broader Study: you will study AS Citizenship Studies
3. Independent Learning: you will complete an AQA Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
4. Personal development: you will need to take part in enrichment and extra curricular activities such as
volunteering, community work, sport or performing arts.
Course Duration & Assessment
The AQA Bacc is studied over two years alongside three A level subjects, although you can start the course with four AS Levels. The AQA Bacc is graded as follows:
Three A Levels (grades) |
Extended Project |
Enrichment |
AS Levels |
Award Grade |
| A | A | √ | √ | Bacc with Distinction |
| C | C | √ | √ | Bacc with Merit |
| E | E | √ | √ | Bacc |
Your A Levels will still be graded and counted individually.
Standard Entry Requirements
You need five GCSEs at A* to C, including English and Maths, and an enthusiasm for learning. The AQA Bacc programme is available to all students taking three A Levels and often appeals to the most academically-focussed.
Progression
Achievement of the AQA Bacc will greatly enhance your higher education and employment prospects. Highly regarded Universities have welcomed the development of the qualification.
"The AQA Bacc offers students depth and breadth in their learning which we believe provides valuable preparation for study at university."
University of Sheffield
"Students taking this route...should be well prepared for university education and university life."
Prof. Sterling, Vice Chancellor and Principal, University of Birmingham


