GCSE exams mark the end of compulsory education in the UK. After that, British students are free to choose whether they want to continue or drop out of education.
Although the majority of students decide to undertake A-Levels and enroll university afterwards, there are however some who take on other paths.
On the other hand, there are many who decide to get specific subjects as part of their A-Levels but years later they feel their selection didn’t match their actual academic preferences.
Or some may see a perfect chance to gain certain skills in a specific area which can prepare for getting a job or can boost your current knowledge in a particular study field.
Whatever is the case with you, know that is never late to study for your A-Levels. But, probably you need some assistance to study A-Levels for adults in the UK because a lot might have changed.
Below is given a complete set of updated information you need to have for an easier transition from your adult to high school days.
Can you sit A-Levels at any age?
This is a frequently asked question. Many students over the age of 18, the typical age when students in the UK sit for their A-Level, ask if they’re eligible to undertake such exams. Actually, there’s no upper limit as to what age a person must be to take his or her A-Levels as long as the entry requirements are met.
A-Levels for adults are also designed to suit students with different daily schedule and education background.
How much do A-Levels cost?
A-Level courses are provided for free to students aged 16 to 18 in the UK. All they have to pay to get their A-Levels are a symbolic fee for taking their final exams, which at maximum can be £100. However, there are some further education colleges, which apply fees as high as £1,000 for two standard A-Levels.
On the other hand, students aged over this age limit will have to pay certain fees for attending their A-Level courses. The cost of getting A-Levels as an adult will depend on the school of your choice, your course and mode of study.
Don’t be surprised if you encounter a large difference from school to school in term of fees they apply to adult learners. At one end there are colleges which apply low fees and at the other end there are colleges where you may have to pay as much as £20,000 to get your A-Levels. If your course contains various lab sessions, then additional fees will be added.
Note that there are some particular circ*mstances at which colleges may consider a partial or a complete fee waiver. For example, if you’re aged between 19 and 23 some colleges will offer you A-Level courses for free.
Entry Requirements
There are also some entry requirements, you need to meet in order to be allowed to get your A-Levels as an adult. To a large extent, it entirely depends on your GCSE scores. Since A-Level courses in the UK are very competitive your GCSEs will play the most important role in your application. The higher your GCSE grades are in particular subjects related to your aimed A-Level course the higher your chances to get admitted.
Typically, colleges in the UK will ask you for 5 GCSEs with C grades at least. Other relevant qualifications or experiences can be welcomed, but your assessment will largely depend on your GCSE.
Note that sometimes your school you’re applying to may require you to prove your English proficiency.
How to study A-Levels from home for Adults?
Many adults who decide to sit A-Levels are working or committed to a strict daily schedule and can hardly find time to attend their course on campus. If this is the case with you, there’s no need to worry because many courses are provided online.
Distance-learning for A-Levels can seem a bit unconventional to traditional campus teaching, but it can have a lot of advantages. Usually, online study programs provide a high scale of flexibility to enable you to match your study modules to your daily schedule.
In addition, A-Level courses are characterized by an accentuated individualized approach in contrast to traditional teaching, thus giving you the opportunity to match your academic content with study module.
Moreover, if you find difficulties with some parts of your study materials, tutors will slow down the pace so you can learn effectively.
Note that science-related A-Level courses are to complete online because there are numerous lab and experimental sessions you need to take part to pass your exam. That said, online courses are a better choice for subjects where you’re assessed by means of paper examinations.
A-Level courses for Adults
There’s a broad array of A-Levels for adults offered in the UK. Unfortunately, there’s not a single database of all available A-Levels so you need to make an independent online research to find a suitable course.
Below are just some of the A-Level courses for adults offered in the UK
- A level Maths
- A level English
- A level Chemistry
- A level Biology
- A level Geography
- A level History
- A level Economics
- A level Business Studies
- A level Physics
- A level English Literature
- A level Sociology
- A level Psychology
- A level Film Studies
- A level Drama
- A level Media studies
How to study for A-Levels?
Returning to the old learning regime is normally a bit difficult. If that seems a problem, you would probably value some useful advice.
Select subjects you’re passionate about – As the saying goes “If you work something you’re passionate about, you won’t work a single day of your life”. If you select A-Level subjects you are really interested in it will be much easier for you to fine-tune your learning methodology.
Do regular breaks – It is well-known that if you pause from your studies time to time can help you relax and increase your concentration significantly. Some may need a five-minute break every 45 minutes some more often. Try to find which seems perfect to you and practice it regularly.
Write notes – Notes are an excellent way to learn because they allow to give priority to important parts of your studies. Furthermore, you can carry out them anywhere and you can give a brief reading.
Use online resources – If you have a busy daily schedule working you can sometimes use breaks in between to give a read to study materials. There are many of them available on the Internet.
Make a personal learning schedule – Soon or later you will have to accustom to a rigid schedule. That in mind, start to gradually fit yourself into a personal learning schedule, by sharing two or three hours of your day to read.
