If you’re thinking of studying A-Levels, you may have a few questions about what to expect and what you will get if you enrol online to study them. To try and help with this, Open College have written an article all about the top ten online A-Level frequently asked questions that our Student Support Team often have to answer when helping and assisting students who want to enrol with the college.
Can I Study any Subject with Online A-Levels?
Online A-Levels are available in many subjects and topics. Including courses that have a coursework element (like A-Level History) or even practical element (like A-Level Biology). However, there are some subjects that you just can’t study online, these include topics such as Art and Design and PE, which you are required to be assessed on in person while developing projects.
How do I Study Online?
Once you have enrolled onto an online A-Level, you will be provided with login details for your virtual learning environment (learning portal), from there, you will be able to access all of your course materials that you need to study and learn for examination, along with be able to access your allocated personal tutor.
As and when you are ready to study your course, you simply go to your learning portal, login and begin working your way through your course materials, interactive elements and self assessment tasks. Throughout your studying, if you need help or assistance from your personal tutor, you are free to contact them and ask any questions that you need. There will be opportunities for you to submit work to your tutor for marking, so you can get feedback on your progress.
How long does it take to Study a Subject?
A-Levels require approximately 350 hours of guided study time. This is the time estimate for how long it should take a student to work through the entire course syllabus. Depending on the time you have available, studying an online A-level can easily be done in one year, rather than the standard two years that it takes when studying in a school or college.
Can I Study Online A-Levels if I am Retaking my A-Levels?
Yes, absolutely! If you’re a student who has already covered the A-Level subject and you’re looking to improve the grade you received, then studying an online A-Level is a great way to do this. Due to the flexible nature of online A-Levels, you can enrol and study the course a few months before examination to help you improve your knowledge and understanding of the course before taking your exams again.
Can Universities tell if I have Studied Online?
No. When you study and complete an online A-Level, you will receive a certificate from exactly the same awarding bodies as you would if you had studied and completed an A-Level in a school or college. When actually applying through UCAS, you will put yourself down as an ‘Individual’ when selecting they type of application you are making and then from there you can submit your personal statement and predicted grades.
When can I Start Studying?
You are free to enrol and start studying your chosen subjects whenever it suits you. Depending on when you plan on sitting your examinations, you can often time it so you have extra study time to help you ensure you get the best possible results.
Do I get any help when Studying the Courses?
Yes. Throughout your studying, you will have a personal tutor who is an Academic Expert there ready and waiting to help with any questions or issues you may have with the course syllabus.
When it comes to other areas such as technical issues or admin concerns, then you have a whole Student Support team there ready and waiting to help and assist you as best as possible with your learning progression.
Do I have to pay for Courses?
Usually yes. Although there are some grants and sponsorship schemes that may be able to help you with funding your educational journey.
Open College also offer you the option to spread the cost of your courses over an interest free installment plan, to help you achieve your goals.
Are my Exams Included in the Course Fees?
No. Your course fees cover the provision of your course materials and the help and support of your personal tutor and student support services.
If you are a student who has recently left school or college, it is always worth asking the Exams Officer at the school or college if you can return to there to sit your examinations again, as frequently, they will be able to fit you in either for free or a greatly reduced fee.
When are the Exams?
Depending on the Awarding Body that you are sitting your examinations with, you will either be expected to sit your exams in the June exam period of each year or November exam period of each year.
You can easily check when each Awarding Body offer examinations by checking on their website.
Hopefully, the above article on Online A-Levels frequently asked questions was helpful, but if you need more help or advice, contact our helpful team.