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Studying A-Levels as an Adult

Whilst A-levels are traditionally considered to be a qualification for young adults, in reality, A-levels are for everyone. There is no upper age limit for sitting A-level examinations. Whether you’re 17 or 70, if you’re interested in gaining in-depth knowledge about a subject, or need qualifications to access university, certain career paths, apprenticeships or training routes then A-levels might be the right choice for you.

An A-level, formally known as an advanced level qualification, is a qualification that is considered a further education level, and that bridges the gap between GCSEs and university. A-levels are traditionally studied immediately after GCSEs, and before students leave formal education at the age of 18 because they play such a vital role in achieving continuing academic or career goals.

If you’re an adult, that doesn’t mean that it’s too late to study A-levels: it’s never too late to achieve your educational goals. You can either return to college (many colleges will have night classes so that you can study around your employment and life commitments) or study via distance learning. Here’s everything you need to know about studying A-levels as an adult:

Why Take an A-Level as an Adult?

There are many wonderful reasons why you might consider taking an A-level as an adult. Perhaps you want to find out more about a subject that you really enjoyed at school but never had the opportunity to study further. Or perhaps you didn’t put enough effort into your A-levels at school (or maybe chose subjects that weren’t suited to your learning style) but now you’re unable to progress further in your chosen career without the right qualifications. Maybe you want to change careers altogether, and need to take additional A-levels to facilitate this career restart. The reasons for taking A-levels as an adult are wide and varied.

The fact is that life can be complicated, and often gets in the way of us following our dreams. Not everyone is able to follow the linear route between GCSEs, A-levels and university. But that is not a reason not to get the qualifications you want, at the stage of your life that is most convenient for you: it’s never too late to sit your A-levels and, if anything, the life experience that you bring will only make you a more rounded and well-informed student.

There are many benefits that will make taking A-levels as an adult appealing:

  • You need A-levels (or equivalent qualifications) if you wish to attend university. This is often the goal of adults taking A-levels, who need a degree-level education to follow their chosen career path
  • A-levels will make you look more appealing to prospective employers. Going back to studying A-levels as an adult will show employers that you are motivated to improve yourself and that you have a strong work ethic
  • In some companies, you may need to hold A-levels to be promoted to the next level in your chosen career path. This is particularly common in larger or more formal business environments
  • Older adults that stimulate their brains through education have higher levels of physical and mental health than those who do not. One study found that seniors in their 60s, 70s and 80s who immerse themselves in a college-like atmosphere improved their scores on standardised tests and their brains functioned in the same way as a person 30 years younger

What A-Levels to Choose

Adults can study almost the same A-levels as any other student, meaning that the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re interested in core subjects such as mathematics or English, want to follow the sciences such as chemistry, physics and biology, or have a passion for arts, there is a huge selection of A-levels to choose from. The only subjects that you may find difficult to study as an adult student are environmental Science or geography: because both of these courses have extensive fieldwork requirements, they are harder to complete fully and to the required level as a private candidate.

The best A-levels for you will depend on what your ultimate goal is: if you want to attend university then you will need to select the right combination of three A-levels in order to complete your application. For example, if your ultimate goal is to study medicine then you can’t do this without A-levels in biology, chemistry and either physics or maths (many students will study all four to help them stand out from the crowd as these courses are so competitive). If you’re hoping to study an essay-based subject at university, such as English literature, then you will need essay-based subjects on your application: English literature, English language and history are all great examples of these.

If university is not your final goal, and instead you’re taking A-levels to improve your career prospects then the right A-levels for you will be dependent on what your final career goal is. If you’re already working as an administrator within an accountancy firm, for example, but want to become an accountant instead then A-levels in mathematics, further mathematics and accounting may all help you to achieve your career goals. If you’re not sure what career goal you have in mind then why not just pick subjects that you enjoy? You’re likely to study harder and achieve better grades if you’re having fun, and in many careers, it’s having A-levels that is important, rather than the subjects you study. Having A-levels in specific subjects simply isn’t necessary.

The fact is that no matter what subject you choose, holding A-levels will be valuable. The academic leap between GCSEs and A-levels is significant in terms of the difficulty and the academic knowledge required to study each subject. Your learning will be more focused and more in-depth. Being able to demonstrate that you are able to study and thrive at A-level, regardless of the subject you choose, will demonstrate that you have what it takes to follow your next step, be that university, a career change, or a new position at work.

Adults studying A-levels at college.

Entry Requirements

Because A-levels historically follow GCSEs, it is likely to be expected that you have completed some GCSE-level studies before you move onto A-levels. You are likely to be asked for your GCSE grades, and any other relevant qualifications, on your college application regardless of whether you intend to study at an in-college setting or via online distance learning. For most colleges, the minimum education level you will need to demonstrate is that you have a C grade or above in GCSE mathematics and English. However, most colleges and distance learning colleges will be a little more flexible with the entry requirements for mature students: life experience is valued, and the work experience that you have gained may also be taken into consideration.

A-level entry requirements vary from college to college. According to UCAS, you will need at least five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4/A* to C and at least grade 6 in the specific subject(s) you want to study, but it’s important to note that this advice is intended for students that wish to go on to study for A-levels immediately after completing their GCSEs.

If you really want to study for A-levels then don’t let your prior academic experiences or achievements put you off: you may find that you need to study for a GCSE or two first, or you may find that you’re able to start studying for your chosen A-level course because you qualify thanks to the life and career experiences that you bring to the table. To put it simply, you won’t know if you don’t ask!

How to Study

The two main options for adult learners are to study in a brick-and-mortar college environment, or via an online distance learning college. There are advantages and disadvantages of both, and in reality, your own needs are likely to determine which will work best for you. Online learning tends to be considerably more affordable than physical learning, whilst still offering the same high-quality learning experience and the same qualifications at the end of the course. This is a huge advantage of choosing an online learning environment. However, some people still prefer to learn in a physical classroom environment.

You will also have more freedom to choose your own study schedule with online learning because you won’t have to stick to formal term times in the same way that you would in a school or college environment. You can start your A-levels at any time of the year, and work at the pace that suits you. If you’re working night shifts one week, you can study during the day for example, whilst when you switch back to day shifts then you can study in the evening. Some people see this as an opportunity to fast-track their A-levels: taking them in a year or less rather than completing them over the 2 years that they are generally studying in school and college. It’s worth bearing in mind that each A-level will demand you complete 350 hours of study time, so it’s important to give this the time and attention it deserves, and ensure you are fully prepared for your final examination.

Regardless of when you choose to start studying for your A-levels, and how long you choose to study for, the one thing you might be constricted by is the examination timetable. In most cases, the annual A-level examination period starts and finishes between May and June. In 2022 the first exam in the period was held on the 16th of May and the last was held on the 28th of June. The examinations are then marked throughout the summer, with results being released in August. The exact date for your results changes every year but it’s usually at the end of the first week of August. For students that fail to achieve the grade they wanted or expected, there is an autumn retake window, and you may be able to take your initial examination during this period instead. But as a general rule, it’s important to note that you will be constricted by the schedules set by the exam boards when you’re ready to sit your A-level examination.

Studying Through Distance Learning

There is no right way to learn: just the right way for you. But many adult learners find that studying through distance learning offers them greater freedom and flexibility to continue working and fulfilling their other commitments whilst studying at the same time. There are many benefits of choosing to study through distance learning. These include:

  • Flexible scheduling opportunities. Because much of the course materials you need are already online waiting for you, you can work at a pace and to a schedule that best suits you. For this reason, distance learning is often favoured by students choosing to study alongside work or raising a family
  • Learn at your own pace. Self-paced learning is hugely beneficial as it allows you to ensure you really know and understand your material before you move on to the next topic. In some areas, your learning pace may be faster than the rest of your class and in others, it may be slower, but with online learning that’s OK!
  • All the materials you need are in one place. You won’t need to worry about forgetting your books or losing your paperwork with distance learning. The intuitive makeup of the course means that everything you’re likely to need is at your fingertips, and you’ll have tutors to hand to help and support you if you can’t find anything you need
  • Reduces the overall cost of learning. Distance learning courses tend to be significantly cheaper than their brick-and-mortar counterparts. What’s more, with distance learning you won’t have to worry about commuting costs or childcare costs whilst you’re out of the house: you’ll know and can plan for everything that your course will cost you upfront
  • Reduced social anxiety. No awkwardness in the classroom, or having to stand in front of strangers and share your work: if you experience social anxiety (or just feel shy sometimes) then distance learning allows you to advance your education without doing anything that you don’t feel comfortable with
  • Encourages self-motivation. How much do you want to gain A-levels and fulfil your career goals or educational dreams? Distance learners tend to be self-motivated: they know what their goals are and they are prepared to get out and achieve them

You’re never too old to start studying for A-levels: there is no upper age limit for this qualification, and for putting yourself out there and trying something new. Whether you choose distance learning or a brick-and-mortar college, there is a huge variety of different A-levels available, meaning that there’s something to suit all interests, personalities and learning types. Don’t let your past academic experiences put you off from trying something new: modern different learning colleges in particular teach in a very different way to what you might have experienced in school. You will find that learning IS fun as well as engaging and that your strengths will be celebrated whilst your weaknesses are tested.  If you’ve always wanted to study for A-levels then there’s no better time to make a start than today.

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