A Levels have been the standard school leaver qualification in England since the late 1950s. They were introduced to give employers and universities an indication of a student’s ability in their chosen subjects.
It’s a system that has remained largely unchanged for almost 70 years. As a result, A Levels have been the benchmark for getting into university or getting a job.
If you didn’t do so well with your A Levels, it’s easy to feel like a lot of professional and academic doors have been closed to you.
Especially if you took your A Levels some time ago.
If you’re considering university then it’s worth talking to your chosen institute. Increasingly universities are considering work experience and professional certifications, in addition to GCSEs and A Levels.
That means someone with a lot of life experience can go onto higher education. This is in part because universities recognise the immense value mature students add to a university community.
Not least because they can help their younger peers see things from a different perspective, which will help in their studies.
However, if the course or job you want to apply to insists on A Levels then you’ll be forgiven for feeling a little stuck. Fortunately, you have some say in the matter.
Retaking your A Levels
Thanks to distance learning providers you have the option of retaking your A Levels without the need of going back to school.
If it’s been some time since you last walked into a classroom – other than for parents evening – this may be cause for relief.
Because A Levels are the national benchmark for school leavers, they are a safe bet both in terms of qualifications and outcomes.
Moreover, you can choose to either retake the A Levels you failed or study something completely new. Or a bit of both.
Because there are no minimum requirements, you are free to study what interests you. Which may not be the same as when you took your A Levels the first time.
This is, of course, if the job or course you’re applying to don’t have specific requirements. Studying an A Level in Psychology is of very little use if you’re potential employers wants one in maths.
Most universities want at least two A Levels – one in the subject you wish to study and another complementing subject. By taking A Levels that naturally complement each other you can build a foundation that will help you with your degree studies. Psychology, sociology, and English – for example.
Studying A Levels gives you a huge amount of variety in terms of subject matter which will prove an enriching educational experience. It will also give you a wider pool of knowledge to draw upon be it at work or at university.
An A Level via a distance learning provider usually take about a year to complete. Although the average is closer to 9 months.
If you need to study two A Levels you can be university ready within 18 months if you really work hard.
The advantage with distance learning is you don’t need to wait until September to start studying, you can just enrol and get going. This means, if you time it right you can get your A Levels and start university within 2 years.
Access to HE Diploma
An alternative to A Levels is the Access to Higher Education Diploma. The Access to HE Diploma was created specifically for anyone without the qualifications they need to get into university.
Access to HE Diplomas are regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) and are designed to help learners develop the subject knowledge and study skills needed for degree-level study.
The content of the diploma focuses specifically on the degree you want to study. It will also give you a solid foundation in study skills, which is helpful if you’re out of practice.
An Access to HE Diploma will give you all the subject knowledge you need to transition to degree level study competently and confidently.
One of the key benefits of an Access to HE Diploma is that it allows you to study a qualification aligned with your future goals, rather than completing multiple separate qualifications.
For example, Stonebridge College offers Access to Higher Education Diplomas in subjects including Nursing, Midwifery, Health and Social Care, Health Science Professions, Social Work, Education Professions, Business, Psychology, Computing, Engineering, Veterinary Science and more (you can view them all here).
Choosing a diploma that matches your intended degree pathway is important, as universities may have specific subject requirements for certain courses.
The one thing to note is not all Access to HE Diplomas are the same. An Access to HE Diploma in Chemistry is unlikely to get you on to a teaching degree. At least not without a very compelling personal statement.
Similarly, an Access to Higher Education Diploma should be chosen carefully based on your intended career direction. For example, learners hoping to study nursing, midwifery or other healthcare degrees should consider a relevant healthcare-focused Access pathway.
Access to HE Diplomas are accepted by the majority of universities, but requirements vary between institutions and courses. Always check with your chosen university before enrolling to ensure your chosen qualification meets their entry criteria.
Access to HE Diplomas also carry UCAS Tariff points based on the grades achieved across the qualification. The number of points awarded depends on your results, meaning not every learner will achieve the maximum available tariff.
Distance Learning
Regardless of your chosen pathway, distance learning helps you to balance work and home life with your studies.
Because the courses are online you don’t need to worry about attending traditional classroom sessions or fitting your studies around fixed timetables.
With Stonebridge College, you can study 100% online and complete your learning around your existing commitments.
Our flexible subscription-based courses allow you to take control of your learning journey, with support from qualified tutors available throughout your studies.
You manage your time and your rate of learning.
Whether you are returning to education after a break, changing career direction or working towards university, online learning gives you the flexibility to progress at a pace that works for you.
You’ll also get the support of a dedicated tutor to help you through your studies. They will feedback on your assignments and be on hand to answer any questions you may have.
Stonebridge College is committed to helping adult learners achieve recognised qualifications through accessible, flexible online study.
Start your Learning Today
If your A Level results didn’t go as planned, there are still options available to help you achieve your goals.
Stonebridge College offers a range of online Access to Higher Education Diplomas and Functional Skills English & Maths Level 2 Including Exams, helping learners build the qualifications they need to progress.
With 100% online learning, qualified tutor support and a flexible subscription model, you can study around your work, family and other commitments.
Explore our online courses today and find the right pathway for your next step.
Read our blog for useful tips on how to get the most out of your distance learning experience.
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