Distance Learning A-Levels

Person_one

Does anyone know of a good provider of these? I want to do an A-Level in a specific subject to further my new career but all the local colleges seem to only offer them on either a full time basis or evening classes that would take years. I think I could get through the A level much quicker at my own pace but I don't know if its possible!

I've googled and the only name I recognise is ICS, does anyone have any good experiences with these or know any distance learning where you can 'fast track' through an A level?

Thanks

SarEl

Person_one wrote: »

I want to do an A-Level in a specific subject to further my new career

Thanks

I would be somewhat astounded is there was such a thing as an A level that furthers your career. A levels have little vocational relevance, and nobody really really rates them as a "career enhancer". They are a stage of formal education - a step to somewhere else usually, such as college or university. Are you sure that there isn't a bvetter qualification which will look more impressive and have more impact when you quote that you have got it to people?

Person_one

SarEl wrote: »

I would be somewhat astounded is there was such a thing as an A level that furthers your career. A levels have little vocational relevance, and nobody really really rates them as a "career enhancer". They are a stage of formal education - a step to somewhere else usually, such as college or university. Are you sure that there isn't a bvetter qualification which will look more impressive and have more impact when you quote that you have got it to people?

I'm hoping to go back to university, the A-Level isn't a requirement for the course but it would certainly help! Its a very competitive course to get onto.

SarEl

Person_one wrote: »

I'm hoping to go back to university, the A-Level isn't a requirement for the course but it would certainly help! Its a very competitive course to get onto.

Even so, I would check with the university how highly it would be valued. Assuming that you are not 18 (in other words you would be returning as a mature student) they may not consider it necessary are relevant to your circumstances if you have other "attractions"! If you don't even need to get it, then that would certainly be the fastest option!

Person_one

SarEl wrote: »

Even so, I would check with the university how highly it would be valued. Assuming that you are not 18 (in other words you would be returning as a mature student) they may not consider it necessary are relevant to your circumstances if you have other "attractions"! If you don't even need to get it, then that would certainly be the fastest option!

Sadly I am no longer 18

I guess I should have a word with a few universities before I start anything.

I just don't want to be at a disadvantage compared to the 18 year olds who will have it.

My A-Levels from back in the day are pretty much irrelevant now. Ah well!

PasturesNew

What is the A level in? Maybe the OU have a similar course that is just as good/relevant AND is degree level, so more relevant to doing a degree.

I wanted to do A Level Maths, but you can't do that in my county, or the county I was in before, at evening class.... looking at it, I'd have been better off looking for an OU maths course at Level 1 maybe. I didn't even actually want the A Level Maths, but was after the statistics part of A Level Pure Maths with Statistics as it used to be known.

SarEl

Person_one wrote: »

Sadly I am no longer 18

I guess I should have a word with a few universities before I start anything.

I just don't want to be at a disadvantage compared to the 18 year olds who will have it.

My A-Levels from back in the day are pretty much irrelevant now. Ah well!

Even when considering 18 year old, any university worth its salt is looking at the bigger picture. They don't want to know what A levels they bring (although that is important) but what else they will contribute to university life. This has always been the case. In relation to mature students they are looking at alternative skills and experience, etc. Unless there is an absolute necessity to have a specific type of knowledge at a specific level, they may place a lot less value on an A level than you would think. But it really is best to talk to a few places and find out exactly what the prospects are and what criteria they use before committing yourself to time and costs that you may not need to commit.

MrsManda

I'd definitely suggest contacting the admissions tutors of the degree courses you want to take to see what their advice is. It was five years between my A-levels and my going to university and they weren't great A-levels to begin with. I did a couple of OU ten point courses to prove to them (and myself) that I was capable of studying at university level and this helped me get my place.

Person_one

MrsManda wrote: »

I'd definitely suggest contacting the admissions tutors of the degree courses you want to take to see what their advice is. It was five years between my A-levels and my going to university and they weren't great A-levels to begin with. I did a couple of OU ten point courses to prove to them (and myself) that I was capable of studying at university level and this helped me get my place.

I've had a look at OU and found some courses that should be very useful.

I have been to university before, but I wanted a complete career change. I'm not too worried about convincing them I can study, just that I can study this specific subject!

I'm just panicking a bit because its soooo competitive (800 applicants for 20 places!) that I really want to do everything I possibly can.

I'll call the course tutor tomorrow I think, when I've done more research.

Thanks for the replies