Course Entry Requirements

At Open Learning College, we firmly believe that education should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or previous education experience. That’s why we’ve designed our A-Level Biology course to be open to anyone who is interested in learning more about this fascinating subject, without any prior knowledge or experience required.

We want to give everyone the opportunity to expand their knowledge and take part in a highly rewarding online course, which is why we keep our entry requirements to a minimum. This means that you can start the course at any time and study at your own pace for up to 24 months from the date of initial registration, with the full support of a personal tutor.

Although our A Level programmes build on the course content of GCSE’s, it is not necessary to have this qualification before undertaking an A-Level. However, in order to meet the demands of the course, it is recommended that candidates have literacy and communication skills equivalent to C or higher at GCSE. Please note that full tutor support is still provided throughout your course duration.

All students must be 16 years of age or above.

 The right support

Our A-Level Biology course is designed to provide you with comprehensive materials to guide you through your learning journey. You’ll have the support of your own personal tutor, who will be there to assist you with your coursework and answer any questions you may have. Furthermore, our Student Advisors are always available to provide you with practical advice and guidance via the online portal, email or phone, ensuring that you’re fully supported throughout your studies.

When you’re choosing a course provider, it’s vital to check the quality of their learning materials, the qualifications you will receive, and the kind of learning support that will be offered. With Open Learning College all our courses lead to Industry Recognised Qualifications. We’ll also give you high quality interactive online course materials and all the support you need.

• When you gain a qualification with us you can be sure it will make your CV stand out and that it will be recognised and respected by your future employer. To ensure you succeed,

Open Learning College also gives you:

• Easy access to our courses with no entrance exams to sit and no previous experience required
• Course materials written and developed by experts in their field
• Access to a dedicated personal Tutor who will help you with any queries or if you need further clarification
• V.O.I.C.E our Innovative delivery platforms enhances your learning via the Metaverse, Zoom or our Learner Management System.
• Course Advisors who are specially trained to provide you with information about which of our courses is most suitable for you and your goals
• All the support you need to help you succeed in your choice.

 Course Examinations

The A-Level Biology course at Open Learning College is designed to provide a comprehensive and flexible learning experience. 

Examination Centres serve as venues for GCSEs or A Levels assessments, typically local schools or community colleges accepting Private Candidates for examinations.

As a distance learner enrolled in A Levels or Fast Track A Level courses, you’ll need to identify a suitable Examination Center for your upcoming exams. We recommend initiating this process in January of the exam year.

For instance, if your exams are scheduled for May/June 2025, you should start searching for an Examination Center in January 2025. To secure the best rates, it’s advisable to compare prices and begin early. As the exam period approaches, costs tend to rise.

If you’re a recent school leaver or retaking exams, consider contacting your former school to inquire about opportunities for sitting exams as a Private Candidate, possibly at reduced or no cost.

To aid our students in locating nearby centres, we’ve compiled a list of established centres across the UK, where previous students have obtained exam discounts. These centres ensure placement for A Level and GCSE exams. 

At Open Learning College, we strive to make the studying and exam experience as seamless and stress-free as possible. If you still have questions or require assistance, our friendly team is here to help.

AS levels can be taken as a stand-alone qualification, but they no longer make up the first part of a full A level course. Studying a new syllabus A level, you will need to sit all of your exams in one sitting. If you are unsure about your subject or syllabus then please feel free to speak to one of our student advisers.

All examinations are held during the May / June exam period of every year.

Examination Centre

Awarding Body Information for Private Candidates
Students on courses following an AQA syllabus, including:

Accounting
Law
Psychology
Physics
Sociology
Chemistry

Can search for your local Private Candidate centre via this link: http://www.aqa.org.uk/exams-administration/entries/private-candidates/finding-a-school-or-college

Students on courses following an Edexcel syllabus, including:

Biology
Physics
Chemistry
Business Studies
Economics
Politics
History
Mathematics

English Language & Literature
English Literature
Religious Studies

IGCSE Courses

Can use the following link to find a centre near you:

http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/support/support-topics/understanding-our-qualifications/where-can-i-take-edexcel-exams.html

Students on courses following an OCR syllabus, including:

Ancient History
Classical Civilisation

Can use the following link to find a centre near you:

https://www.ocr.org.uk/students/private-candidates/

  Resit Your A-Level

Are you apprehensive about A-Level results day? Whether it’s Maths, Physics, English, or History, if you’re considering A-Level retakes, our distance learning courses are an ideal option.

Choose between one or two-year courses and benefit from unlimited tutor support. All our courses are entirely online, allowing for flexible home learning. Additionally, if you opt to retake a science course like A-Level Biology, Chemistry, or Physics, you only need to redo the written papers, not the practicals.

Our A-Level courses are accredited by national Awarding Bodies such as Edexcel, AQA, and OCR. Like traditional A-Levels, our courses also come with UCAS points, dependent on your examination grades.

For those in a rush to complete their retakes, our Fast Track options enable you to finish full A-Levels online in one year or less, expediting your studies and examinations.

When it comes to examinations, you’ll need to reserve your spot and pay exam fees at an examination center, typically local private secondary schools or colleges. If you’ve recently left school, it’s worth checking if they allow former students to retake exams for free or at a reduced cost. If you require assistance in finding a center, refer to our examination centers page, listing centers accepting Private Candidates and, in some cases, offering discounts for our students.

If you’re considering retaking A-Levels to secure your desired university place, our flexible online course arrangements allow you to study from home with guidance from our expert tutors, helping you achieve the grades needed for your goals.

Fast Track A-Levels

Our Fast Track A Level courses are one-year distance learning courses developed so that students can complete a full A Level course in half the normal time, allowing you to move on with your studies. They offer priority tutor support throughout the course, online study materials and students can enrol and start studying in less than one day.

Fast Track A-Levels

Students on courses following an AQA syllabus, including:

Accounting
Law
Psychology
Physics
Sociology
Chemistry

Students on courses following an Edexcel syllabus, including:

Biology
Physics
Chemistry
Business Studies
Economics
Politics
History
Mathematics

English Language & Literature
English Literature
Religious Studies

IGCSE Courses

Students on courses following an OCR syllabus, including:

Ancient History
Classical Civilisation

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 Course Duration

We recommend you spend approximately 700 hours of your time studying for A-Level Biology course. The pace of study is completely up to you. To give an example, if you dedicate 7 hours per week to study,  it would take you two years to complete. 

Alternatively, our Fast Track A Level courses are one-year distance learning courses developed so that students can complete a full A Level course in half the normal time, allowing you to move on with your studies. They offer priority tutor support throughout the course, online study materials and students can enrol and start studying in less than one day.

Get started today, and you can earn your A-Level qualification in A-Level Biology in as little as twelve months.

Fast Track A-Levels

Our Fast Track A Level courses are one-year distance learning courses developed so that students can complete a full A Level course in half the normal time, allowing you to move on with your studies. They offer priority tutor support throughout the course, online study materials and students can enrol and start studying in less than one day.

On completion of your Fast Track A Level assessment you will receive a certificate awarded by a national awarding body such as Edexcel, AQA or OCR. Fast Track A Levels are eligible for UCAS points, for university entry. Your end grade determines how many points are earned.

Fast Track A-Levels

Students on courses following an AQA syllabus, including:

Accounting
Law
Psychology
Physics
Sociology
Chemistry

Students on courses following an Edexcel syllabus, including:

Biology
Physics
Chemistry
Business Studies
Economics
Politics
History
Mathematics

English Language & Literature
English Literature
Religious Studies

Students on courses following an OCR syllabus, including:

Ancient History
Classical Civilisation

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  Course Qualifications

An A level is the gold standard of British Further Education. Normally studied over two years by 16 to 18 year olds, the A level is the most common qualification needed to progress to university.

Our A-Level distance learning courses consist of two components: the AS level and the 2nd Year (A2 level). Although they cover similar amounts of material, the A2 level typically includes more challenging concepts.

AS level exams can be taken after one year of study, but their results no longer contribute to A-Level grades, as AS level is now a separate qualification.

Most of our A-Level courses are evaluated through written exam papers, while subjects like English Language, English Literature, and History may include coursework, known as non-exam assessment (NEA), which is assessed and moderated by our tutors.

Examinations are held annually in the summer, with no winter examination sessions available.

Our A Level Accounting programmes are eligible for UCAS points, making them a great choice for students aiming to progress to University. UCAS points are awarded according to the grade earned, please see below for details.

A levels are also widely recognised by employers and are useful for students looking to progress their careers or meet requirements for promotion.

UCAS Points Table
A* = 56
A = 48
B = 40
C = 32
D = 24
E = 16

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  What’s Included

Your course fee covers everything you will need to successfully complete the A-Level Biology online study course and earn your qualification:

A full range of student services, including:

• All textbooks, study folders, and/or online learning aids designed for online learning.
• Free Open Learning College branded promotional item when you enrol.
• One year’s educational support by a specialist tutor in your chosen course field.
• Life-time access to the online student portal Xperience™ (Student Chat, Forums and Online Support Resources).
• Comprehensive Study Guide & Study Plan.
• PDF or hardcopy certificate to show employers (employer has access to certificate validation).
• Life-time access to Career Hub our dedicated portal to support our students career aspirations.
• Invitation to job fairs, webinars and career days for your faculty.
• A diploma from the Open Learning College from our Open Pathway Accreditation programme (OPA.dip).

Learning for Life Pack

• Academic Reference
• CV Refresh
• Lifetime access to Career Hub
• 25% off your Next Course

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  Course Enrolment Fees

Enrolling in the A-Level Biology course would usually cost £493.75, but for a limited time, you can get a 20% discount and pay only £395.00 if you enrol online and pay in full.

If you prefer to spread the cost, you can choose our Easy Payment Plan. Simply pay a deposit of £98.75 when you enrol online and then make 4 equal payments of £98.75 per month.

The first payment is due about a month after you receive your course.

Note: Instalment plans are not available to our international students.

Millions of savvy shoppers have already chosen Klarna when purchasing online.

Enrol today and pay nothing and then pay in full up to 30 days later or split the cost into 3 interest-free monthly instalments. At checkout choose Klarna as your payment option and get the 20% pay in full discount option and access to your course today.

Custom Course Bundles

This custom course bundle allows you to specially select the three A-Levels that you wish to study over the next two years.

The three A-Level courses can be any combination of courses that you wish to study, but we advise you contact your preferred university to ask for their entry requirements before choosing your courses.

Just as all standard A-Levels, the courses are spread over two years of study with the requirement for you to sit the examinations and submit any required coursework all within the same examination period.

Interest free instalment plans are available for students wishing to spread the cost of their study on the courses.

*Buy Two A-Level Courses Get the 3rd with 50% OFF. 

*Buy Three A-Level Courses Get the 4th one FREE. 

Predict Your A-Level Grade

Need help with your A Level examination answering technique?

At Open Learning College, we understand the stress of preparing for A-Level exams, which is why we offer a service specifically designed to assist Private Candidates in practicing for their exams.

Whether you’re currently enrolled with Open Learning College or an External Student seeking a convenient way to practice and receive feedback, our A-Level past papers marking service is here to help.

With this service, you’ll have the opportunity to attempt previous exam papers to enhance your question-answering skills and assess your understanding of the topics covered.

What are A-Level Past Papers?

A Level past papers are the examination papers used in previous years by Awarding Bodies for students completing their A Level courses.

What can A-Level Past Papers be used for?

If you are looking to progress to university, you will often be asked to provide Predicted Grades along with your application for a placement through UCAS. By completing at least two A Level past papers and having them marked by Open Learning College, it will be possible for our Academic Experts to provide you with just that.

External Students A Level Past Papers Marking Bundle. 

Do you feel you need a little extra practice with examination papers for your A Level subject? Or, do you need Predicted Grades for your UCAS application? We can help.

You can now purchase the marking and feedback from an Academic Expert for 1 A Level subject offered by OpenLearning College. Not only will this give you a chance to practice your exam answering technique, but also give you a simple and quick way to attain Predicted Grades for your UCAS applications.

Please Note:

Purchase of this product is for the marking of 2 past papers for one A Level subject.
Feedback and marking will be delivered online.
This product includes one Predicted Grade for your chosen subject.
Only past papers for A-Level courses offered by Open Learning College are allowed.
All examination papers are available for free from examination boards.

You can find a list of subjects we offer past paper marking for:

Students on courses following an AQA syllabus, including:

Accounting
Law
Psychology
Physics
Sociology
Chemistry

Students on courses following an Edexcel syllabus, including:

Biology
Physics
Chemistry
Business Studies
Economics
Politics
History
Mathematics

English Language & Literature
English Literature
Religious Studies

Students on courses following an OCR syllabus, including:

Ancient History
Classical Civilisation

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Study Method

Study Pack Version

The course comes to you as a paper-based pack delivered by courier.

You will be given guidance through the Study Guide on the nuts and bolts of studying and submitting assignments.

Online Version

Our online course is an educational programme delivered over the internet, using our proprietary technology V.O.I.C.E. thus allowing students to access learning materials, lectures, and assignments through a digital platform. This type of learning enables participants to study remotely, typically at their own pace and time, using various digital tools like videos, presentations, discussion forums, and interactive modules.

The courses often offer flexibility in scheduling, allowing students to balance their studies with other commitments. Students can interact with instructors and peers through online communication channels like Zoom for Education and the Metaverse, and submit assignments electronically.

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  Remote Learning Explained

Metaverse Learning

In this era of technological advancement, the way we learn has also evolved. Open Learning College introduces learning in the Metaverse, a concept that brings the learning experience right to your digital doorstep. With this innovative approach, you can create your avatar and visit your virtual campus and explore your chosen course from the comfort of your home, the coffee shop down the street, or even while relaxing at the park. Through cutting-edge platforms like V.O.I.C.E, we deliver course materials, tutor guidance, and engaging content online. This means you have the freedom to choose when and where you learn, all while staying connected with tutors and fellow learners.

Virtual Classroom

Open Learning College offers dynamic learning through Zoom. With Zoom, you can join live interactive sessions, virtual classrooms, and connect with your instructors. Zoom provides the bridge to real-time discussions, making learning engaging and responsive. No need to be physically present; you can actively participate from anywhere with an internet connection. Zoom transforms your digital device into a window to knowledge, ensuring that learning is an accessible, collaborative, and exciting journey.

Learner Management System (LMS)

Our comprehensive Learner Management System empowers your learning experience. Designed for ease and accessibility, the LMS lets you access course materials and associated resources. With the LMS, you are in control of how you manage your learning journey. You can organize your study plan, access resources, and stay on top of your course. The LMS is the key to personalised learning, ensuring that you navigate your educational path with confidence and independence.

V.O.I.C.E.

Open Learning College’s approach empowers you to embrace remote learning like never before. Through our industry leading, innovative platform V.O.I.C.E we incorporate the  Metaverse, Zoom for Education, and our incredible Learner Management System (LMS), you have the tools to create a learning experience tailored to your needs. The digital era has redefined education, making it more flexible, accessible, and engaging. With us, you can embark on your learning journey with the power of technology at your fingertips, whenever and wherever you want.

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  Got A Question?

Xperience™ our student hub is a comprehensive online platform designed to enhance the learning experience and support students throughout their educational journey

We understand that studying from home can be an entirely new experience for you, and it’s okay to feel a little intimidated because it’s not the typical “classroom environment.” However, we want to assure you that you’re not alone, and we’re here to help you every step of the way. To ease your concerns, we’ve created a welcoming online student community where you can interact with your tutor and fellow students who share your interests.

As a student of Open Learning College, you’ll have exclusive access to our online student portal, Xperience™, which offers a wealth of resources to enhance your learning experience. You can connect with other students, explore our extensive resource library, and manage your account efficiently. Our comprehensive support system is committed to ensuring that you have the best possible learning experience throughout your journey.

You will be able to use Xperience™ to:

• Full access to the Metaverse and our student community.
• Access the student forum which allows you to share ideas and chat with other students.
• Access free online games, for when you need a break from studying.
• View the study guide with plenty of useful hints and tips on how to get the most out of your course.
• View your tutor’s feedback on your marked assignments.

• View optional reading lists for your course (where available).
• Access free courses such as: Improving Learning Skills, Job Interview Skills, The Effective Learner, Goal Setting and Time Management, Ten Tips to Complete a Good Test Paper and others.

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  Career Hub

Register as a student and gain lifetime access to our comprehensive career hub, an all-in-one platform brimming with career and industry leading resources. Unleash your potential, impress employers, master essential business skills, and pave the way for your dream career.

At Open Learning College, we understand that achieving your desired career or role requires more than just a certification. That’s why our comprehensive Career Hub offers you unlimited lifetime access to a wealth of courses, PDF’s and tools, meticulously curated to empower your professional advancement. Developed and continually updated by industry leaders and career experts, the Career Hub provides you with trustworthy advice and resources on various career aspects, ensuring you have instant access to the guidance you need to succeed.

• CV Builder: Craft a compelling CV customised to meet the specific needs and expectations of employers and recruiters.
• Job Search Engine: Explore a vast collection of global job openings gathered from various job boards, companies, and agencies all in one place.
• Career Planner: Map out and manage your career to-do list
• Mock Interview Training Platform: Enhance your interview skills by practicing with a realistic mock interview and revising common interview questions.
• Cover Letter Wizard: Effortlessly customise your cover letter for every job application
• First Impression Generator: Enhance your networking skills and leave a lasting first impression

Enrol today and unlock your full potential to pave the way to a successful career.

Visit us at the Career Hub

  Get Social!

“Join our socials for daily inspiration, discounts, insightful content, and a community of like-minded learners.”

Scan the QR code with your phone camera and like and follow us or click on the QR code to open our social pages.

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Contact Us

Explore the power of our AI Chat Bot, iCarly! Crafted with cutting-edge artificial intelligence, iCarly is designed to respond seamlessly to your queries, offering a human-like interaction. Proficient across diverse courses, careers, and educational domains, iCarly converses fluently in a range of languages, including English, Arabic, Italian, German, Hindi, Welsh, Swedish, Polish, Czech, Spanish, Maltese, and French.

Enjoy the convenience of a 24/7 accessible resource — click on the chat icon at the bottom right of this page, ask her anything, try it out now and supercharge your learning experience!

Alternatively you can contact us using the details below. 

Open Learning College
London Campus
124 City Road
London
EC1V 2NX

Tel: +44 (0) 844 357 7777
WhatsApp: +44 (0) 7521 454418
Email: [email protected]

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Get a tablet with your course pre-loaded

When you enrol with Open Learning College we can supply you with a Samsung Galaxy tablet (or equivalent) which is an excellent option for both work and play. Gone are the days when you need to rely on a desktop to get your work done. The best student tablets put power, portability and performance at the forefront of innovation and are sure to make student life a whole lot easier.

Is a tablet useful for students?

As a student, you are going to need a device that can work and play as hard as you do. Whether it’s note taking in lectures, researching, writing assignments or binge watching Netflix after a night out, a Samsung tablet has you covered.

A tablets offer the ideal balance between a smartphone and a traditional laptop. They are both highly portable; great when you are out and about  and powerful so you don’t need to worry about running out of battery mid way through a class.

Plus, the Samsung Galaxy Tab series is S Pen compatible giving you even more creative freedom. Whether it’s writing directly onto the screen so you can take notes or drawing and designing projects to share with others, the S Pen for Galaxy Tabs gives you the power to go beyond the norm of basic touch interaction. 

How can I use my tablet to study?

Bursting with awesome apps, a Samsung Galaxy Tab is the essential study companion. We’ve listed some of the ways your Galaxy Tab can help you study for assignments and ace your exams.

You can: 

1. Your tablet will come pre-loaded with your course links, that are easily accessible from your desktop.

2. Complete assignments using much loved productivity apps including Google Docs and Microsoft Office

3. Edit documents effortlessly with the awesome S Pen for Galaxy Tabs

4. Collaborate with your peers using video conferencing apps such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams

5. Access class recordings to keep up-to-date remotely

6. Access the Metaverse to visit Xperience™ our Student Hub or to join a lecture for your course. 

7. Juggle assignment deadlines with organiser apps such as myHomework

8. Take detailed lecture notes using Samsung Notes

9. Write, annotate and share group work using collaborative apps such as Google Docs

Can you use Zoom on a tablet?

Whether you’re working on a collaborative project or catching up with loved ones, you’ll be able to access Zoom on your Galaxy Tab. Zoom is available on the Google Play Store so you can stay connected wherever you go.

What are the best apps for studying?

With so many amazing apps available on Samsung tablets it can be hard to know where to begin when it comes to studying. Here are our top 5 free study apps to get you started (click on the app names to see more):

1. Samsung Notes: Write, draw and highlight in a variety of styles and colours during your lectures and meetings

2. Google Drive: Great for collaborative working whether it’s a word document, spreadsheet or formal presentation. Find your documents in Google Drive where they are saved to the free Google cloud service.

3. myHomework: A digital planner that enables you to track classes, assignments, exams and group projects so you’ll be sure never to forget a deadline

4. Microsoft Lens: Enables you to take pictures of whiteboards, blackboards, journals and other printed documents. The app will crop out everything around it and convert it into editable and shareable text.

5. RefMe: Getting to grips with source referencing in your essays can be a bit of a headache. RefMe makes the process of finding and citing sources quicker and easier. It also has thousands of educational resources which can be a great place to start your assignment research.

How to get your tablet?

At checkout when you enrol, you will be given the option to add your tablet and associated peripherals.  A full description of the tablet, model, size and technical specifications will be listed. 

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Minimum technical requirement for online courses

If your course is being delivered online, please ensure you meet the requirements below.

For Windows, the minimum requirements may include a Windows operating system (such as Windows 7, 8, or 10), a processor with a speed of at least 1.6 GHz, at least 2 GB of RAM, and a graphics card with at least 128 MB of memory.

For Mac, the minimum requirements may include an Apple operating system (such as OS X 10.11 or later), a processor with a speed of at least 1.6 GHz, at least 2 GB of RAM, and a graphics card with at least 128 MB of memory.

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