Studying a GSCE

[dottypotter]

Would love to do a GCSE as an adult. There are no local classes that meet unless it's maths or English which I've done.

I guess it's learning online then or a home study course.
I have googled and they are quite expensive.
Is this the only way of doing a GCSE then?
I've heard of the Open University don't think they do GCSEs though.

Do they have an equivalent?

Looking to study something like Economics, Sociology, Geography just to further my learning. Is the OU expensive?

Thanks.

If you don't already have a degree then you can study with the OU on a student loan (that's only paid back if you're earning over £29k, at a fixed percentage of your salary over that amount, and written off after 30/40 years). You don't need GCSEs or A-levels to study at the OU. There are Access courses which are a good way to start if you haven't studied much since school.

There are also free courses on OpenLearn which are a way to dip a toe in.

I’ve voted. Good luck in your future studies.

There are loads of free level 2 (gcse equivalent) government funded courses. I'm doing one that I saw via Facebook just try searching on there?

Learn direct do they, and they have a sale on at the moment?

Bit more info mine is with Selby college and its all online.

Do them*

i looked at that still quite expensive even with their sale though?

they dont do GCSes though do they?

If you can find an exam centre you could self study using text books and online resources. Sitting the exam can be costly. You could also use an online course which would be more expensive. If you want to do maths or english you may be able to do that through you councils adult education team.

Which subjects are you interested in? Have a look at the home ed wiki which has info about studying yourself and details of online providers. The info about sitting exams as an external candidate will still apply.

Home ed wiki

Why do you particularly want a GCSE? If you want to learn for interest there are now lots of free courses online. If you want a qualification then you would be better off going the OU route or you might be able to do an A Level or equivalent at a local FE college in the evenings.

Yes you absolutely can study a gcse at home (it would be an igcse). You would just need a text book (approx £30) and computer to access past papers and mark schemes. You would need an independent exam centre where you can sit the exam (maybe £200).
Alternatively you could pay for a distance learning course from well known providers (perhaps £300 or so) plus the exam.

Thanks. Dont want to do Maths or English done those, wanted sociology or economics something like that or philosophy.

Home Ed wiki above will tell you all available subjects for independent candidates

Yes if I did one again I'd ignore the online providers and just self study, not much value for £250.

Exam centre was £150 but that was just 2 written papers, far more costly and hassle if any practical bits like science or languages

Thanks its been interesting looking at what is out there to study for free as well.

The OU is great but is a university so degrees, masters, PhDs etc, not GCSEs.