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Further education

You'll find discussions about A Levels and universities on our Further Education forum.

Mature student - A-level law

6 replies

MatureStudentAgain · 23/08/2021 22:06

I really fancy studying for an A level in law. I’m interested in the subject, don’t need it for work or anything just fancy doing it…

I’d be doing it in my own time as I work full time, and have two kids. I am confident in my ability to learn independently as I have just finished an MSc that was blended learning (mostly online with some taught sessions)

Has anyone done similar? I have read up about needing to find a place to sit the exams, but does anyone have top tips about that or how best to go about studying for an a-level independently?

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SallyOMalley · 23/08/2021 22:23

I did an A level in Classical Civilisation a couple of years ago. I absolutely love the subject matter and just fancied having a go.

I did it via distance learning. The materials were very good and there was a tutor to mark essays but that is pretty much where their involvement stopped. There were message boards which were basically frequented by me and two other other mature learners, and it was a shame that there wasn't more engagement there, tbh.

Like any distance learning experience, it can be a bit lonely at times but I did really enjoy it.

My advice: there are absolutely tons of resources out there on the exam board websites, including marking schemes, examiners reports and past papers. There is so much more info at our fingertips than when I did A levels the first time round. A detailed syllabus for a start!

Then, a but of clever googling will bring you to school websites with revision notes, presentation slides and all sorts of other useful info.

Finally, I found the Student Room really helpful for its subject led message boards, tips on revising etc. It also has a sister site called 'Get Revising' (I think??) where you can created your own revision notes and flash cards etc, and browse what others have done for the same subject and examining board. I found that incredibly useful as it sent me off on trains of thought i hadn't considered before you can also use the site to create revision and study plans.

I did my exams at a local school via the adult education section of the local council. That was a little odd, sitting in a large hall with everyone else taking their Maths exam!

I did my A level through the National Extension College, and they also have regional exam centres around the country where you are guaranteed a place. I didn't need to use it because I could sit locally.

I'd love to keep learning and my dream is to take a Classics course at uni. Perhaps i will one day!

SallyOMalley · 23/08/2021 22:25

(Apologies for all the typos!)

MatureStudentAgain · 23/08/2021 22:41

That’s amazing info Sally thank you so much for taking the time to reply. That sounds perfect.

I am half way through a work related qualification, which I started immediately after my MSc finished in May, so I hope to start this A level after that.

Stupid question… maybe you know the answer… I if an a level also has an AS level, do you have to sit two sets of exams? Eg I assume that if you were at school you’d sit the first set of exams after the first year, and get the AS level and then sit the À level exams at the end of year two. Does this apply here, or only if you wanted to sit the AS papers?

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SallyOMalley · 23/08/2021 22:49

Yes, if your subject still has an AS/A2 structure then you can sit the AS levels at the end of the first year and the A2 exams at the end of the second year. That's how I did mine.

However, bear in mind that many subjects (if not all now??) have now moved to a linear structure with all the exams at the end of the whole course. You can't do half of them part way through if you're studying a whole A level.

I did my A level when I did because if I'd left it another year, Classical Civilisation would have had the linear structure.

The syllabus on the exam board websites should make it clear which structure is open to you.

I'm excited for you! I would love to do another in Philosophy but, sadly, work commitments are too great right now!

SallyOMalley · 23/08/2021 22:54

Ah - it looks like all A levels are now following the linear structure

New structure

MatureStudentAgain · 23/08/2021 23:27

Really helpful - thank you!

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