78
%Pass rate across all A levels in 2025
21
Online A level courses to choose from
Online A level courses and International A level Courses
If you are looking to take your next step to further your qualifications on your own terms, then online A levels courses are designed for you.
Whether you’re:
- studying on your own or are being home educated
- looking to progress to university
- taking A levels at school or college and want additional qualifications
- returning to study later in life
- exploring new subjects to support a career change
- simply passionate about a subject and want to study it more deeply
… there’s an A level course for you at NEC.
Our online A level qualifications are equivalent to those studied in schools and colleges, and they’re recognised by universities and employers in the UK and beyond. All our A level courses are written by experienced teachers and examiners, and accredited by AQA, Pearson Edexcel, and OCR, awarding bodies.
Since 1963, NEC has helped students gain their qualifications. Studying online A level courses with NEC comes with support by a qualified subject specialist tutor and you can study to your own schedule rather than following a fixed timetable.
Wanting an A level in a year? Take a look at our Structured Fast Track A levels.
Why study online A level courses?
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A levels show advanced knowledge and a deep understanding in a particular subject.
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Universities, employers, and training providers recognise A level qualifications.
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If you want to apply university or pursue higher educational courses, you will mostly likely need A levels.
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They help develop critical thinking, independent study, and analytical skills.
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A levels can support career progression or a change in direction.
Your choice – 21 online A level courses available
A level courses and International A level Courses
Want to study more than one subject? We offer a 10% multi-buy offer when you enrol on two or more A level courses together.
A level Biology
Explore the science of life with our flexible online A level Biology course—designed for independent learners aiming for university, science careers, or personal enrichment.
A level Business
Explore the fast-paced world of business and develop the knowledge and skills needed for a successful career. Ideal preparation for a career in business, economics or entrepreneurship.
A level Chemistry
Explore the foundations of matter and energy with our flexible online A level Chemistry course—ideal for independent learners pursuing university, science-based careers, or a deeper understanding of the chemical world.
A level Classical Civilisation
Explore the ancient world of Greece with our flexible online A level Classical Civilisation course – ideal for independent learners preparing for university, careers in the humanities, or a deeper understanding of classical culture.
A level Economics
Uncover the principles that drive markets, shape societies, and influence global decision-making with A level Economics online.
A level English Language
Understand how language shapes thought, identity, and society with our A level English Language course.
A level English Literature
Explore timeless stories, powerful voices, and the art of interpretation with our A level English Literature course.
A level French
Discover how language connects people, cultures, and ideas across borders with our A level French course.
A level Further Maths
Explore advanced mathematical concepts and sharpen your analytical edge with A level Further Mathematics online.
A level Geography
Understand the forces shaping our landscapes, societies, and global connections with A level Geography online.
A level History
Examine the turning points, ideologies, and individuals that have shaped civilisation with our A level History course.
A level History of Art
Explore how art captures history, expresses identity, and challenges ideas through our A level History of Art course.
A level Law
Understand the foundations of justice, legal reasoning, and rights in society with our A level Law course.
A level Maths
Build a strong foundation in logic, reasoning, and problem-solving with our A level Mathematics course.
A level Philosophy
Ask big questions, challenge assumptions, and sharpen your thinking with our A level Philosophy course.
A level Physics
Study topics like motion, forces, electricity, waves, energy, quantum physics, and the universe with our online Physics A level course.
A level Politics
A level Politics is a dynamic and relevant subject that explores the political systems, ideologies, and institutions that shape our world.
A level Psychology
Psychology stands out at A level for its mix of science and social understanding. This A level course will develop your skills in critical thinking, research, data analysis, and communication.
A level Religious Studies
Every wondered how religion, philosophy, and ethics shape the way people think, live, and relate to the world? Then why not study A level Religious Studies online.
A level Sociology
Understand how culture, class, gender, and power shape the world around us with our online A level Sociology course.
A level Spanish
Gain confidence in communication and explore the rich diversity of the Spanish language with our A level Spanish course.
International A level Biology
Understand the systems of life from cells to ecosystems with our flexible online International A level Biology course—designed for students worldwide.
International A level Chemistry
Gain a deeper understanding of the reactions and elements that shape our world with our online International A level Chemistry course—designed for students around the globe.
International A level Maths
Unlock your analytical potential with our flexible online International A level Mathematics course—perfect for international students aiming for university or STEM careers.
International A level Physics
Discover how the universe works with our flexible International A level Physics course—designed for global learners with aspirations in science, technology, or engineering.
Multibuy A levels
Purchasing more than one A level? Use voucher code ALMB10 to receive 10% off at checkout.
Online A level Courses
Frequently asked questions
Your common questions and concerns answered. Read more FAQS.
NEC offers flexible, online A level courses that you can study anytime, anywhere. When you enrol, you’ll receive a welcome email with login details for learn@nec, our virtual learning platform.
You’ll be supported by a qualified subject tutor who provides feedback on your assignments and helps guide your progress. Our expertly designed courses include engaging materials, interactive learning activities, and selected online resources, all created by experienced teachers, examiners, and learning designers.
Our courses are designed to let you study at your own pace, all within a clearly defined enrolment period to help keep you on track. Many courses let you study your way, with flexible assignment deadlines to suit your schedule. Others may include set dates especially for things like exams or NEAs (Non-Exam Assessment) to help you stay on track.
Short for Advanced Levels, A levels are a qualification usually taken post GCSE to further your education and help with applying to University, apprenticeships or other Higher Education courses.
Yes. All our A levels courses lead to qualifications awarded by major UK exam boards such as AQA, Edexcel and OCR. You’ll earn exactly the same qualification as students in school or college.
A levels are graded from:
A* (highest)
A
B
C
D
E (pass)
U (ungraded / fail)
Yes, NEC can provide essential support for UCAS applications, which can include providing predicted grades and a reference. However, to receive a predicted grade or reference, you must submit at least 50% of your course assignments by the deadlines (e.g., 15th September for Oxford, Cambridge, and medicine applications, or 15th December for other undergraduate applications).
Thursday 13 August 2026.
Yes you can and at the NEC we over fully structured fast track A levels that have been designed to support our students to complete their courses in one year. See our Structured Fast Track section for further information
The suggested completion time for a full A level qualification in most subjects is generally between 250–300 hours. A level Mathematics has a longer estimate of approximately 300–360 hours.
Coursework is generally not required for many A level subjects, such as Business, Chemistry, Physics, Economics, Psychology, Religious Studies, and Philosophy. However, A level History, English Language, English Literature, and Geography include a Non-Exam Assessment (NEA) element, which is a required written coursework piece contributing to your final grade.
While A levels are traditionally sat from age 16, there is no upper age limit, meaning you have the freedom to study and achieve your qualifications at any stage of life.
While most A levels are open to everyone, some subjects require specific prior knowledge or mathematical skills, and all require a good level of English, so it is best to check the course page and individual specifications for details.
Help when you need it
Additional support for under 18’s studying A levels
Studying for an A level at any age takes commitment but for our younger students, our Progress Tracker lets parents and guardians monitor progress. The will be able to login to check grades and access tutor feedback so everyone knows how the student is performing.
Need help choosing your online A level courses
Talk to one of our course advisors
Still unsure whether A level distance learning is right for you?
Our friendly Course Advice Team are here to help answer your questions and take you through your options.
- Book a call and someone will get back to you at a convenient time.
- Or contact us today by phone or email.
We are more than happy to chat about how we can support your goals.
Why choose NEC?
Experience you can trust
NEC has provided online distance learning for over 60 years; our extensive experience delivering A levels has equipped us with insights into the diverse needs of learners of all ages, therefore, allowing us to refine our approach to design exceptional education that adapts to individual needs.
Studying with the NEC
Discover more about how NEC works.
Support for Students
Helping students of all ages and backgrounds to achieve their qualifications, their way.
At NEC, we believe that everybody deserves a chance to achieve their learning goals, no matter their circumstances.
We provide many forms of support to our students.
Exams & Assessment
Many of our online A level distance learning courses require exams to achieve your qualification.
Whilst our courses are flexible in terms of your study schedule, exam dates are set by the awarding body, so have to be sat on specific dates.
NEC is an approved Exam Centre facilitating both exams and non-exam assessments.
Fee Information
As an education charity dedicated to helping independent learners achieve life-changing qualifications we want to keep fees affordable. All of our course fees are clear and transparent to help you plan for any additional costs.
Depending on your own circumstances, there are a number of possibilities for getting help with paying for your course.
WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY
