Course Overview

Learn Spanish and connect with the wider world.

Whether you’re preparing for study, travel or career opportunities, NEC’s AS level Spanish course will help you develop confidence in speaking, reading, writing and understanding the Spanish language. You’ll explore real-world topics like family, education, tourism and culture while gaining insight into the societies where Spanish is spoken. With expert tutor support and flexible online learning, this course is ideal for language lovers and learners aiming to build practical skills and global perspectives.

  • elearning icon

    Interactive course

  • 1:1 tutor support

AS Level Spanish at a glance

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Exam board

AQA 7691

course resources icon
Resources

Set textbooks – included as a free ebook with your course: AQA A level Spanish, JA García Sánchez, T Weston and M Thacker, Hodder Education, 2016

 

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Requirements
  • Volver, Pedro Almodóvar (film)
  • Modern Languages Study Guides: Volver: Film Study Guide for AS/A level Spanish (Film and literature guides),  JA García Sánchez and T Weston, Hodder Education, 2017
  • Modern Languages Study Guides: La casa de Bernarda Alba: Literature Study Guide for AS/A level Spanish (Film and literature guides), S Blanchi and M Thacker, Hodder Education, 2017

Internet access

Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec.

As part of the assignments, you will be required to record audio and send it to your tutor.

course assignments icon
Assignments

6 assignments (one introductory) – these do not contribute towards your final grade

course hours icon
Hours

Complete at your own pace

Approx. 120-150* hours plus time for completing assignments

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UCAS points

Earn up to 20 UCAS points

course entry requirements icon
Entry requirements

Study at your own pace.

Our course materials assume that English is your first language

course format icon
Format

Online learning with 1:1 tutor support

course assessment icon
Assessment

Three exams:

  • 1 hour 45 minutes, 45% of marks
  • 1 hour 30 minutes, 25% of marks
  • One oral exam, 30% of marks:
    The oral exam is 12 to 14 minutes. Please refer to this page for more detailed information about how to take your oral exam through NEC.

Non-exam assessment (NEA):

  • None
course exam board icon
Exam board

AQA 7691

course entry requirements icon
Entry requirements

Study at your own pace.

Our course materials assume that English is your first language

course hours icon
Hours

Complete at your own pace

Approx. 120-150* hours plus time for completing assignments

course requirements icon
Requirements
  • Volver, Pedro Almodóvar (film)
  • Modern Languages Study Guides: Volver: Film Study Guide for AS/A level Spanish (Film and literature guides),  JA García Sánchez and T Weston, Hodder Education, 2017
  • Modern Languages Study Guides: La casa de Bernarda Alba: Literature Study Guide for AS/A level Spanish (Film and literature guides), S Blanchi and M Thacker, Hodder Education, 2017

Internet access

Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec.

As part of the assignments, you will be required to record audio and send it to your tutor.

course assessment icon
Assessment

Three exams:

  • 1 hour 45 minutes, 45% of marks
  • 1 hour 30 minutes, 25% of marks
  • One oral exam, 30% of marks:
    The oral exam is 12 to 14 minutes. Please refer to this page for more detailed information about how to take your oral exam through NEC.

Non-exam assessment (NEA):

  • None
course assignments icon
Assignments

6 assignments (one introductory) – these do not contribute towards your final grade

course resources icon
Resources

Set textbooks – included as a free ebook with your course: AQA A level Spanish, JA García Sánchez, T Weston and M Thacker, Hodder Education, 2016

 

course format icon
Format

Online learning with 1:1 tutor support

education icon
UCAS points

Earn up to 20 UCAS points

course exam board icon
Exam board

AQA 7691

course resources icon
Resources

Set textbooks – included as a free ebook with your course: AQA A level Spanish, JA García Sánchez, T Weston and M Thacker, Hodder Education, 2016

 

course requirements icon
Requirements
  • Volver, Pedro Almodóvar (film)
  • Modern Languages Study Guides: Volver: Film Study Guide for AS/A level Spanish (Film and literature guides),  JA García Sánchez and T Weston, Hodder Education, 2017
  • Modern Languages Study Guides: La casa de Bernarda Alba: Literature Study Guide for AS/A level Spanish (Film and literature guides), S Blanchi and M Thacker, Hodder Education, 2017

Internet access

Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec.

As part of the assignments, you will be required to record audio and send it to your tutor.

course assignments icon
Assignments

6 assignments (one introductory) – these do not contribute towards your final grade

course hours icon
Hours

Complete at your own pace

Approx. 120-150* hours plus time for completing assignments

education icon
UCAS points

Earn up to 20 UCAS points

course entry requirements icon
Entry requirements

Study at your own pace.

Our course materials assume that English is your first language

course format icon
Format

Online learning with 1:1 tutor support

course assessment icon
Assessment

Three exams:

  • 1 hour 45 minutes, 45% of marks
  • 1 hour 30 minutes, 25% of marks
  • One oral exam, 30% of marks:
    The oral exam is 12 to 14 minutes. Please refer to this page for more detailed information about how to take your oral exam through NEC.

Non-exam assessment (NEA):

  • None

Why study AS Spanish

Future opportunities

  • Studying Modern Foreign Languages or linguistics at university or higher education level.
  • Opening up career paths – employment rates for language graduates are one of the highest, compared with other degree subjects.
  • You could spend a year in Spain or a Spanish-speaking country as a part of your degree.
  • Complementing subjects such as Law or Business, at university or higher education level.
  • A range of careers including those in education, journalism, editing and publishing, international business, communication and translation through to cultural and tourism, diplomacy, law, media, accountancy, management or governmental positions.
Course content

What you’ll learn…

Section 1

Los valores y el ciberespacio

  • Las familias de antes y de ahora: los hijos hablan
  • La religión católica y las fiestas
  • Y vivieron felices… ¿para siempre?
  • Las múltiples formas familiares
  • Las diferentes caras de Internet
Section 2

El ciberespacio y los derechos

  • ¿Han cambiado las nuevas tecnologías nuestra vida a mejor o a peor?
  • Los teléfonos… ¿inteligentes?
  • La lucha por la igualdad de las mujeres
  • La mujer contemporánea: hablan ellas
  • Los derechos del colectivo LGBT
  • Mejorando la situación de la mujer: ¿un trabajo aún inacabado?
Section 3

Ídolos y identidad

  • Los jóvenes bajo la influencia de los ídolos musicales
  • ¿Héroes deportivos?
  • La nueva cultura de la fama
  • La Semana Santa en España
  • La tauromaquia, sus diversas formas y la polémica
Section 4

Identidad y patrimonio

  • Un viaje gastronómico por España
  • ¡En España se habla más de una lengua!
  • Perú: incas, conquistas y maravillas para la historia
  • Unas pinceladas de arte mexicano
  • La arquitectura árabe en Andalucía y sus vestigios
  • El patrimonio musical y su diversidad en el mundo hispano
Section 5

Literature and film 1

  • This section will focus on the set text or film for AS Spanish: Volver

    Affordable study

    Flexible payments and financial help

    • 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.
    • NEC’s fees for AS levels offer some of the best value on the market, with multi-buy options, special offers, personal discounts, and affordable finance options.
    • Used responsibly, finance is a great way to spread the cost of your course. We’ve teamed up with Omni, one of the UK’s leading finance specialists.
    • Depending on your own circumstances, there are a number of possibilities for getting help to fund your course.

    Visit our Fee information page or

    Talk to an advisor
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    Monthly instalments

    Study now, pay your way

    It’s your choice: you can pay in full at the point of enrolment, or you can spread the cost over monthly instalments with our finance offer. We offer a choice of six or 12 month repayment plans, with 0% APR as standard.

    To pay in instalments you will need to enrol by telephone.

    The National Extension College (NEC) work with finance company OMNI. For more information on our relationship with OMNI and repayment plans see our Fee Information page.

    Course fee £524
    Deposit £52.40
    Amount of credit £471.60
    Monthly payment £39.30
    Duration 12 months
    Total repayment £524
    Cost of credit £0.00
    Rate of interest 0% APR representative
    Tutor sitting at her desk and smiling into the camera
    With you every step of the way

    Enjoy 1-2-1 support from your course tutor

    You’ll have access to 1:1 support from your tutor. All NEC tutors are subject experts, with experience in supporting online learners.

    “I have always been passionate about learning languages and I am delighted to be sharing my interest in Spanish. I have been a languages teacher for over 12 years. As a tutor, I like to tailor my support to the needs of each student. Learning a language should be a fun and fulfilling experience and there are many ways to learn. I have a BA Hons in languages from the University of Hull and took my PGCE at the University of York. I am originally from North Yorkshire and now live in Wakefield.”

    Caroline, Spanish Tutor
    MORE ABOUT OUR TUTORS
    Help when you need it

    Additional support for under 18s

    We understand younger students often need an extra helping hand with their studies. NEC’s unique Progress Tracker makes it easy for parents and guardians to follow their child’s progress, access assignment grades and view tutor feedback to ensure effective learning.

    Our approach to home study
    Need help choosing?

    Talk to one of our course advisors

    Still unsure whether online 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’re waiting to help you get ahead and achieve your goals, your way.

    Talk to a course advisor

    Frequently asked questions

    Your common questions and concerns answered. Read more FAQs.

    NEC offers flexible, online GCSEs, A levels, and vocational 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.

    Yes! You can connect with other learners in your course’s online forum. Many students find discussing topics with peers helps reinforce their learning — and helps them feel part of a wider learning community.

    Yes. Most NEC courses, including all GCSEs and A levels, lead to qualifications awarded by major UK exam boards such as AQA, Edexcel, OCR and Cambridge International. You’ll earn exactly the same qualification as students in school or college.

    We’re also approved to offer CMI qualifications for management, as well as TQUK-accredited courses and Functional Skills qualifications in English and Maths. These nationally recognised qualifications are designed to help learners build practical skills and are ideal for both personal development and career progression.

    Some short courses, like those in the arts, are for personal development and enjoyment but don’t lead to formal accreditation.

    Yes, NEC is a JCQ-approved exam centre, which means we can support your exam entry, provide verified access arrangements, and oversee non-exam assessments (NEAs) — essential for subjects like English, Science and Geography.

    Yes. Many students complete a one-year fast track option, especially if working towards university or career deadlines. You’ll need to commit regular study time and plan carefully around assignment deadlines and exams.

    If you’re unsure whether fast track is realistic, we’ll advise you.

    Yes. You can enrol any time and begin studying when it suits you. However, if your course involves an exam, you’ll need to complete all assignments and assessments (also known as coursework or NEA — Non-Exam Assessment) in time for set exam dates — so don’t leave it too late!

    If you’re planning to apply to university, please also be aware of UCAS deadlines. For example, to receive predicted grades through our UCAS Application Service, you’ll need to have completed a certain number of assignments by specific dates.

    Check the individual course pages for guidance, or book a call with an advisor to discuss your timeline and study plans.

    Yes — NEC is ideal for international students. Many of our courses are available worldwide, but there are a few things to check before enrolling:

    Exams: You’ll need to arrange a local exam centre. AQA does not offer international exams, so you’ll need to travel to the UK for those.

    Qualification recognition: Ensure your chosen qualification is recognised in your country.

    Our team is happy to help you explore your options.

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