Can You Do an A level in One Year?

One of our most frequently asked questions is whether you can be ready for an A level within one year when you study online. Yes, you can complete an A level in one year with the National Extension College (NEC).

A levels can open doors to a vast range of degree and professional courses and employers value them as a qualification. If you want to get on to the next stage of your career quickly or secure a place at university and need an essential A level qualification, then of course you are motivated to get on with it quickly.

We usually recommend that you allow two years to study one of our standard online A level courses, especially if you are doing more than one subject – but one of the benefits of studying an online distance learning course is that you can set your own schedules and work at your own pace. 

How Long Does it Take to Complete an A level?

Anyone who has completed an A level will tell you that it requires a lot of hard work – generally one A level will take around 500 hours of study – that’s about 17 hours a week over 30 weeks – you’ll also need additional time to complete assignments. The time it takes will depend on your individual circumstances.

What Should I Consider if I am Planning to Do an A level in One Year?

There are several things to consider when planning your A level study:

• How much time do you have each week? If you are working full-time or have caring responsibilities you won’t have as much time as someone studying fulltime with no other commitments.
• What subjects will you choose? If it is a subject you are familiar with, or have taken before and are looking to improve your grade, it is likely you will get to grips with the content of your course quicker.
• How many subjects are you doing? The example hours given above are for one A level subject, you will need additional time if you are planning for more than one A level.
• Does the subject have non-exam assessment? If it does, you will have strict deadlines to meet, and will need to have studied a substantial amount of your course before you are assessed.
• Will you need to book exams? There are deadlines for booking exams. You will need to be sure you will be ready to sit your exams as they will carry an additional cost to your course fee.
• Have you planned in time for a break? You should make sure that you have sufficient time in your study schedule to account for any breaks that you may need to take – these could be planned or unplanned. 

If you enrol on one of NEC’s standard online A level courses we will tell you when you enrol if we don’t think there is enough time for you to complete your A level before the exams, and discuss the options with you.

Fast Track Your A level

Our Structured Fast track A level courses are specifically designed to cover the A level syllabus in a shorter time line than our standard A level courses.

At the National Extension College (NEC) we know that online distance learning A levels are popular due to the flexibility to fit learning around an individual’s needs and routine. Some students prefer to study for an A level over two years, whilst others want a faster route and prefer to fast track their A level course and gain their A level qualification in a year through one of our Structured Fast Track A level.

Whether you need to:

• improve an exam grade 
• add another A level subject for university 
• upskill to change direction in your career
• need to fit study around a busy schedule
• or just want to study a subject that interests you

it is possible to complete an A level in one year through a more comprehensive, structured courses like NEC’s online Structured Fast Track A levels.

What Will I Need to Complete an Structured Fast Track A level in a Year?

Study timelines are compressed to enable students opting to fast track their learning to complete an A level in a year. Anyone opting to take a fast track A level in one year requires strong motivation, a high level of commitment, and good time management skills. 

With the right level of commitment and time management, it is possible to gain your A level qualification in one year.

What is a Structured Fast Track A level and How is it Different to a Standard A level?

Students on NEC’s standard A level courses can begin studying at any time and typically spread their study over two years. For students on NEC’s Structured Fast Track A levels, their online course is completed over a 36 week period starting in September. 

Each structured fast track course provides:

• quality innovative and interactive course materials
• expert-led tuition & timely feedback
• a clear study pathway with set deadlines

and include:

• a detailed Study Schedule – to help keep on track from day one
• a Course Plan – mapping out key dates, assignments and tutor feedback
• an Introductory Quiz – to assess each student’s starting point and tailor their learning journey
• regular live seminars with the tutor – where students can ask questions and interact with fellow learners
• tutor-led forums – to actively engage in discussion with the tutor and peers, to advance understanding of the key ideas raised during the course.

The Structured Fast Track A level course study begins in September. Enrolments open in May and preparation for the course starts with a live Induction Seminar in August.

Live tutorials, past paper marking, a mid-course review, tutor support, a predicted grade and UCAS reference ensure that students are fully supported along the way and equipped to take their final exams in the summer exam sitting.

What Subjects are Available as a Structured Fast Track A level?

NEC offers Structured Fast Track A level courses in six subjects:

• Biology A level
• Chemistry A level
• History of Art A level
• Maths A level
• Physics A level
• Psychology A level

All of these fast track A level courses have been written and developed by experts. They enable students from a wide variety of backgrounds to gain the skills and qualifications needed to progress to the next step in their education or career. 

Who Should Take a One Year Structured Fast Track A level Course?

A Structured Fast Track A level is for anyone with the determination to study within a structured time frame with the help of resources and support provided to motivate and guide the way. Structured Fast Track A level students have a variety of aims. 

“The Structured Fast Track course was well received and meant I wouldn’t have to take multiple gap years to achieve my goal. I struggle with heavily prescriptive teaching and timetabling, so the flexibility of studying in my own time with my tutor there to help me if I needed it, was a breath of fresh air.” – Alex

Alex wanted to fast-track his Physics A level for a new route into Aerospace engineering. Read his story.

“I’ll be starting at a performing arts school full-time to study musical theatre. This is a dream come true for me, but I also wanted to make sure I have a solid academic backup plan. That’s where the NEC comes in. They offer A levels via learning online, which fits perfectly with my hectic schedule. This way, I can study whenever and wherever I can, fitting my learning around my travel, dance classes and performances.” – Izzy

Izzy wanted to study for her A level alongside a full-time musical theatre course. Read her story.

We’ve been following Izzy along her journey and you can read more about how it’s been going in our Student Stories.

Take the First Step Towards Completing an A level in One Year

Explore NEC’s range of A level courses and Structured Fast Track A levels today, or speak to our Course Advice Team who will be happy to help you find the right course for you.

Looking to do a GCSE in one year? We also offer a selection of GCSE subjects and a one-year Structured GCSE Programme.