Table of Contents
TLDR
Many years after completing her A levels, Jo returned to a subject she had always wanted to study, Classical Civilisation. Studying online with the National Extension College (NEC) while working full-time, she completed an A level in Classical Civilisation in just one year and achieved an A grade. Jo credits the structured course materials, flexible study that enabled her to fit her learning around her job and other commitments, and detailed tutor support and feedback with helping her achieve her A level. She describes the whole experience as “amazing”.
Returning to Study an A level as an Adult
When Jo originally chose her A levels many years ago, Classical Civilisation wasn’t an option.
Instead she studied A level History, but the idea of studying A level Classical Civilisation never quite disappeared.
“When I did my original set of A levels, many years ago, I wasn’t able to study Classical Civilisation and had to do History instead. I always thought that I would have enjoyed Classical Civilisation more than History,” Jo explains.
Years later, a conversation with a colleague provided the encouragement Jo needed to sign-up to study Classical Civilisation.
She began looking online for a provider who offered A level Classical Civilisation and discovered the National Extension College (NEC).
Why Study A level Classical Civilisation Online?
For Jo, who already had nine GCSEs, three A levels, a degree and an MBA, an A level in Classical Civilisation wasn’t something she needed for her career or to gain entry to university. She simply wanted to study an A level in a subject she enjoys.
“I looked online to find a provider that offered Classical Civilisation. NEC offered the combination of modules that I was most interested in.” – Jo
Although NEC was more expensive than some other providers, Jo felt the combination of course content and tutor support was worth the cost for her first experience of distance learning.
“NEC was more expensive than some, but the module combination and dedicated tutor support meant that it was worth the extra money.” – Jo
Working Full-Time and Completing an A level in One Year
Jo set herself an ambitious goal of completing her A level course in a year.
She began studying in July 2025, creating a schedule for completing one topic and assignment each month for nine months. That left around six weeks for exam revision.
Alongside her course, Jo was working full-time. Finding time to study meant fitting her learning around her existing life.
“I was working full-time as well, but was really motivated to complete the course, particularly once I’d booked the exams, so managed to fit everything in.” – Jo
As the examinations approached, Jo took annual leave to sit her exams but did need to use some work time to fit in her revision – “Luckily I had a very supportive line-manager, and it was a relatively quiet time at work, so I was able to do that,” she says.
How Her Online A level Helped Jo’s Studies to Stay on Track
Jo valued the freedom that her online distance learning A level gave her to study independently, and having a clearly structured course helped her to manage the demands of completing an A level alongside a full-time job.
“The course with NEC was really well structured, allowing me to work through it at my own pace.” – Jo
Being able to see her progress was especially useful:
“The course layout was really helpful, because I could easily keep track of what I had completed and what still needed to be done.” – Jo
The flexible nature of online distant learning meant Jo could use the time available to her to study – whether that was during her commute, in the evening or at weekends – rather than needing to attend classes.
“I did most of my reading either on my commute or in the evenings, and wrote my assignments at weekends.” – Jo
Improving A level Essay Writing and Exam Technique
For Jo, feedback from her tutor was one of the most valuable elements of studying with NEC.
“Feedback from my tutor was incredibly helpful. I got detailed comments on each assignment and was able to incorporate those comments into my revision, to ensure that I wasn’t losing marks in my essays.” – Jo
The course materials and tutor feedback helped Jo to understand the requirements of the A level Classical Civilisation exams – including how to approach questions and maximise her marks.
“The course materials gave me all the information I needed to plan and revise. I knew what the exam requirements were, and there were helpful tips on how to maximise marks.” – Jo
Her assignments then gave her an opportunity to put those skills into practice and one assignment produced a particularly memorable moment:
“For the first time in my life, I got an A* on an assignment. That was pretty special!” – Jo
Jo’s Achievement: An A level in Classical Civilisation
After achieving her aim of completing an A level in one year while working full-time in research management at a University, Jo received an A Grade for A level Classical Civilisation.
There’s an added satisfaction when she compares that result with the A level History she studied years earlier at school:
“I got an A – much better than I got in my original History A level!” – Jo
Jo’s achievement is a reminder that gaining a qualification and a good grade doesn’t always need to be about what it enables you to do next. Learning more about a subject you are interested in can be a goal in itself.
Advice for Anyone Studying an A level Through Distance Learning
Jo’s advice to learners of any age considering online distance learning – whether for pleasure or to help with the next step in their educational journey or career is:
“Do it! But be disciplined. You will need to set your own deadlines and keep to them if you want to finish the course.” – Jo
Jo’s own approach followed this advice. By breaking down a course she wanted to complete in one year into monthly goals, and establishing a routine for studying around work commitments, she was able to achieve her goal, her way.
Having completed the course, Jo has recently started a new job and is settling into her new environment. But another A level isn’t out of the question.
“I might consider doing another A level at some point because I think the experience was amazing and I really loved doing it.” – Jo
Outside work and study, Jo, who says she is “very happy” with the service she received from NEC, enjoys theatre, films, reading and knitting.
Perhaps, at some point, studying another A level will join that list!
Thinking of Studying an A level as an Adult?
You don’t have to be applying to university or planning a career change to study for an A level.
Whether it’s a subject you missed out on at school or want to understand better, or simply an interest that you enjoy, a distance learning course gives you the opportunity to study around your work and other commitments.
NEC’s online A levels combine flexible independent study with structured course materials, regular assignments and support from specialist subject tutors, enabling you to achieve Your Goals, Your Way.
Explore NEC’s online A level courses today and discover where your interests could take you.
Got a question? Our Friendly Course Advice Team will be happy to help you.
