Can you study another a level during a gap year?

Would it be possible to study another a level during a gap year and in October (this year) apply for a course that requires that a level that you are doing in the gap year without an achieved or predicted grade in that subject?

Reply 1

melancollege

17

Absolutely, though be warned it may be hard to get it on your reference if you're entirely self-studying it

Reply 2

lanky_giraffe

OP

14

Original post by melancollege

Absolutely, though be warned it may be hard to get it on your reference if you're entirely self-studying it

So they won’t care that I haven’t got a predicted grade in the subject that they are asking for? So let’s say I’ve got A*A*AA achieved but without an a level that they require, but I state that I’m studying currently (during my gap year and self-taught); they will allow that?

Reply 3

melancollege

17

Original post by lanky_giraffe

So they won’t care that I haven’t got a predicted grade in the subject that they are asking for? So let’s say I’ve got A*A*AA achieved but without an a level that they require, but I state that I’m studying currently (during my gap year and self-taught); they will allow that?

I don't see why not - though it may be worth checking with the individual admissions departments.

Reply 4

Scotney

20

What do you want to study and what A level are you missing?

Reply 5

lanky_giraffe

OP

14

Original post by Scotney

What do you want to study and what A level are you missing?

Chemical engineering + maths

Reply 6

Scotney

20

I would definitely phone the relevant uni dept and ask.@McGinger and @PQ any thoughts?

Reply 7

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

21

Yes, although in your case you may want to look into foundation years instead as it might be more of a direct route.

Reply 8

lanky_giraffe

OP

14

Original post by artful_lounger

Yes, although in your case you may want to look into foundation years instead as it might be more of a direct route.

Okay, thank you! But would It not be cheaper for me to self-teach myself a level maths during my gap year?

Reply 9

McGinger

18

Original post by lanky_giraffe

Would it be possible to study another a level during a gap year and in October (this year) apply for a course that requires that a level that you are doing in the gap year without an achieved or predicted grade in that subject?

Most Uni will accept A levels taken in separate years, and the decision about a predicted grade is decided by each Uni depending on your circumstances. You will need to check with each Uni before you apply and ask for their advice.

Reply 10

lanky_giraffe

OP

14

Original post by McGinger

Most Uni will accept A levels taken in separate years, and the decision about a predicted grade is decided by each Uni depending on your circumstances. You will need to check with each Uni before you apply and ask for their advice.

Okay, thank you.

Reply 11

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

21

Original post by lanky_giraffe

Okay, thank you! But would It not be cheaper for me to self-teach myself a level maths during my gap year?

Depends, you may well end up paying more out of pocket if your centre charges exam fees for independent applicants. Also self-teaching yourself is a risky proposition. Doing a foundation year you'll get the usual tuition fee and maintenance loans, and that's pretty much neither here nor there - the cost isn't to you directly and the "debt" is pretty much a non-factor due to how SFE loans work. You can read more here about them: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/8-things-you-should-know-about-your-student-loan--2

Reply 12