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Progression Awards are also known as Level 2 Awards or a Pre-Access course. You can study them to gain credits at Level 2 in English, Maths or Science and be awarded a formal Certificate of Achievement.
You can study 3 (18 max days study), 6 (37 max days study), 9 (55 max days study) or 12 (73 max days study) credit Awards, which can be made up of any combination of: Human Biology, Chemistry, Physics and/or Investigation in Science.
What are they?
How do I study?
Are they accredited?
More info
How do I study?
Our Progression Awards are delivered completely online. This means that you can study when it suits you, your family, and your job. With our learning materials and your own personal tutor, you will have the one-to-one support and guidance that you need to succeed when studying for a Level 2 qualification online.
When can I start?
You can start when it suits you: just like studying with us, our enrolments are flexible too.
What are the entry requirements?
There are no set entry requirements for this course.
Is this course accredited?
All of our Progression Awards are fully accredited by a recognised Awarding Body, and so are part of the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF).
How do I learn?
For every unit you study you will be given access to its tailored learning materials: because they are written by us, you can be sure that they will teach you what you need to succeed on your assessments. They are more than a textbook - they guide you through your learning and support you so that you're fully prepared for each assessment. You will complete tasks, answer questions (with model answers that you can check), and will be given all the tools needed to achieve.
How am I assessed?
You are assessed through tutor-assessed coursework throughout your Progression Award. Our assessments are regularly checked to make sure they are consistent, fair and robust. Importantly, they give everybody the same opportunities to succeed. Our internal verification process is rigorous and thorough, ensuring that every tutor is marking and giving formative and developmental feedback in line with our exacting standards.
How long will it take?
You should use the days of study allocated to each 3 credit unit as a guide to plan your studies. But because our Progression Awards fit into your life rather than the other way around, you can decide how long you'd like to study them for.
When can I complete?
Just like starting, when you complete is up to you. The only deadlines that are in place are those set by yourself, and are usually based on when you hope to start university. To start university in September you would aim for June moderation; to start university in February/March you would aim for November moderation.
What are my future prospects?
A Level 2 qualification opens doors for every student. Whether you decide to use it to gain entry to university or not, it will improve your career prospects. You gain so much by studying a qualification online: it teaches you skills that will make you stand out. From organisational skills and time management, to increased confidence in your abilities - you will be capable of things you hadn't previously thought possible.
Course content
You can study 3, 6, 9 or 12 credit Awards. The 'standard size' for a Progression Award is 12 credits.
Your Award can be made up of any combination of these Units:
- Human Biology (3 credits)
- Chemistry (3 credits)
- Physics (3 credits)
- Investigation in Science (3 credits)
The Course Fee covers a maximum of:
- 18 max days of study for 3 Credits
- 37 max days of study for 6 Credits
- 55 max days of study for 9 Credits
- 73 max days of study for 12 Credits
The most flexible fees
Easy to manage flexible instalments. Payment holidays. No tie-ins or credit agreements. Great value. If the course is not for you, pay no more. If you leave & return, fees paid previously are still covered. More details on our Fees Page.
from £91.89 a month discounts for more than one subject
- £10.00 off if you study 24 or more Credits,
- £25.00 off if you study 36 or more Credits
- You only pay the Enrolment Fee once, saving a further £30.00 on each subject!
Funding your course
- This course is not eligible for Advanced Learner Loans.
- This course is not eligible for Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) funding.
The majority of our students fund themselves using our easy payment options. Some secure funding through their employers and a few manage to get some help from local charities. We cannot provide advice on funding but we do have a Grants & Funding page which you may find useful.
If you are not funding your course yourself
Please ensure that you make us aware of this when you apply so that we can advise you & make any necessary arrangements with the funder to cover your course costs.
Payment methods
The normal method of payment is online with a Credit or Debit Card. We accept all major cards.
If there are genuine reasons why you cannot pay online, you will need to contact us to discuss whether there are other feasible options available such as bank transfer or Standing Order.
The support that our students receive is central to who we are and the service that we deliver.
Your tutor
Your tutor is both your personal and your subject specialist teacher. They were chosen for their expert subject knowledge and qualifications, and for their skills in supporting and motivating adults who may have been out of education for some time. They are there to guide your studies, and you will be in regular contact with them. Because they mark your assessments, they know how to help you to improve, develop and advance as you progress through the course.
Your tutor is there to make sure that your time with us is as successful and enjoyable as possible. If you would like to speak to your tutor every week, or would rather catch up via email, they will accommodate your individual needs.
Student Services
Our Student Services team are here for you from your first enquiry and throughout your course. From clarifying university entry requirements to finding the course that is right for you, Student Services are here for everybody - past, present and prospective student alike.
Additional Support
Learning Support - support if you have declared a disability. They provide advice and guidance and signpost you to help and resources which can help with your studies.
Student Support - supporting you if you are having problems with your studies. This may be due to a wide range of factors, personal, financial, confidence, changed circumstances etc. Generally, tutors will refer you to this section if they feel that you will benefit from some extra help or advice.
Peer Support
We have a dynamic private Facebook community over 2000 students for you to join and if you want to raise points with staff this can be done via the Student Action Group.
Flexibility
We make our courses suit you and your life: if your circumstances or priorities change then your course can too. We are here to help you achieve, and so altering your target completion date, payment date, or extending your study period is always possible.
Technical Department
From accessing learning materials to uploading documents, if you need any technical support during your studies our Technical Department is there for you.
Financial Department
You can contact Finance Should you need any help or advice about fees, payment options, or there are changes to your circumstances.
GCSEs
If you are planning to use Progression Awards as an extension to an Access to HE Diploma to gain entry to university, it is very important to check the university entry requirements carefully.
You may find that need GCSEs to gain entry to university. If you do not have these already, you can study them with us.
Although Progression Awards are at the same level as GCSE they are not equivalent to a GCSE in that subject.
Laptop or Computer
Due to the academic nature and depth of this course you will not be able to study it entirely on a Mobile Phone or Tablet.
If you have a disability or special needs
The 2010 Equality Act strives to ensure that all students have equal access to examinations.
If you have a disability (such as a visual impairment) or a special educational need (such as dyslexia, dyspraxia or dyscalculia), the centre where you sit your exams will arrange access arrangements for you. You must have evidence of your disability or special educational need for this. If you do not already have a diagnosis, you should arrange this prior to booking your exams.