Biology - A Level Intensive (AQA)

Biology involves studying a wide range of exciting topics, ranging from molecular biology to the study of ecosystems and from microorganisms to mammoths.

Biology is never far from the headlines either; the human genome has been sequenced and we know the complete arrangement of the three thousand million bases that make up human DNA. In Kenya, 350 people die every day from AIDS and in South East Asia, the skies are dark with smoke as the last Bornean rainforests are burned to grow oil palms. Biologists are concerned with all these issues. They work in cell biology, medicine, food production and ecology, and their work is vital to us all.

Topics covered can include:

• Biological molecules
• Cells
• Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms
• Energy transfers in and between organisms
• Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems
• The control of gene expression

For applicants who are under the age of 18, the standard A Level programme is recommended. However, applicants aged 18 and over will be considered for the A Level Intensive course if they have already proven a record of achievement at A level or an equivalent level 3 qualification e.g. Grade D achieved in A Levels.

Please note that applicants who are aged 18 cannot resit an A Level subject in which they have already achieved a grade E or above. Resits of subjects previously passed at grade E or above are only permitted for applicants who are aged 19 or over, unless this is taken alongside an intensive A-level which has not previously been studied.

To study this A Level Intensive, you will need:

• A proven track record of achievement at A Level or an equivalent level 3 qualification e.g. Grade D achieved in previous A Levels
• GCSE Science at grade 6-6 or above
• GCSE Maths at grade 6
• GCSE English Language at grade 5
• One further GCSE at grade 4 or above
• Admission onto this course is subject to passing an entrance test set at AS level
• A reference from your previous school/college

All applicants must take an entry test and interview to confirm that the course suits them.

During the year there will be formal internal assessments which you will need to pass in order to be entered into the final three public written examinations. You will also need to complete a practical endorsement assessment.

AGED 16 - 18

If you will be aged 16, 17 or 18 on 31st August 2025 before the start date of the course, and you have the legal right to remain in the UK for the duration of your course then your study with us will be free.

Please see here for the documents you need to show us.

Some courses have additional costs, such as specialist materials and trips.

Many of our students are eligible for financial support. See here for details.

Adults - Level 3

This course may be free if you meet certain conditions:

• If you are not working or have a low income. You need to show proof of your income or benefits.
• If you are aged 19-23 and you do not have a full Level 3 qualification (a full L3 is the equivalent of two A-levels at A* - E grade). You need to show us proof of any qualifications you already have.
• Residency rules apply. You need to show you have permission to live, work and study in the UK without conditions if you live in London, or 3 years if you live outside London.
• There are some exceptions, such as certain visa types.

Check here which documents you need to show us, and which visa types are allowed.

If you do not meet the residency rules, you can still enrol on the course but you may have to pay some fees. All applicants are fee-assessed during enrolment.

If you are not eligible for a free or reduced-cost course, you need to pay the full fee yourself, or apply for an Advanced Learner Loan.

If you have to pay for your course, and decide to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan (ALL), the residency rules are different: https://www.gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan.

Some courses have additional costs, such as for specialist materials and trips.

Many of our students are eligible for financial support. See here for details.

A Levels are widely regarded as the standard entry qualification for top universities in the UK, and the rest of the world. Many of our students go onto study for a degree at the university of their choice, with some choosing to progress into apprenticeships or other employment.