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Next steps for A Level retake Feedback and suggestions from Chat GPT

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Next steps for A Level retake Feedback and suggestions from Chat GPT

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1. Comparison: NEC A-Level Biology vs. Access to HE Science Feature NEC A-Level Biology Access to HE Diploma (Science/Health Science) Format Fully online, flexible Usually part-time or full-time (online or blended learning at FE colleges) Duration 1.5–2 years (flexible pace) Typically 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time Entry Requirements GCSE Biology/Combined Science (ideally Grade 6+), GCSE Maths & English Usually GCSE English & Maths at Grade 4+ (some colleges accept Level 2 equivalents) Assessment Written exams (A-level exam papers) + separate practical endorsement (arranged at exam centre) Coursework (essays, reports, presentations) + exams (no separate practical endorsement required) Cost ~£1,000–£1,200 + extra for exams & practical endorsement (£700–£1,200) £3,000–£3,500 (often fully funded with Advanced Learner Loan; written off if you progress to university) University Recognition Standard A-level, accepted by all UK universities Widely accepted, but some highly competitive courses (e.g. Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary) may prefer A-levels Best for… Students who want the traditional A-level route into uni Adults/mature students who want a quicker, supported route into higher education with coursework focus 👉 Takeaway: If you want the classic A-level qualification: NEC A-level Biology is flexible but comes with extra cost and logistics for the practical endorsement. If you prefer structured support, coursework over heavy exams, and want quicker progression to uni: Access to HE Science may suit you better. 2. Draft Message to Oaklands College (re: evening/part-time A-level Biology) Here’s a draft you can send via email or enquiry form: Subject: Enquiry about Evening or Part-Time A-Level Biology Dear Admissions Team, I am interested in studying A-level Biology at Oaklands College, but due to my circumstances I am particularly looking for evening or part-time options rather than full-time daytime study. Could you please let me know: If A-level Biology is currently offered in an evening or part-time format? If not, whether there are any flexible alternatives for adult learners, such as Access to HE Science or blended learning? Any advice on how adult learners can best prepare for higher education in the sciences through Oaklands. Thank you very much for your help, [Your Name]

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Reddit Student Insight

Several posts underscore the value of foundation years:

“Foundation year is equivalent or can be used as a substitute to A levels… lowest I've seen is CCC … foundation grades can also be substituted for A levels so you can use foundation years grades to change unis if you want too…” Reddit

“Foundation year can be a great idea. It gives you a more gradual transition into uni life…” Reddit

What to Do Next

1. Prioritize 2–3 universities that offer Biochemistry-based Foundation routes (e.g., Lancaster, Reading, Swansea).

2. Check official websites for exact A-level requirements and application deadlines.

3. Apply via UCAS for foundation routes this autumn for September 2026 entry.

4. Mention dyslexia and any mitigating circumstances where possible—they can support contextual consideration and support access.

5. Attend open evenings or contact admissions for advice tailored to your situation.

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Universities accepting current grades and other suggested courses

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Universities accepting current grades and other suggested courses

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Great—here’s a tailored shortlist of UK universities offering Biochemistry (or closely related) degrees with Foundation Year routes that align well with entry grades around CCC–CDD, which fits your current profile (Chemistry B, Maths C, Biology D):

Foundation Year Options That Suit Your Grades

1. Lancaster University

Course: BSc Biochemistry with Foundation Year
Entry Requirement: CCC—this aligns well with your grades and doesn’t require retakes. University of Reading+1

2. University of Reading

Course: BSc Biochemistry with Foundation Year (4 years)
Features: Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, offers strong placement and internship support with companies like AstraZeneca and GSK. University of Reading

3. University of Kent

Course: Biochemistry with a Foundation Year (BSc)
Notes: Direct Foundation → Biochemistry route; entry requirements generally around CCC–CCD. University of Kent - University of Kent

4. Swansea University

Course: Biochemistry with a Foundation Year (BSc), or Biochemistry & Genetics with Foundation Year
Details: Year 0 covers foundational chemistry, molecular biology, data handling, and lab skills—then progresses into the main biochemistry courses. Swansea University Health Sciences Swansea University Engineering

5. University of Westminster

Course: Biochemistry BSc Honours with Foundation Year
Location: Central London—great for access to labs and city life. Foundation prepares you for the full honours degree. University of Westminster

6. University of Plymouth

Course: Biological Sciences with Foundation Year (BSc)
Highlights: Robust support and teaching by university staff; successful (~85%+) progression into degree pathways. University of Plymouth

7. University of Sunderland

Course: Biochemistry with Integrated Foundation Year
Foundation Modules: Focuses on chemical and bioscience fundamentals, including molecular biology, health science, and scientific study skills. University of Sunderland

Additional Non-Biochemistry but Relevant Pathways

University of Worcester: Biological Sciences with Foundation Year—student-friendly and well-supported, though not explicitly Biochemistry. University of Worcester

Nottingham Trent University: Biological Sciences with Foundation Year—integrated route with flexible progression into specialized streams like biochemistry. Nottingham Trent University

UEA (Norwich): Offers Biological Sciences, Chemistry, and general Biochemistry with foundation years that lead into those degrees. University of East Anglia

Summary Table

UniversityFoundation → CourseSuited to CCC–CDD?Notes

LancasterBiochemistryYesDirect alignment with your grades

ReadingBiochemistryLikelyStrong research and placement support

KentBiochemistryLikelyFoundation direct-ladder route

SwanseaBiochemistry / Biochem & GeneticsYesSolid foundation modules in chemistry & bio

WestminsterBiochemistryYesUrban setting, good foundational support

PlymouthBiological SciencesYesExcellent integration and student support

SunderlandBiochemistryYesStrong foundational coverage in chemistry and bio

WorcesterBiological SciencesLikelySupportive environment, practical learning

NTUBiological SciencesLikelyOption to specialize in Biochemistry later

UEABio/Chemistry foundation routesLikelyChoice of science pathways post-foundation

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Biochemistry/Biology/Chemistry, you’ve got more options than it might feel right now—just probably not straight into a Russell Group BSc without a foundation year.

Here are realistic pathways:

1. Foundation Year Routes (Best Direct Path to Your Goal)

These give you an extra year to build subject knowledge and study skills before joining the main degree.

Good matches for your grades:

Lancaster University – Biochemistry with Foundation Year (CCC)

University of Surrey – Biological Sciences with Foundation Year (often accepts BCC and sometimes lower)

University of Huddersfield – Science/Pharmacy foundation (CDD accepted)

Keele University – Life Sciences with Foundation Year (around CCC–CCD)

University of Kent – Biosciences with Foundation Year (typically CCC–CCD)

University of Brighton – Biological Sciences with Foundation Year (CCC–CCD)

Advantages:

No need to retake A-levels.

Guaranteed progression to Year 1 if you pass.

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Laboratory technician (level 3) - apprenticeship training course

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Employers can view details of the Laboratory technician (level 3) apprenticeship training course, including its qualification level, typical duration and the maximum funding available.

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A good site for summer placements for bio/chem students.

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A good site for summer placements for bio/chem students.

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Summer Vacation Studentships offer funding to carry out 6 week summer placements for undergraduate students in biochemistry and related subjects.

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Absolutely! Here’s a refined list of Russell Group universities offering foundation-year routes—particularly in biological or bioscience-related fields—that may accept qualifications as low as BCC–CDD, which aligns better with your current grades (Chemistry B, Maths C, Biology D).

1. University of Manchester — Biosciences with a Foundation Year

Typical Offers: AAB–BBB for standard entry; contextual offers also in this range.

Foundation Year: Specifically designed for those without appropriate qualifications and allows direct progression to biosciences degrees.University of Manchester+1

Note: Does not participate in contextual admissions for this course, but care/refugee applicants may receive offers two grades lower.University of Manchester

2. University of Sheffield — Biological Sciences & Biomedical Science with Foundation Year

Biological Sciences (Foundation Year): A one-year prep for degree-level bioscience study, tailored for non-standard entrants.University of Sheffield+1

Biomedical Science (Foundation Year): Similarly structured to support progression into BSc Biomedical Science.University of Sheffield

3. University of Leicester — Biological Sciences with Foundation Year

Offers accessible module options, high support, and strong research environment. Entry requirements are flexible and the foundation year supports students who don’t meet direct entry criteria.University of Leicester

4. University of Durham

Through its widening access Centre for Academic Development, Durham offers bespoke foundation-year pathways for mature or disadvantaged students to prepare for degree-level entry.Wikipedia

5. University of Nottingham & University of Birmingham

Both universities offer foundation routes (Nottingham for misaligned qualifications; Birmingham in engineering and physical sciences), aimed at supporting students who didn't meet standard A-level entry requirements.russellgroup.ac.uk

Student Perspectives

On Reddit, students point out the value of foundation years at Russell Group universities:

“Southampton, Manchester, Sheffield, Birmingham, Loughborough… Those are all well-respected universities with good foundation-year programmes.”Reddit

Another user noted that universities like Liverpool offer foundation-year entries at GCSE-level equivalent grades (e.g., CDD) for highly competitive degrees like Computer Science.Reddit

Summary Table

University

Foundation Year Course

Notes and Entry Flexibility

Manchester

Biosciences with Foundation Year

No contextual offers, but foundation bypasses standard requirements.University of Manchester+1

Sheffield

Biological Sciences & Biomedical Science

Foundation year built for non-standard entrants.University of Sheffield+1

Leicester

Biological Sciences with Foundation Year

Flexible entry; strongly supportive modules.University of Leicester

Durham

Various via Widening Access Centre

Foundation routes for mature/disadvantaged learners.Wikipedia

Nottingham／Birmingham

Various foundation routes in STEM

Supports entry when qualifications aren’t standard.russellgroup.ac.uk

Next Steps

1. Prioritize 2–3 universities with foundation-year programmes that match your interest (e.g., Leicester, Sheffield, Manchester).

2. Check UCAS listings or university websites for detailed entry requirements, as these may change year to year.

3. Contact admissions teams, especially at Manchester and Durham, to explain your grades and ask about realistic chances via foundation routes.

4. If eligible for contextual offers (e.g., low participation area, care background), mention that—some universities may be more flexible.

5. Apply via UCAS for foundation-year programmes for 2026 entry, which typically open in September; keep track of deadlines.

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Think about completing partner course may be able to attain affer of BBC

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Think about completing partner course may be able to attain affer of BBC

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What's in it for me?

There are loads of benefits to completing PARTNERS. You'll experience student life earlier than non-PARTNERS students and get a head start on higher education, by completing the PARTNERS Academic Summer School and supplementary events.

There's also lots of support available while you're at University, such as Student Ambassador work experience, the Careers Insights programme and potential financial support.

Find out more about the benefits of taking part.

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There are loads of benefits to completing PARTNERS. You'll experience student life earlier than non-PARTNERS students and get a head start on higher education, by completing the PARTNERS Academic Summer School and supplementary events. There's also lots of support available while you're at University, such as Student Ambassador work experience, the Careers Insights programme and potential financial support.