GCSE Biology Higher Tier Course – AQA

Entry Requirements

Course Duration

This GCSE Biology Course comes with 12 months of support included:

Guided Learning Hours (GLH) – 200 Hours
Total Qualification Time (TQT) – 270 Hours

Tutors & Support

All learners have access to a qualified tutor via email for the stated support period. In addition to this you are able to speak to our support team via telephone with any query you may have relating to your course.

Our tutors and support team have years of experience in delivering online and distance learning courses. If you require help, then we are only a phone call away. 

Assessment

To achieve a GCSE Foundation in Biology you will be assessed across the sections displayed . All sections will be assessed by 2 paper-based examinations. A more detailed breakdown of the assessment details is provided below:

Paper 1

• Type: Written examination
• Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Weighing: 50% of GCSE
• Total Marks: 100

Question type: multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response

Assessed: Topics 1-4 (cell biology; organisation; infection and response; bioenergetics)

Paper 2

• Type: Written examination
• Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Weighing: 50% of the GCSE
• Total Marks: 100

Question type: multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response

Assessed: Topics 5-7 (homeostasis and response; inheritance, variation and evolution; ecology)

In addtion, there are 10 practical assessments required to complete this GCSE.

Additional Examination Fees

As a private candidate, it is the students responsibility to arrange their own examinations and practical assessment if required. This is not part of the service offered by UK Open College. 

This should be done prior to enrolment with us. It is your responsibility to ensure you have the necessary arrangements in place & confirmed. This is very easy to do but you need to book in advanced to avoid late booking fees. 

Fees for these services can vary hugely from centre to centre. It may be worth travelling out of area. (It’s worth it)
You can view a list of official AQA approved examination centres here 

You can also try www.tutorsandexams.uk who have a number of centres located across the UK. They deal with private candidates all the time and will be happy to help with booking if required. 

The later you leave it to arrange, the more expensive it can be. At times, it can be impossible to arrange so plan ahead. (6 months minimum recommended)

Your contract with us is for the course and support only. We will not refund you outside of the 14 day cooling off period if you have not confirmed these arrangements with your selected centre.

Enquire & confirm with your chosen centre, do not leave it to chance!

Payments plans - Guaranteed acceptance for UK students only!

Select whether to pay in full upon enrolment or opt to pay a deposit and spread the cost with our Interest free payment plan.  *Guaranteed acceptance for those who meet the following conditions: 

Example: Based on a Max finance agreement of £600

Aged 21 and above (Maximum age 75)
Employed or self employed with a minimum income of £7,200 PA (£600.00 PCM take home pay) 
Permanent resident in the UK for a min of 3 years
Be able to provide 3 years of address history from the UK
Have a UK bank account that accepts direct debits
Hold a valid UK credit or debit card
You are not bankrupt or in an IVA. 

Under 21 – We will require a willing parent, guardian or family member to take out the finance for your studies on your behalf. 

Please note: We do not carry out credit checks if you meet the above criteria. You may be asked for evidence of income. 

Alternative payment plans may be available for those that do not meet these conditons. Please speak to a member of our team who will be happy to assist on 0121 792 3872. 

Applicants choosing the monthly option will be required to complete and sign a financial agreement for the remaining payments.  All payments to be set up via direct debit.  We are only able to set up monthly payments for students resident in the UK. 

Please note: Once a payment plan is set up, you are liable to pay the course fees in full whether you complete the course or not.  Please ensure the monthly repayments are affordable before agreeing to any payment plan offered. 

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14 Day Money Back Guarantee

Once log in has been issued or your study pack received at the requested delivery address, you have 14 days to ensure this course meets your needs and requirements. If you are not happy for any reason at all, simply email our accounts department with your request to cancel on [email protected]. We will offer a full refund. No questions asked !

Please note: Any request to cancel outside the 14 days cancellation period will be declined. We will not refund you under any circumstances outside of the legal 14 day cooling off period. If you have agreed student finance and opted to pay monthly, you are legally obliged to pay the balance of your fees once the 14 day period expires. 

Our full T’s & C’s can be viewed here.