Join Abbey DLD in January 2025

General Certificates of Secondary Education (GCSE) represent the first stage on the path to study at a UK university. Many institutions will ask for at least 5 GCSE passes for entry.

In 2024 two thirds of GCSEs taken by Abbey DLD Group of Colleges students achieved ‘good pass’ grades (Grades 9-5)

The 18 Month GCSE Programme is available at Abbey College Cambridge from January 2025.

January 2025 GCSE study options

Why study GCSEs?

Depending on the duration of studies, GCSE students will take between 6-8 subjects. GCSEs provide a great ‘grounding’, offering students a wide breadth of subjects. time to familiarise themselves with the UK education system and improve their English (English Language is a compulsory GCSE subject). GCSEs also provide a natural pathway to A Levels, and students who have taken then tend to perform better in higher level examination.

How are they taught?

GCSE course content is broken up into units, each unit is taught in a linear structure, with an emphasis on understanding the connection between topics within the wider context of the subject.

Assessment

GCSEs are assessed by an end of course exam. Some subjects will also by coursework or practical work.

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Advanced Level courses, commonly known as ‘A-Levels’ are the most widely recognised qualification for entry to UK universities.

In 2024, two thirds of A-Levels awarded to Abbey DLD Group of Colleges students achieved grades A* – B.

The 18 Month A-Level Programme is available at Abbey College Cambridge for January 2025 start.

January 2025 A-Level study options

Why study A Levels?

Most students will take 4 or 3 A Level subjects over the duration of their studies. A Levels offer a good balance between subjects specialisation and choice, allowing students to focus on the subject that really interest them with the option of maintain breadth of subject choice. A Levels also offer progression the widest range of universities, and are the best options for students looking to join a top-rated university.

 How are they taught?

Course content is divided into different sections, and students are encouraged to develop and understand the links between them. Learning is underpinned by the key concepts of the skills of the subject, with a strong focus on their practical real-world application.

 Assessment

A Levels have a linear structure, which means that all exams take place at the end of the final year. Most A Level subjects are assessed by written examination unless the course has a large practical element (such as in Art of the sciences).

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Our six month intensive International Foundation Programme in Business Management and Economics is only available at Abbey College Cambridge from January 2025.

The International Foundation Programme (IFP) is an intensive year 13 programme that offers progression to a wide range of UK universities including top 20 ranked and Russell Group institutions.

In 2024, students on our Business Management and Economics Pathway achieved an average overall score of 64%.

Why study International Foundation Programme?

On our Business Management and Economics pathway you will develop a critical understanding of three core interdependent subjects – Business, Economics and Accounting. These will underpin future enterprise success through knowledge of organisation, markets, competition and value.

 How is it taught?

The programme is a subject-related pathway, which give access to business-related subjects at university.The pathway consists of a number of compulsory modules.

 Assessment

Each module is assessed individually, with three assessment points through each term and an opportunity to resit modules if necessary. Students achieve an overall score based on all their individual module assessments.

Available at Abbey College Cambridge (Pre-Sessional Programme) and DLD College London (Academic Preparation Programme), our academic preparation programmes Programme are designed to raise students’ ability in general and subject-specific English to enable them to join our academic programmes.

Dependent on the level of language and academic abilities, our preparation programmes can be taught for one, two or three terms. As well as strengthening English language skills, we will prepare students to learn in a typical British classroom environment. This includes skill development in areas such as pair work, project work, independent reading, discussion work and team building. Physical Education (PE) and Personal Health and Social Education (PHSE) also form part of our pre-sessional curriculum.

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Spend two terms studying the British curriculum and improving your English whilst boarding in the heart of one of the UK’s most exciting cities.

Course benefits:

• Improve your written and spoken English.
• Live and study in one of two beautiful, historic and vibrant British cities.
• Study the globally recognised and admired British curriculum.
• High quality accommodation and pastoral support included.
• Study and live with ambitious students from around the world.

Whilst you study you will become a full member of our diverse student community, with access to our exciting extra-curricular programme of weekly clubs, sports and activities, lectures, and university preparation sessions.

Upon completion of your studies, you will receive a comprehensive academic report and completion certificate to take home. If you enjoy your time here, you can also choose to join the full GCSE, A-Level or International Foundation Programme course and complete your university studies in the UK or at home.

BBSE Course Duration and Start Dates

Abbey College Cambridge

College boarding is available across four on and off-campus boarding houses.

DLD College London

There are currently no rooms available in the college’s on-campus boarding house. January start students will be expected to organise their own independent living arrangements for at least the first term of their studies.

Abbey College Manchester

There are currently no rooms available in the college boarding house. January start students will be expected to organise their own independent living arrangements for at least the first term of their studies.

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All Fees shown are for for the first two terms of study (January – July 2025). Second year fees will be a full year fee plus inflation.

All fees shown are excluding VAT unless otherwise stated.

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