German A Level

The A Level is made up of two mandatory units in the first year, and two further mandatory units in the second year. There is no coursework; it is all assessed through exams.



In your final year there will be exams on all four mandatory units of the course.

To be accepted onto this Level 3 programme, you must hold at least five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including GCSE Maths and English Language.

This must also include a grade 5 or above in Spanish, or evidence of prowess to the equivalent standard.

You can use your skills to find employment in a wide range of areas, from banking to charity work. You could also study a combined degree in German and your chosen subject, like International Relations, Computing or Business. Alternatively, you may study a German degree, considering that language graduates have one of the lowest rates of unemployment among other graduates.

While studying A Level Spanish you will also become a member of the NEC online learning community, with access to an extensive range of online resources to support you with your independent learning.



Learning Technologies and Library Services offer relaxed, quiet and comfortable places to study. You will find a variety of private and group study spaces on campus and multiple computers that can be pre-booked. The college WiFi also allows you to bring your own devices to use.



There are always friendly members of staff on hand to help you find information to assist your study, and you can borrow items including books, journals and media equipment in the Library.

Q: I am doing GCSE foundation tier, can I still do A Level if I get a GCSE grade 4?

A: It is not recommended that you sit the foundation tier GCSE paper if you want to do an A Level, even if you pass, you will struggle to bridge the gap as the A Level is a step up from the higher tier GCSE level. It is best to sit the higher-tier papers. However, we can arrange for you to have a practical test by our own lecturer to assess your ability to be considered on the course.

Every full-time student at Petroc will have their own Study Programme which will include:

– Your academic or vocational qualification.

– Maths and English Language development – if you have not achieved GCSE grade 4 in either of these subjects.

– Work Experience – hours will vary depending on your qualification and course level.

– Tutor Support – to support your personal, academic and professional development.

– Sustainability – helping you to identify how you can improve the sustainability of your future employment sectors.

– Personal Development Awards – developing six key areas of personal and employability behaviours to prepare you for the working world.