GCSE Biology
**This course may be FREE if you earn less than £25,750p.a. Other learners may be eligible for a reduced fee of £360.** Aimed at adults, the AQA GCSE covers all aspects of Level 2 Biology. It is useful for science or health-related careers and essential for teaching (PGCE).
Course Summary
Course Information for Students
Who is this course for?
**This course may be FREE if you earn less than £25,750p.a. Other learners may be eligible for a reduced fee of £360. Contact us for more details.**
This course is aimed at students aged 19+. The AQA GCSE focuses on all aspects of Biology at Level 2, including practical activities. It is an intensive, one-year course taught in an evening over 32 weeks. The pace is fast, and you will be expected to make time at home to consolidate what you have learned in class. Good attendance is essential to you succeeding on this course.
Entry Requirements
You need to have a good grasp of written English and comprehension, and basic maths skills. You may have to complete an initial assessment to check that you are working at a strong Level 1 standard as a minimum. If suitable, you will be invited for interview.
GCSE Science to at least a grade D would be beneficial.
What will you learn?
GCSE Biology covers a broad range of biological topics including human physiology, disease, plant biology, genetics and ecology.
You will study the following topics:
- Cell biology
- Organisation
- Infection and response
- Bioenergetics
- Homeostasis and response
- Inheritance, variation and evolution
- Ecology
You will also carry out ten required practical activities.
How will you learn?
This course will be delivered on-site.
You need to maintain a good level of attendance throughout the course.
What will you need to bring with you?
You will need to bring basic stationery, including a calculator, to lessons. It is strongly recommended that you also purchase the CGP Revision Guide for the course to support your study. You will also need a device with Internet access to make use of electronic resources.
How will you be assessed?
Assessment of your progress is made throughout the year by your tutor.
You will be given homework regularly in addition to the work completed in class.
At the end of the course, there are two written examinations, each assessing different aspects of the course content, available at Foundation or Higher tier. Some questions will draw on the knowledge you have obtained from carrying out required practical activities.
Where next?
Our GCSE Biology qualification will enable you to progress to many advanced science-based courses.
GCSE Biology is also a basic requirement for many degree courses in science or health-related subjects and is an essential requirement for teaching (PGCE).
Who do you contact for more information?
For more information, contact Derby College Group on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk
Course Information for Employers
Information for Employers
Career Information
DCG Success Stories
Discover how our students have achieved success. Their hard work and dedication to learning has enabled them to succeed in rewarding careers or progress onto higher education.
We encourage progress and aspirational outcomes by guiding people onto learning pathways that lead to positive destinations. Our students have gone on to achieve great things since leaving the College. We would like to share some of their inspiring success stories with you.
Find out what funding could be available to you:
Thinking about returning to education or developing new skills? Use our funding calculator below to get an estimate of the financial support you may be eligible for based on where you live.
Whether you’re looking to retrain, progress in your career, or try something new, funding could make your next step more accessible than you think.
Simply enter your postcode into the calculator to see an estimate of the funding that may be available in your area. This is based on regional funding allocations and typical eligibility criteria for adult learners.
Important:
The results shown are a guide only and are not a guarantee of funding.
Funding availability can vary depending on:
- Your personal circumstances (such as age, employment status, and prior qualifications)
- The course you choose
- Government and local funding rules at the time of enrolment
If you’re considering adult learning, there’s never been a better time to explore your options.
Our courses are designed to fit around your life, with flexible study options and expert support every step of the way.
Find out more about the courses available. Adult Courses
If you have any questions about funding, eligibility, or courses, our team is here to help. Contact Us
Course Information Last Updated On: June 9, 2026 3:01 pm
