Overview

The Online Amateur Radio Community Full Licence Study Group is a fast track online interactive course run over approximately 8 weeks.

To participate in the Community Lead Full License Self-Study Group the following criteria must be met:

  • Hold a UK Intermediate License.
  • Commit to participate in group discussion and self-learning.
  • Help to produce, update and share content that the group and others can learn from.
  • Be Kind and Courteous to each other as everyone is still learning.
  • Respect each other’s privacy.

Below is an overview of the program: [Unashamedly from the Full Licence Manual]

Week Summary
1 Let’s introduce ourselves, Course Overview & Intermediate Recap
2 Licence Conditions. Operating Techniques
3 Basic Circuits
4 The Transmitter, Transmitter Interference
5 The Receiver
6 Feeders & Antennas, Propagation
7 Electromagnetic Compatibility, Measurements
8 Amateur Radio Safety, Analogue & Digital Signals, Software Defined Radio
9 Formula Bingo, Exam Technique

The list above is each section of the syllabus; depending on the group, some sections may be combined into one week. However, equally likely, some sections may be spread over more than one week. We would still aim to complete coverage of all the full syllabus within 8 weeks.

The learning activities consist of:

  • Taking part in a weekly Zoom session with fellow learners, typically 1 x 1.5 hours [streams are available to candidates unable to attend]
  • A number of activities or quizzes on the week’s topics and regular chats on our Discord server (in the group’s own chat channel).
  • A weekly reading list of pages from your Full Licence Manual
  • Additional support material, often in the form of YouTube videos, from a diverse range of sources. Whatever any of us can find really.
  • On-going support for 2 months+ after the course end date

What is the cost?

Adults

£5  [All money is invested back in the community and used to cover delivery costs, such as Zoom, web hosting and community services.]

Students, Under 18s & Concessions

The course is free to under 18’s and those in full time education Concessions are available for those facing hardship.

Course Dates

To find out when our next course starts click here: Course Dates

Setting expectations

Everyone learns differently, some absorb books like a sponge, others really need that 1 on 1 time to get more complex concepts down. This learning activity lands somewhere in the middle. Ideally you will be in a position to obtain a strong pass, rather than knowing everything about radio.

We have aimed at those who benefit from structured learning and having material presented in fresh and interesting ways, but also are able to hold themselves to account to complete tasks by specific dates.

But you need to be aware that that will be a quite intense period of learning in order to pack in the full syllabus. You will only get out what you are prepared to put in.

 

So, who is this course for?

This learning is primarily aimed at those who have recently obtained their intermediate licence and are looking to take the next step. It’s targeted at those who are comfortable with modern communication methods, from Google Classroom, Zoom through to Discord & who are prepared to commit real time and effort to additional self-study & revision throughout the week to increase the learning curve & to be ready for the next module.

 

Reference material:

The Full Licence Manual for Radio Amateurs (3rd Edition 2024) – Available Here

Exam Secrets for Radio Amateurs (3rd Edition 2024) – Available Here

What happens if I cannot keep up?

You can always talk to our community representatives or your study group. Your friends in your study group will be very keen to help you. Discord is available 24/7 for you to use. Some one2one study opportunities may be available. You can take as long as you want and will be permitted to transfer into the next study group if you wish (you will need to discuss this with one of our community representatives beforehand)

 

How do I apply?

If you aren’t already a member of the OARC, Click Here or click the ‘Join Us’ link above to join our community discord. It’s free!

Once a member of the discord community, click on the #course-registration channel and follow the instructions.

Course Dates

To find out when our next course starts click here: Course Dates

Are courses available to international students?

All our course content focuses on the UK amateur radio licencing exams. Anyone may undertake our course and sit the UK amateur licence exam provided by the Radio Society of Great Britain but, a pass at any level will in itself only allow you to apply for a licence to operate in the UK.

If you progress to the full level, you will also be issued a Harmonised Amateur Radio Examination Certificate which can be used to obtain a licence in a number of countries. See https://docdb.cept.org/download/2569 for more information.

Some other administrations may also issue reciprocal licences if you hold a full UK licence.

Whichever approach you take, the work required to progress through to full is significant so you may wish to check agreements locally.