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 Amateur Radio Safety. Basic Circuits
4 The Transmitter. Transmitter Interference
5 The Receiver. Software Defined Radio
6 Feeders & Antennas, Propagation
7 Electromagnetic Compatibility. Measurements
8 Summary and catch-up (if required)
9 Mock tests and 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.

 

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 (Second Edition 2020) ISBN 9781 9101 9361 7

Exam Secrets for Radio Amateurs (2nd Edition 2020) ISBN 9781 9101 9374 7

The above are available from https://www.rsgbshop.org/

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 the “Join Us” link above to join our community.

To apply for a course click on the #course-registration and follow the instructions.