Guide to Qualifications

BTEC Awards/Certificates/Diplomas are vocational courses related to a broad occupational area and combine practical, hands-on activities with detailed technical study. The Award is studied over one year and consists of six modules, the Certificate is studied over two years and consists of twelve modules, and the Diploma is studied full time over two years and consists of eighteen modules.

NVQs are nationally recognised qualifications designed to combine practical teaching with work experience. NVQs are open to all those who can demonstrate the required standard of competence and display an understanding of the knowledge which underpins the area of study, irrespective of previous academic or career achievements. Some NVQ courses may ask for students to be employed in the profession before starting the course, but not all.

An Apprenticeship is a programme of training in a chosen field which allows students to learn whilst working full time for an employer, earning money and attending college. While at College students learn the fundamental skills and knowledge which are developed and put into practice in the workplace.

T Levels are an alternative to A levels, Apprenticeships and other 16 to 19 vocational courses. Equivalent in size to 3 A Levels, a T Level focuses on vocational skills and can help students into skilled employment, higher study or an Apprenticeship. Each T Level includes an in-depth industry placement that lasts at least 45 days. Students get valuable experience in the workplace; employers get early sight of the new talent in their industry. T Level students spend 80% of the course in their learning environment, gaining the skills that employers need. The other 20% is a meaningful industry placement, where they put these skills into action.

Access to Higher Education Diplomas are nationally-recognised qualifications which can provide you with an alternative route into Higher Education. For those who do not hold any formal qualifications, success on an Access programme is the best route to an interview for a place on a degree course at university or college. Access courses are also suitable for students who have English as a second language.

Higher National Certificates (HNCs) and Higher National Diplomas (HNDs), together with Foundation Degrees are equivalent to the first one or two years of an Honours degree, and are also qualifications in their own right. They are as relevant to school leavers as they are to those already in employment. Students can also top up these qualifications to achieve a full degree. Foundation year courses are designed to support students onto a full degree programme and add an extra year onto a course.

Undergraduate degree qualifications allow you to specialise in a subject area at Higher Education. They aid students’ employability, providing knowledge and skills in greater detail. Undergraduate degrees usually take three to four years to complete, depending on the subject area. Sandwich degrees combine an extra year in the workplace, usually between years two and three.