Qualifications

This page offers you information on qualifications and definitions for the UK. Please contact us is you have other information that you think may be useful to others (e)

 

A Levels / AS Levels

A levels and AS Levels are academic qualifications that can allow you to go on and study courses at a higher level such as Degrees or Higher National Diplomas or prepare for employment.

AS levels are normally studied over a period of a year and full A levels over two years.

During the first year you can take up to 4 AS Levels giving you an AS Level qualification in each subject at the end of the year. During the second year (known as A2) you can then choose to continue with the same subjects to make up a full A Level in each or choose AS Levels in new subjects.

A one-year intensive course for A Levels is available in certain subjects for students who have previously studied at this level.

The minimum entry requirements to study A Levels full time is 5 GCSE's at grade A - C or equivalent with additional grade requirements in certain subjects. Some A Level require you to have background knowledge in that subject (e.g. Mathematics, Chemistry and French) whilst others can be started from scratch (e.g. Philosophy, Film Studies and Business Studies.

Applicants without these qualifications may be accepted at the discretion of the College.

Access to Higher Education

The Access to Higher Education course is an alternative to GCSEs and A Levels and is aimed specifically at adult learners who may lack academic qualifications but who wish to go on and study Higher Education courses.

With various options and pathways available it is designed for people who have been away from study for some years. It will help you gain the confidence and skills to return to more formal academic studies.

There are no specific entry requirements for admission to this course but a short ‘pre Access' programme is offered during which you and your tutors can assess whether you are ready to benefit from the full Access course or whether an individual ‘bridging course' would be advisable first.

Apprenticeships

Modern Apprenticeships are vocational training programmes funded by the Learning and Skills Council. The programmes provide paid employment with training for 16 to 24 year olds and the opportunity to gain a National Vocational Qualification at Level 2 and/or Level 3.

Foundation Modern Apprenticeships take up to 2 years to complete and work towards NVQ Level 2. Advanced Modern Apprenticeships take up to 4 years and work towards NVQ Level 3. Apprenticeships must be completed by your 25th birthday.

AVCEs

AVCEs (Advanced Vocational Certificate in Education), are general vocational (work related) qualifications and have replaced Advanced GNVQs. You will also see AVCEs referred to as Vocational A Levels.

These programmes will enable you to acquire the skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to underpin your specialist studies to be successful in your career or at higher levels of education.

There are three types of AVCE:

AVCE Part Awards	3 units	= 1 AS Level
AVCE Single Awards	6 Units	= 1 A Level
AVCE Double Awards	12 Units	= 2 A Levels

 

BTECs

BTEC First Diplomas are specific work related qualifications equivalent to 5 GCSEs at grade A - C.

BTEC Nationals are equivalent to A Level standard and like AVCEs are divided into three types depending on the number of units studied.

BTEC National Award	6 units	= 1 A level
BTEC National Certificate	12 units	= 2 A Levels
BTEC National Diploma	18 units	= 3 A Levels

Certificate in Life Skills (ASDAN)

This course is for students who have completed Independance to Work Level A or B and are not yet ready to leave full-time education.

Degrees

Degree courses are validated by Awarding bodies and normally take take three years to complete, studying full time. You can also choose to study part time.

Entry requirements include one of the following:

• Full Access Course
• A and AS Levels (number and grades depend on qualification)
• Advanced Vocational Certificate of Education (AVCE)
• National Diploma (Edexcel)

If you are a mature student you can be assessed on your previous qualifications and experience. The aware of a place is sometimes at the discretion of the university or college making the final award. Guidance on specific entry requirements is given for each course or in the UCAS Directory.

Diploma of Higher Education (Dip HE)

Diploma of Higher Education (Dip HE) courses normally involve two years of full-time study, with a Certificate of Higher Education awarded for the successful completion of one year's study.

A Dip HE is equivalent to the first two years of an honors degree programme, and allows successful students to progress directly onto the final year of a BA/BSc (Hons) degree programme.

Foundation Degrees

A Foundation Degree is a work related degree programme which requires 2 years full time study (or 3 - 4 years part time). You may progress to the third year of an appropriate honors degree programme

GCSEs

GCSEs are academic qualifications which can allow you to go on to study courses at a higher level such as A Levels or AVCEs. We have a vast array of GCSEs to choose from and they are normally studied over a period of a year.

You make be able to take GCSE English and Maths alongside other full-time courses. These are considered essential by most universities and employers.

 

GNVQs

General National Vocational Qualification (GNVQs) are general vocational (work related) qualifications. There are two levels, each of which takes a year to complete.

1. Foundation: Equivalent to 5 GCSEs at grade D - E
    
2. Intermediate: Equivalent to 5 GCSEs at grade A - C

(The Advanced GNVQ is now known as an Advanced Vocational Certificate of Education, please see AVCEs.)

These programmes will enable you to acquire the skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to underpin your specialist studies to be successful in your career or at higher levels of education.

 

HNCs

Higher National Certificate (HNC) courses normally take two years to complete, studying part time, and in some cases can be converted to a HND with a further year of part time study.

HNDs

Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) are higher level work related qualifications. They are normally studied over two years full time, leading to a qualification which is well respected by employers and can be used to gain entry onto the third or second year of a related degree course.

 

Independance To Work

These courses are for students who are leaving school but want to stay in full-time education because they still need help with becoming an adult.

National Database

http://www.accreditedqualifications.org.uk/

The National Database of Accredited Qualifications (NDAQ) contains details of qualifications that are accredited by the government's regulatory organisations in England (QCA), Wales (DCELLS) and Northern Ireland (CCEA).

Users can search for details on current and expired accredited qualifications

 

NVQs - National Vocational Qualifications

An NVQ is the ideal qualification if you intend to work, or already work, in a specific industry, service or business. NVQs measure what you can do, as well as how much you know and understand. They are based on practical, work related skills and knowledge.

There are five levels of NVQ:

• NVQ 1 - Foundation Level,
  equivalent to 5 GCSE's grade D to E
• NVQ 2 - Intermediate level,
  equivalent to 5 GCSE's grade A to C
• NVQ 3 - Advanced level, equivalent to A Levels
• NVQ 4 - HNC / HND / Degree Level
• NVQ 5 - Degree / Post Graduate level

Professional Qualifications

Professional Qualifications can boost your career prospects. From legal secretaries to financial managers, and from quality auditors to chartered marketers our courses will help you to develop and progress.

Our team of highly qualified and experienced tutors will be glad to discuss your career plans with you and advise on the most suitable courses. We currently run a whole range of part-time day and evening courses leading to a whole range of professional qualifications, including Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT), Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Institute of Legal Executives, Chartered Institute of Marketing and many more.

 

Skills For Life

Skills for life covers Language, Literacy & Numeracy skills from entry level up to level 2.

All Skills for Life classes and qualifications are free. We can help you gain the Maths and English qualifications you may need to progress onto further qualifications, improve your job prospects or help your children.