Qualifications Explained

0

Supported Learning

A suite of programmes to develop your personal, social development, living skills and employability skills. These programmes are designed for those with learning barriers and special skills needs.

1

Level 1

Certificate and Award, NVQ, Skills for your Life, Skills for Work

Level 1 courses are for those students who have few qualifications but who are looking to develop their professional and employability skills. These courses are ideal if you have special educational needs or have experienced barriers to education or employment. They will give you a good foundation of skills which you can build upon to progress to Level 2.

2

Level 2

First Diploma, Certificate, Skills for Work, Apprenticeship

Level 2 qualification gives you good knowledge, understanding and practical skills of a range of subjects. You will have the ability to perform a variety of tasks with some guidance or supervision. Success at Level 2 will enhance your ability to progress to employment or to further study at Level 3.

3

Level 3

Subsidiary Diploma, 90-credit Diploma, Diploma top up, Extended Diploma top up, Apprenticeship

Level 3 qualification gives you the ability to gain or apply a range of knowledge, skills and understanding, at a detailed level. Level 3 Diplomas can help you progress to employment or to Higher Education courses at Level 4 or Level 5 programmes either at SERC or University. A Level 3 Apprenticeship will equip you with the knowledge and skills within your employed sector.

4

Level 4

Higher Level Certificate, Higher Level Apprenticeship

These are popular with students who are already in employment as they enable you to put the skills you learn into practice within your current job. You can study at Level 4 and then progress to further study at Level 5.

5

Level 5

Foundation Degree, Higher Level Diploma, Higher Level Apprenticeship

These qualification combine academic study with work-based learning. They are designed to equip you for a particular area of work, as well as giving you advanced technical and managerial skills, problem solving techniques and knowledge for your chosen career.

6

Level 6

Degree

This qualification helps you develop advanced understanding of professional and technical areas. A Degree will help you develop your analytical, intellectual and report writing skills. You will also develop leadership and management skills.

Entry Requirements

The table below shows typical entry requirements for each level, although your chosen course may have specific requirements, so please check individual course requirements.

Level    

Vocational Courses

Entry Requirements

Equivalent

When Completed

Level 6

Bachelor Degree

Successful completion of Level 5 related qualification or related industry experience and an interview.

BA (Hons)

Continue to Masters or use your skills to start work.

Level 5

Higher National Diplomas (HNDs), Foundation Degrees

Successful completion of Level 4 related qualification or related industry experience and an interview.

2nd year of a Bachelor Degree

Progress to University or use your skills to start work.

Level 4

Higher National Certificates (HNCs), Higher Level Apprenticeships

A Levels or successful completion of Level 3 related qualification or related industry experience and an interview.

1st year of a Bachelor Degree

Progress to Higher Education at SERC, University or use your skills to start work.

Level 3

BTECs, Diplomas, Apprenticeships and Access to Education

5 GCSEs at Grades C/4 or above including English Language and/or Maths (some courses may require both, please check your individual course). Or successful completion of a Level 2 related qualification and interview.

A Levels

Progress to Higher Education at SERC, University or use your skills to start work.

Level 2

BTECs, Diplomas, Awards, Certificates, NVQs, Apprenticeships and Training for Success (Skills for Work)

4 GCSEs at Grades D to G/3-1 (including a curriculum related subject, English Language and/or Maths). Or successful completion of a Level 1 related qualification.

GCSEs

Progress to Level 3 study or use skills to start work

Level 1

BTECs, Awards, Certificates, Diplomas, NVQs, Skills for your Life and Skills for Work.

No formal qualifications required.

N / A

Progress to Level 2 study or use skills to start work.

Entry

Skills for your life (training for Success) vocational studies.

No formal qualifications required.

N / A

Progress to Level 1 study.

For all courses you will be required to have an interview.

There may be more specific requirements for your particular course e.g. for creative arts courses you may require a portfolio of work.

If you have disabilities or learning difficulties, you may not need to meet some entry requirements - our Learning Support Team can advise you.

Call 0345 600 7555 for further advice.