Qualifications Explained
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.
Level 1
Skills for Life and 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.
Level 2
Traineeship, 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.
Level 3
Apprenticeship, Advanced Tech, Extended Diploma, Diploma, Access Diploma.
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.
Level 4
Higher National Certificate, Certificate of Higher Education, 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.
Level 5
Higher National Diploma, Foundation Degree, 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.
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. |
BSc (Hons) |
Continue to Masters or use your skills to start work. |
|
Level 5 |
Higher National Diplomas (HNDs), Foundation Degrees, Higher Level Apprenticeships |
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 EnglishLanguage 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 |
Apprenticeships and Traineeships |
4 GCSEs at grades D-G including English and Maths at grade F or higher or equivalent. Enhanced criteria in Maths and English may also apply, refer to individual course descriptions for details. Accreditation for Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) may also be considered. |
GCSEs |
Progress to Level 3 study or use skills to start work |
|
Level 1 |
BTECs, Awards, Certificates, Diplomas, NVQs, Skills for Life and Work |
No formal qualifications required. |
N / A |
Progress to Level 2 study or use skills to start work. |
|
Entry |
Skills for Life and Work. |
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.