What qualifications are there?

GCSEs

• Usually studied in Years 10-11, plus at some colleges and sixth forms
• Generally involve studying the theory of a subject
• Assessed largely by written exam; some coursework or controlled assessments in certain subjects
• Graded A*-G; Grades A*-C = level 2, D-G = level 1
• Some GCSE short courses offered, worth half of a full GCSE

GCSEs in vocational subjects (Applied GCSEs)

• Cover a broad area of work, e.g. Engineering, Business
• Currently in eight work related subjects, although new subjects are being developed
• Can involve learning in a more practical way, including work experience
• Use a variety of assessment methods, fewer written exams
• Most lead to a double award, worth two GCSEs

Diplomas

• A new qualification for 14-19 year olds, launched in September 2008
• Give an insight into a sector of work
• Combine classroom study with hands-on learning
• Will include Maths, English, ICT (functional skills)
• Will include at least 10 days work experience
• Can be studied at levels 1-3
• Will take up around 2 days a week of school time in Years 10-11
• Can involve classes at other schools / colleges / training centres
• Use a mix of assessment methods
• Can be combined with other qualifications, such as GCSE or A level
• Can lead to work, training, further or higher education, depending on the level

The first Diplomas are in Construction and the Built Environment, Creative and Media, Engineering, Information Technology
Society Health and Development.

By 2013 there will be Diplomas in 14 work sectors including Humanities, Languages and Science.

Entry level qualifications

Can be a starting point if:
• A young person isn’t ready for study at level 1
• A young person hasn’t been in school for some time
• The school or college can’t offer a full level 1qualification

Entry level qualifications cover a range of subjects and skills and can lead on to other qualifications

A levels (AS and A2)

• Involve in-depth study of a subject
• Can be in academic or applied subjects
• Consist of two parts: AS and A2
• AS is a qualification in it’s own right, although most students go on to A2
• Typically, 3-4 AS subjects studied in the first year and 2-3 A2 subjects in the second; other combinations are possible
• Entry requirement is normally at least 4-5 GCSE grades A*-C, or equivalent
• Assessed mainly by written exam; some coursework / practical assessments in certain subjects
• Traditionally lead to higher education but some students go into jobs
• There are plans to introduce more challenging elements, including an A* grade (from 2010) and an optional Extended Project.

A levels in applied subjects

• A levels that involve study of a broad area of work
• Have an AS / A2 structure like other A levels
• Can sometimes lead to a double award, equal to 2 A levels
• May use different assessment and teaching methods from other A levels

Advanced Extension Awards (AEAs)

• Additional qualifications for the most able A level students (usually those expected to get top grades)
• Can help popular universities / courses select the ‘top’ candidates

BTECs

• Usually in specific work related subjects, e.g. Graphic Design
• Available at levels 1-4
• Can prepare for further or higher education, work or work based learning
• Can be studied full or part time

NVQs

• Often in specific jobs e.g. Hairdressing, Engineering
• Can be taken at work, school, college, or work based learning
• Achieved by proving what you can do, rather than by written exams
• Organized into 5 levels, can include post graduate / professional study
• Can lead into work, work based learning, further or higher education

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diplomas

• An internationally recognised qualification
• Broadly equivalent to A level and other level 3 courses
• Includes Languages, Sciences, Maths & Computer Sciences, Individuals and Societies (History / Geography / Economics / Philosophy) The Arts
• Students must be capable of studying a wide range of subject areas
• Assessed largely by exam

Extended Project

• A project requiring high level planning, research and independent working
• Forms part of a level 3 Diploma
• May become an option on other level 3 courses, such as A level

HNDs / HNCs (Higher National Diplomas / Certificates)

• Higher education courses in vocational subjects e.g. Business
• Normally 2 years in length, 3 if include a year in industry (sandwich year)
• Entry requirements are generally slightly lower than for a degree
• Can lead either into employment or the second year of a degree
• Can be full time (HND) or part time (HNC)

Foundation Degrees

• Higher education courses in work related subjects
• Broadly equivalent to the first two years of an honours degree
• Designed to lead to a degree
• Usually take two years, if studied full time, or three to four years part time
• Often taken part time, while working
• Entry requirements set by the university or college

Diplomas in Higher Education (Dip HEs)

• Broadly equivalent to the first two years of a degree
• Frequently lead onto a degree
• Can be full or part time
• Can be in academic or work related subjects e.g. English, Nursing
• Entry requirements are normally the same as for a degree

Degrees

• Higher education qualifications, can be academic or vocational
• Normally three years in length, longer for certain subjects (e.g. Medicine) or if they include time in industry (sandwich courses)
• A few two-year (‘fast track’) degrees available
• Traditionally full time but more now available part time
• Entry requirements may vary, depending on the subject, but likely to expect qualifications at level 3
• Needed for more and more careers

Other qualifications

Schools and colleges may offer programmes leading to qualifications such as ASDAN Awards. These can help develop skills and prepare for adult life.

There are other recognized qualifications awarded by organizations such as OCR and City and Guilds. Schools / colleges will tell you if they offer these.

For more information

Direct.gov
The government information website, includes information for young people and parents on learning and qualifications

The QCA
The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority website

Edexcel
The Edexcel website, covering BTEC qualifications

UCAS
The University and College Admissions Service website

Foundation Degree
Comprehensive information on the Foundation Degree qualification

IBO.org
The International Baccalaureate website

Diplomas
The Diploma website

Aimhigher
The Aimhiger website – a good source of information about Higher Education