Qualifications Explained

We offer a range of courses to suit you and your needs. There are many different types of qualifications available to you depending on your entry level. All courses on this website are given a LEVEL from 1 to 3. Use the chart below as a general guide to what is needed to start on a course. Look through the course information for specific entry requirements.

Your Route to Success

This pathway shows you the different types of qualifications we offer at each level and will give you an idea of which point you could start your training or how you can move on.

	Level 1	Level 2	Level 3	Level 4	Level 5
What courses can I do at this level?	NVQ 1 GNVQ Foundation *Progression Awards	NVQ 2 GNVQ Intermediate First Certificate/Diploma Apprenticeship NVQ2	NVQ 3 AS/A Levels A Level (VCEs) National Certificate/Diploma *Apprenticeship NVQ3	NVQ 4 Higher National Certificate/Diploma *First Degree (BA/BEng/BSc)	NVQ 5 Masters Degree (MA) MBA Postgraduate Diplomas
What do I need to start at this level?	4 GCSEs Grades E or below or equivalent literacy and numeracy skills	NVQ 1, GNVQ Foundation, or 4 GCSEs Grade D-E or other equivalent	NVQ 2 4 GCSEs Grade A-C, GNVQ Intermediate (Merit), First Diploma (Merit) or an Apprenticeship NVQ2. Specific requirements may also apply	An appropriate Level 3 qualification or an access to HE Certificate	An appropriate Level 4 qualification

We place great value on the prior learning and life experiences that mature students bring with them, and these can often be accepted for entry onto a course in addition to, or instead of, former qualifications.

Key Skills

There are some skills that are important in today's world. These are Communication, Application of Number, Information Technology, ‘Working with Others', ‘Improving own Learning and Performance' and ‘Problem Solving'. EVERY full-time or work-based training course includes ‘Key Skills' to help you improve your own learning and performance. These are recognised by employers as important and also attract UCAS points if you want to move onto University.

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