These courses will help you build up skills, experience and gain confidence to progress to Level 1. No formal qualifications are needed.
These courses will help you progress on to Level 2 courses or into employment. They will prepare you with the skills in a specific trade/career. You must have achieved an appropriate Entry Level vocational qualification and/or two GCSEs at grade 2 (E) or above.
These courses allow you to begin specialising in an area you want to pursue as a career. You must have achieved an appropriate Level 1 vocational qualification and/or three GCSEs at grade 3 (D) or above, or equivalent experience. On some courses entry will be dependent on vocational experience.
These allow you to develop specific work-related skills and knowledge. They include vocational qualifications (including Extended Diplomas, Diplomas, Certificates) and apprenticeships. A triple distinction star grade (DDD) on a Level 3 vocational course is equivalent to three A grades at A Level. You must have achieved an appropriate Level 2 vocational qualification and/or four GCSEs at grade 9-4 (A*-C) or above, including maths and/or English; or equivalent industry experience. On some courses specific subjects may be required.
For an Apprenticeship you will need English and maths GCSE at grade 4 (C) or above.
A work-focused and flexible alternative to a degree and excellent way of enhancing your job prospects. Some HNCs and HNDs can take you directly to the second or third level of a degree.
You must have achieved an appropriate Level 3 Extended Diploma or other vocational Diplomas, or two A Levels, or Access to Higher Education qualification or an Art Foundation or University Foundation Programme.