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JOIN USQualification Levels & Entry Requirements
Which Level or Qualification?
Not sure what level is right for you?
Take a look at our levels guide to see what you need! Cambridge Regional College offers qualifications from entry through to Level 5 Higher Education courses.
Entry Level
These courses will help you build up skills, experience and gain confidence to progress to Level 1. No formal qualifications are needed.
Level 1 – Foundation Level
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.
Level 2 – Intermediate Level
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.
Level 3 – Advanced Level
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.
Level 4/5 – Higher Education
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.
