About our Courses

Courses at every level - and support to help you choose

We know that everyone has different goals in life. That’s why we offer a wide range of nationally-recognised qualifications at every level. The course you choose depends on what your interests and ambitions are, and you should talk to as many people as possible before deciding on a course. We run regular open days and offer free advice from our Learner Support Advisers to help you with the important decision of choosing your course.

Vocational Qualifications or A levels?

Vocational Qualifications

Choose a single course in your preferred subject related to your career ambitions. For example, you could take Level 3 (BND) Engineering. The content and work experience in a vocational course means that your study is directly related to a future career.

However you could take a vocational course and still go on to higher education before starting employment: a Level 3 course such as a BND gives you UCAS points and is equivalent to three A levels. Vocational qualifications are available in Level 1 (Foundation), Level 2 (Intermediate) and Level 3 (Advanced). Each level can lead to the next.

A levels

A levels are individual courses in specific subjects which don’t include work experience but provide the route to your chosen career by giving you the qualifications you need to enter higher education or special training such as Medicine or Law. For those who are unsure of their future career, choosing A levels allows you to continue to study a variety of subjects and keep your options more open.

If you wish to study A levels you need to choose four (exceptionally, five) AS levels in complementary subjects, which will create your package of study for the first year. In your second year you will continue with three (or exceptionally, four) of these subjects at A2 level, and upon completion gain A levels in these three (or four) subjects.

The National Qualifications Framework shows how the different qualifi cations fit together:

The course levels explained

Level 1: Foundation

One year courses for those who have completed their school education up to the age of 16 and attained two GCSEs at grades D-G, who show interest and commitment to the course. Courses at this level include BTEC Introductory and can lead on to Intermediate courses.

Level 2: Intermediate

One year courses for those with two GCSEs at grade D or above (preferably including English and Maths). The courses offer an alternative to GCSE re-sits, and get you more quickly on track towards your chosen career. Courses at this level include BTEC First Diploma and can lead on to Advanced courses.

Level 3: Advanced

Two year courses for those with at least four GCSEs* at grade C or above (preferably including English and Maths) or a BTEC First Diploma. Advanced courses include A levels, professional qualifi cations such as VTCT Beauty courses and BTEC National. Advanced courses provide UCAS points for entry into higher education.

* five GCSEs for A levels

Diplomas

The New Diploma provides flexibility and choice for all learners, through a unique mix of traditional and work-relevant learning.

The New Diploma has been developed in collaboration with employers to ensure it is relevant to and valued by them. Employers and Higher Education institutions value its combination of essential skills, relevant experience and applied learning, which provide an excellent grounding for future careers or Higher Education courses.

As well as learning at College, you will spend time in an environment more like a work- place, such as a workshop. You will also get the chance to work on live employer-led briefs.

The Diploma was also developed with employers to help you get the skills and knowledge you need to do well in any job.