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16 and over - qualifications overview
A / AS levels, BTECs, National courses, IB, or NVQs .....
Whatever qualifications you are thinking about, check out the facts here. The 'Qualifications and levels' download helps explain how all these qualifications fit together.
With 4 - 6 GCSEs grade C or above - you could consider the following qualifications:
A / AS levels - Advanced level qualifications
- An AS ( Advanced Subsidiary ) is the first year of an A level course: the second year is called A2.
- 2/3 A levels or the equivalent are usually needed for entry into higher education.
- Applied A levels are available in subjects such as business, leisure and tourism, science, ICT, art and design.
- There are over 80 subjects available at A level: you can continue with subjects you've already studied or take something new.
BTEC & OCR Nationals at level 3
These are vocational courses, ideal for anybody who is interested in a particular area of work and wants to develop related skills and relevant knowledge. Courses are available in a wide range of subjects including art & design, horticulture, beauty therapy, engineering and many more.
Qualifications come in different sizes: 6, 12 or 18 units. Depending on the size of the qualification you can combine them with other advanced level qualifications.
The International Baccalaureate (IB)
The IB is a Europe wide qualification which is equivalent to 3 A levels. The IB is designed for students who are strong across all curriculum subjects; you study your own language, a foreign language, mathematics, a science subject and a humanities subject. It is generally used for entry to higher education.
The Diploma
The Diploma is a new qualification that is being offered from September 2008. Diplomas combine theoretical study with practical learning. You can also combine them with other qualifications such as A levels. An Advanced Diploma is broadly equivalent to 3.5 A levels.
Level 3 occupational courses
These are courses that prepare you for a particular career. They provide an alternative to other advanced level qualifications or work if you are certain of the career path you wish to follow. There are courses in, for example, beauty therapy, childcare and education, outdoor education and many others.
If you have fewer than 4 GCSEs at grade C you could consider the following qualifications:
BTEC First Diploma / OCR National level 2
These are courses for people interested in a broad area of work. They last one year and can lead on to employment, training or further courses.
A wide range of courses is available including art and design, public services, IT and construction.
The Diploma
Diplomas are new qualifications that combine theoretical and practical learning. On a Diploma you can learn more about your chosen area of work as well as English, maths and ICT. You can also take GCSEs alongside your Diploma.
BTEC Introductory Certificates and Diplomas / OCR National level 1
These are 1 year vocational courses. They are available in different subjects including - IT Essentials, Performing Arts, Health and Social Care and Hospitality, Travel & Tourism. On these courses you can learn more about an area of work and improve skills in English, maths and IT.
Level 1 and 2 occupational courses
If you are sure what sort of work you wish to train for then you could consider an NVQ or similar course. These courses will help you develop the skills and knowledge needed for a particular job. You can study full-time or through work and training.
Other qualifications
There are lots of different types of qualifications. For example, you may take an ASDAN Award or Entry level certificate. These qualifications help you develop your skills and gain new experiences to help you to get the job, training opportunity or place on a college course that you want.
