Even more courses to choose from!

As a school leaver you may be looking for A Levels, BTECs, vocational qualifications or an Apprenticeship - with such a wide range of subjects available at all levels, you can be sure of finding something that will really suit you.

COURSE FINDER

Use the Course Finder above to easily find the ideal course. Once you’ve selected your course criteria, click SEARCH to view the results.

Levels explained

When you view the details of your chosen course, you’ll notice it has been given a ‘Level’. Whatever your previous experience or GCSE grades, we can get you started on the path you want, with courses available at all levels. Below you‘ll find a quick guide to what all the levels mean.

LEVEL 6:

Study your subject to a very high level and learn to use your own ideas and research at Level 6. You could go from here to do postgraduate courses such as a Masters (MA, MSc).

What will I need?
A Level 5 qualification

What can I do?
Honours degree or a top-up year from a Foundation Degree.

What will I get?
You'll finish your course with specialist knowledge in your subject, ability to use your own ideas and research in response to complex problems and situations.

LEVEL 5:

More in-depth knowledge and understanding of your subject means you'll be able to find solutions and respond to complex problems and situations at Level 5.

What do I need?
A Level 4 qualification

What can I do?
Foundation Degree year two (a university level qualification worth the same as the first two years of an Honours Degree).

What will I get?
You'll finish your course with thorough knowledge of your subject, a high level of work expertise, and competence in managing and training others.

LEVEL 4:

In-depth study will help you become a specialist in your area at Level 4.

What do I need?
Level 3 qualifications - A Levels, Extended Diploma, Access to Higher Education, NVQ 3 or 120 UCAS points.

What can I do?
Foundation Degree (FdA or FdSc) year 1 (Certificate of Education) or an NVQ 4 or Higher Apprenticeship.

What will I get?
You'll finish your course with advanced problem solving skills, improved business knowledge, greater relationship management ability, and an enhanced understanding of leadership and project management.

LEVEL 3:

Get into university or a good job with more detailed study at Level 3.

What do I need?
A minimum of 5 GCSE grades A*-C or a Level 2 course. Some A Levels ask for more - please see the A Level course descriptions on this website to check.

What can I do?
Advanced Apprenticeship, BTEC Extended Diploma, NVQ 3, AS/A Levels.

What will I get?
You'll finish your course with good problem solving skills, and the ability to learn independently and manage work relationships and business knowledge. Most universities ask for this level qualification and more and more employers look for applicants who are qualified at this level.

LEVEL 2:

Improve your subject knowledge at Level 2.

What do I need?
As well as knowledge and experience of your subject you'll also need: 4 GCSE grades C-E or a Level 1 course (for an Apprenticeship you may not need as many as this). It is possible to start at this Level on a completely new subject to you but this will depend on your GCSE grades. Please ask our Progression Team for advice.

For a Level 2 Higher Diploma you will need four GCSEs including English and Maths at a grade D or above, and a minimum of grade C in two other subjects. Also acceptable is a Level 1 qualification or BTEC Introductory Certificate or Diploma.

What can I do?
GCSEs grade A*-C, Apprenticeships, BTEC Diploma Level 2, NVQ 2 and Higher Diploma.

What will I get?
You'll finish your course with a good general education, improved work habits and better problem solving skills and resourcefulness. You will also have greater subject knowledge and be better equipped for lower level jobs. This is the minimum level that most employers will ask for when you go for a job.

LEVEL 1:

Improve your basic knowledge at Level 1. It's a good place to start if you are new to a subject.

What do I need?
GCSE grades C-E and you must want to learn.

What can I do?
Level 1 Diploma, NVQ Level 1 and Foundation Diploma.

What will I get?
You'll finish your course with new practical skills for work and daily life and you’ll have gained work experience and an introduction to your subject.

ENTRY LEVEL:

If you don't have any qualifications this is the place to start.

What do I need?
You don't need any qualifications but you will need to show that you are keen to learn.

What can I do?
Foundation Learning

What will I get?
You'll finish your course with new practical skills for work and a greater sense of independent living which can help you progress to the next level.