COURSES FOR SCHOOL LEAVERS
Your Future Starts Here
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QUALIFICATIONS EXPLAINED
A Levels develop the knowledge, skills and study habits to excel at university, as well as the attributes recognised by employers.
Your academic studies will be complemented with enrichment opportunities such as trips, mentoring and work experience, providing the perfect springboard for your future career.
A Levels are assessed through exams at the end of two years of study. Most learners study three subjects - some choose four.
With an apprenticeship you’ll go straight into the workplace and be shown clear routes to progress straight into employment within a specific occupation. You can achieve nationally recognised qualifications, earn a wage, and gain skills that will see you get ahead. On average you will spend 20% of your learning time in the college and 80% within the workplace
Professional and technical qualifications are designed to provide you with the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to gain employment within specific industries or occupations. They provide a balance between theory and practical skills development. They are suited to those who want to get hands-on experience within a particular vocational area. These programmes include work placements. Assessment is more varied and will include exams, coursework and practical work.
T Levels give you the chance to learn what a real career is like while you continue your studies. T Levels have been designed with leading businesses and employers to give you the knowledge and skills you need, including a minimum of 45 days on an industry placement – this means you will spend 80% of your learning time in College and 20% within the workplace.
LATEST NEWS
UCW is excited to announce the addition of a Chartered Management Institute (CMI) accredited diploma as part of its Operations / Departmental Manager Level 5 Apprenticeship. This new addition aims to provide learners with essential leadership and management skills, empowering them to excel in their careers and achieve chartered manager status through the CMI.
UCW is also making this high-quality course available as a standalone Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) option for those looking to upskill independently. This flexible online course, supported by CMI’s state-of-the-art virtual suite, allows learners to tailor their learning experience to suit their schedules, making it accessible for busy professionals who need to balance study with other commitments.
Learners enrolled in the CMI module will benefit from the latest in digital education, with a full online suite offered by the CMI. The course structure includes four group workshops each year (these may be on site), designed to reinforce online learning with interactive, real-world applications.
The CMI is the only chartered professional body in the UK dedicated to promoting the highest standards of Management and Leadership excellence. CMI gives managers and leaders, and their organisations, the skills they need to improve their performance and create an impact. Chartered Manager is the highest accolade in the management profession. Awarded only by CMI, it is recognised throughout the public, private and third sectors across all managerial disciplines. Becoming a Chartered Manager means that you’ll join an elite group who prove they have the skills and knowledge to deliver results.
To enquire about the CMI-accredited Operations / Departmental Manager Level 5 Apprenticeship or the standalone HTQ course, please contact UCW's Apprenticeships Team at apprenticeships@weston.ac.uk
In December, a group of A Level Media students and Creative Arts Media Course students had an exciting opportunity to explore the world of professional media production. They visited BBC’s newest and most advanced studios in Cardiff, where they were introduced to a dynamic environment bursting with cutting-edge technology.
The students toured the BBC newsrooms, gaining insights into the tools and techniques used in modern broadcasting, including augmented reality, virtual reality, green screens, and state-of-the-art cameras. They also explored the radio broadcasting facilities and engaged in conversations with presenters and producers to better understand the complexities of creating live programming.
The visit extended beyond the BBC studios to the National Museum of Cardiff, where the students immersed themselves in the arts, culture, and history of Wales. This enriched their understanding of the cultural context that often influences media production. In the afternoon, they worked collaboratively in groups to tour Cardiff and create engaging vlogs documenting their experiences, combining creativity with technical skills.
This hands-on experience was invaluable for the students, as it offered a glimpse into potential career paths and opportunities in the media industry. By engaging with professionals and experiencing real-world production environments, they developed a deeper understanding of media processes and the progression opportunities available after completing their studies. The visit served as both an educational and inspirational experience, equipping the learners with practical knowledge and sparking enthusiasm for their future in media.
Thank you to BBC Cardiff for having our Media learners and giving them insight into the available pathways.
If you are interested in applying to one of our Media courses in September, click here.
With the Christmas holiday here, we have put together a handbook full of tips and advice, for managing your wellbeing.
Please stay safe, and we look forward to seeing you in the new year!
WHICH LEVEL IS RIGHT FOR ME?
