GCSE in 5 Subjects at Grade C or above

Intermediate GNVQ and/or VCE

Less than 4 GCSE's

Foundation Apprenticeship

National Vocational Qualification 2

Equivalent Qualification

e.g. Access Courses are entry routes into Higher Education and are designed for Adults (over 19 years old). There are various subject pathways which can be studied. The course can be studied either full time, which takes one year, or part time, which takes two years, to fit in with your life.

First Diploma

AS/A2 and/or AVCE

BTEC National Diploma or Certificate

Advanced Apprenticeship

National Vocational Qualification 3

HIGHER EDUCATION

Higher National Certificate

(a part time course) A recognised qualification designed to equip students with knowledge, understanding and skills required for success in current and future employment.

Higher National Diploma

A nationally recognised qualification which is generally studied for two years on a full time basis. A wide range of HND's can be studied, often in vocational and work related subjects.

Foundation Degree

Relatively new qualifications which have often been designed in consultation with employers. Foundation Degrees are designed for specific skills which are required for specific industries.

Degree Course

This can either be studied full time (3-4 years) or part time (5-9 years) over a period of years. A Degree can be single honours, joint honours or combined honours (i.e. studying one, two or three subjects as part of the course).

Top up to Degree

You can continue your studies and 'top up' your qualification to either a BA,BEd or BSc, which are first degrees in either Arts, Education or Science subjects.

Post Graduate Study

There are a variety of ways of continuing your studies after your first degree and this can include Certificates, Diplomas and Masters Degrees.