Types of qualification
A new way of naming vocational further education qualifications has been introduced nationally to make it easier to understand what each course is about. Before, there was a lot of inconsistency in the way course titles were written but now each course title is made up of three key elements: the level (difficulty), the size (how much there is to learn) and the subject.
This is how it works:
Level - entry level is pre-GCSE level; level one is the equivalent to GCSEs grade D to G; level two is the equivalent to GCSEs grade A* to C; and level three is the equivalent to A-levels. Levels four and above are higher education qualifications or their equivalents.
Size - this describes how much there is to learn, for example the number of units there are, and is either an award (smaller), certificate (medium) or diploma (larger).
Subject - this is the bit you're most interested in and is pretty self-explanatory.
For example:
- Level One NVQ Certificate in Beauty Therapy
- Level Two Diploma in Bricklaying
- Level Three BTEC Diploma in IT
The table below gives examples of new vocational qualifications at the various levels, examples of the old titles and the equivalent academic qualifications.
If you need help making sense of the qualifications you're interested in, our guidance staff are happy to help. To make an appointment or request a chat on the phone, call 0845 120 0037, email info@eastridingcollege.ac.uk or text erc advice to 60999.
