What do the qualifications mean?

GCSE Level

This stands for General Certificate of Secondary Education. GCSEs are highly valued by colleges and employers and very useful whatever you're planning to do afterwards. You'll study the theory of a subject plus you will do some investigative work. GCSEs are at levels 1 and 2 on the National Qualifications Framework, depending on the grade you get. We offer part-time day and evening courses.

See course details for GCSE English, GCSE Maths.

AS and A Levels

AS stands for Advanced Subsidiary and A stands for Advanced. AS and A level qualifications focus on traditional study skills, and they're at level 3 on the National Qualifications Framework. We offer part-time evening courses.

See course details for AS Biology, AS English Literature, AS Environmental Studies, AS Film Studies, AS Media Studies, AS Photography, AS Psychology and A2 Photography.

Vocational Qualifications on the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF)

Vocational qualifications on the Qualifications and Credit Framework are new, work-related qualifications. They are designed to allow you to learn in a way that suits you, and give you the skills that employers are looking for. There are already lots to choose from, in a wide range of subjects. They are made up of units:

Award

An award is the smallest type of qualification on the QCF. It is worth between one and 12 credits. This means it takes between 10 and 120 hours to complete.

Certificate

A certificate is worth between 13 and 36 credits. It takes between 130 and 360 hours to complete.

Diploma

A diploma is worth 37 credits or more, so takes at least 370 hours to complete.

See course details for:

Certificate in Accounting Level 2, Diploma in Accounting Level 3 and Level 4.

Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People's Workforce
Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce

Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care (Adults)
Level 3 Diploma in Health & Social Care (Adults)

Access to HE

Access to HE (Higher Education) courses are suitable if you would like to study at university but you left school without the usual entry qualifications, such as A levels. We offer daytime courses.

See course details for Access to HE (Social Sciences), Access to HE (Health Related), Access to HE (Nursing).

Foundation Degrees

These are Higher Education qualifications that combine academic study with workplace learning. They've been designed jointly by universities, colleges and employers and are available in a range of work-related subjects. Foundation Degrees are at intermediate level in the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. We offer part-time courses.

See course details for Foundation Degree in Early Years.