A Guide to Qualifications and Programmes
What is a First or a National Diploma? What do we mean by AS Level and what is an apprenticeship? This chart explains as simply as possible what each of the main qualification types is and what level they are ranked at in the National Qualifications Framework.
| Entry Level | Programmes that, along with Level 1 qualifications provide a foundation to progress to qualifications that are equivalent to GCSE A*-C. There are 3 Entry Levels, Level 3 is the highest. E2E is an Entry Level programme |
| E2E | Entry to Employment (E2E) is a work-based learning programme for unemployed young people to enable them to progress into employment with training or further learning programmes, including Apprenticeships. E2E provision is at Entry Level and Level 1. |
| Young Apprenticeship | These are Level 1/2 programmes that are linked to employment and are intended for 14-16 year-olds. They are made up of Level 1 and 2 vocational courses/units and work-placements. Be aware that places may not be available in all areas |
| GCSE Level 1/2 | GCSE Grades D-G are Level 1 qualifications. GCSE Grades A*-C are Level 2 qualifications |
| AS Level | Advanced Subsidiary These Level 3 courses usually form the first year of an A Level course. They are the same standard as A Levels but half as long. AS Level subjects can count towards a full A Level even if they are in different subjects. For example AS Maths and AS English together are the equivalent of ONE A Level |
| A Level | Advanced General Certificate of Education. These are Level 3 courses studied at school or college if you gain sufficient A*-C grades [or equivalent] and want to continue with a general education programme |
| Diploma Level 1 | An Applied Level 1 qualification linked to job families with some practical work to show that you can apply the knowledge and skills you learn. They can include additional GCSE subjects or parts of other vocational qualifications. They are equivalent to GCSEs at Grades D-G |
| Diploma Level 2 | An Applied Level 2 qualification linked to job families with some practical work to show that you can apply the knowledge and skills you learn. They can include additional GCSE subjects or parts of other vocational qualifications. They are equivalent to at least 5 GCSEs at Grades A*-C |
| Apprenticeship | These are Level 2 programmes that are linked to employment and are for learners who are 16 and over. They are made up of Level 2 vocational courses / units and work-based learning |
| NVQ | National Vocational Qualification. These are specialised qualifications that are linked to job families and are a mix of theory and practical work. |
| NVQ Level 1 | Qualifications that are linked to job families and are a mix of theory and practical work equivalent to GCSE Grades D-G |
| NVQ Level 2 | Qualifications that are linked to job families and are a mix of theory and practical work equivalent to GCSE Grades A*-C |
| NVQ Level 3 | Qualifications that are linked to job families and are a mix of theory and practical work equivalent to A Levels |
| Advanced Apprenticeships | These are Level 3 programmes that are linked to employment and are for learners who are 16 and over. They are made up of Level 3 vocational courses / units and work-based learning |
| NVQ Level 4 | Qualifications that are linked to job families and are a mix of theory and practical work and are studied at college after achieving Level 3 NVQ usually at about age 17 or 18 |
| Foundation Diploma | An Applied qualification linked to job families with some practical work to show that you can apply the knowledge and skills you learn. Equivalent to 4 GCSE Grades D-G |
| First Diploma | This is a Level 2 applied qualification linked to job families with some practical work to show that you can apply the knowledge and skills you learn. Equivalent to 4 GCSE Grades A*-C |
| National Diploma | This is a Level 3 applied qualification linked to job families with some practical work to show that you can apply the knowledge and skills you learn. Equivalent to 2 or 3 A Levels |
| HND / HNC | Higher National Diploma or Higher National Certificate. A Level 5 applied qualification linked to job families with some practical work to show that you can apply the knowledge and skills you learn. It is a progression from Level 3 and available part-time as well as full time, usually after age 18. You need a NVQ Level 3, a National Diploma or at least 1 A Level. It can be extended into a full degree like a BA or BSc |
| Foundation Degree | This is a Level 5 applied qualification linked to job families with some practical work to show that you can apply the knowledge and skills you learn. It is a progression from Level 3 courses and is available part-time as well as full time. You need a NVQ Level 3, a National Diploma or at least 1 A Level. Can be extended into a full degree like a BA or BSc |
| Degree | This is a Level 6 qualification usually studied after age 18 at university or college. You normally need at least 2 A Levels, a Level 3 or 4 vocational or applied qualification (see above) or a Foundation degree to be accepted. Sometimes there are exceptions so you need to enquire. |
| Degree access or Foundation Course | Some degree courses accept people who do not have all the entry qualifications they need on condition that they do some preparation to get them up to a level where they can cope with the degree work |
