Descriptions of Qualifications
Qualifications are listed in alphabetical order:
Access to Higher Education
The Access to Higher Education course is an alternative to GCSEs and A Levels and is aimed specifically at adult learners who may lack academic qualifications but who wish to go on and study Higher Education courses.
With various options and pathways available it is designed for people who have been away from study for some years. It will help you gain the confidence and skills to return to more formal academic studies.
There are no specific entry requirements for admission to this course but a short ‘pre Access’ programme is offered during which you and your tutors can assess whether you are ready to benefit from the full Access course or whether an individual ‘bridging course’ would be advisable first.
Please contact the College's Information Centre on 0845 872 8722 for further details.
Apprenticeships
Modern Apprenticeships are vocational training programmes funded by the Cambridgeshire Learning and Skills Council. The programmes provide paid employment with training for 16 to 24 year olds and the opportunity to gain a National Vocational Qualification at Level 2 and/or Level 3.
Job training is provided with an approved employer for four days a week and vocational training is done at College for one day a week. Young people of 16 and 17 years are guaranteed a place on such programmes, subject to them having a suitable job placement.
The sponsored training can be accessed by those who are already in employment and the College’s Apprenticeship Centre will find employers and work placements for unemployed young people.
Foundation Modern Apprenticeships take up to 2 years to complete and work towards NVQ Level 2. Advanced Modern Apprenticeships take up to 4 years and work towards NVQ Level 3. Apprenticeships must be completed by your 25th birthday.
For further details please contact our Apprenticeship Centre.
AVCEs
AVCEs (Advanced Vocational Certificate in Education), are general vocational (work related) qualifications and have replaced Advanced GNVQs. You will also see AVCEs referred to as Vocational A Levels.
These programmes will enable you to acquire the skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to underpin your specialist studies to be successful in your career or at higher levels of education.
There are three types of AVCE:
AVCE Part Awards |
3 units |
= 1 AS Level |
AVCE Single Awards |
6 Units |
= 1 A Level |
AVCE Double Awards |
12 Units |
= 2 A Levels |
Certificate in Life Skills (ASDAN)
This course is for students who have completed Independance to Work Level A or B and are not yet ready to leave full-time education.
BTECs
BTEC First Diplomas are specific work related qualifications equivalent to 5 GCSEs at grade A - C.
BTEC Nationals are equivalent to A Level standard and like AVCEs are divided into three types depending on the number of units studied.
BTEC National Award |
6 units |
= 1 A level |
BTEC National Certificate |
12 units |
= 2 A Levels |
BTEC National Diploma |
18 units |
= 3 A Levels |
Degrees
Our degree courses are validated by Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) and take three years to complete, studying full time. You can also choose to study part time.
Entry requirements include one of the following:
- Full Access Course
- A and AS Levels (number and grades depend on qualification)
- Advanced Vocational Certificate of Education (AVCE)
- National Diploma (Edexcel)
If you are a mature student you can be assessed on your previous qualifications and experience. The aware of a place is sometimes at the discretion of the university or college making the final award. Guidance on specific entry requirements is given for each course or in the UCAS Directory.
If you think you do not have any of the necessary qualifications please contact the College's Information Centre on 0845 872 8722 to discuss your options. The College runs a range of courses designed to provide you with access to degree qualifications.
Diploma of Higher Education (Dip HE)
Diploma of Higher Education (Dip HE) courses normally involve two years of full-time study, with a Certificate of Higher Education awarded for the successful completion of one year's study.
A Dip HE is equivalent to the first two years of an honors degree programme, and allows successful students to progress directly onto the final year of a BA/BSc (Hons) degree programme (see Degrees section above).
Foundation Degrees
A Foundation Degree is a work related degree programme which requires 2 years full time study (or 3 - 4 years part time). You may progress to the third year of an appropriate honors degree programme (see Degrees section above).
GCSEs
GCSEs are academic qualifications which can allow you to go on to study courses at a higher level such as A Levels or AVCEs. We have a vast array of GCSEs to choose from and they are normally studied over a period of a year.
You make be able to take GCSE English and Maths alongside other full-time courses. These are considered essential by most universities and employers.
GNVQs
General National Vocational Qualification (GNVQs) are general vocational (work related) qualifications. There are two levels, each of which takes a year to complete.
- Foundation: Equivalent to 5 GCSEs at grade D - E
- Intermediate: Equivalent to 5 GCSEs at grade A - C
(The Advanced GNVQ is now known as an Advanced Vocational Certificate of Education, please see AVCEs.)
These programmes will enable you to acquire the skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to underpin your specialist studies to be successful in your career or at higher levels of education.
HNCs
Higher National Certificate (HNC) courses normally take two years to complete, studying part time, and in some cases can be converted to a HND with a further year of part time study.
HNDs
Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) are higher level work related qualifications. They are normally studied over two years full time, leading to a qualification which is well respected by employers and can be used to gain entry onto the third or second year of a related degree course.
Independance To Work
These courses are for students who are leaving school but want to stay in full-time education because they still need help with becoming an adult.
NVQs - National Vocational Qualifications
An NVQ is the ideal qualification if you intend to work, or already work, in a specific industry, service or business. NVQs measure what you can do, as well as how much you know and understand. They are based on practical, work related skills and knowledge.
There are five levels of NVQ:
- NVQ 1 - Foundation Level,
equivalent to 5 GCSE's grade D to E
- NVQ 2 - Intermediate level,
equivalent to 5 GCSE's grade A to C
- NVQ 3 - Advanced level, equivalent to A Levels
- NVQ 4 - HNC / HND / Degree Level
- NVQ 5 - Degree / Post Graduate level
Professional Qualifications
Professional Qualifications can boost your career prospects. From legal secretaries to financial managers, and from quality auditors to chartered marketers our courses will help you to develop and progress.
Our team of highly qualified and experienced tutors will be glad to discuss your career plans with you and advise on the most suitable courses. We currently run a whole range of part-time day and evening courses leading to a whole range of professional qualifications, including Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT), Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Institute of Legal Executives, Chartered Management Institute, Institute of Leadership and Management, Chartered Institute of Builders and many more.
Skills For Life
Skills for life covers Language, Literacy & Numeracy skills from entry level up to level 2.
If you feel you would like to improve your skills, phone 01733 558328 to book a taster session. You will receive a free assessment of your skills level and confidential advice from one of our friendly, specialist tutors.
All Skills for Life classes and qualifications are free. We can help you gain the Maths and English qualifications you may need to progress onto further qualifications, improve your job prospects or help your children.