Not sure about the difference between what our course levels mean? Use this handy guide to explain all the different levels of every course we offer!
What does each level mean?
Requirements:
These qualifications are for students who have no prior qualifications. Each entry level qualification is available at three sub-levels - 1, 2 and 3. Entry level 3 is the most difficult.
Qualification types at this level include:
- Entry level diplomas, certificates and awards
- Entry level ESOL (English for speakers of other languages)
- Entry level essential skills
Requirements:
For a level 1 course you will typically need 4-5 GCSEs at grades from 3-1 including English and maths at grades 2-3. Certain courses may require an initial assessment before you can start.
Qualification types at this level include:
- Level 1 diplomas
- Level 1 short courses
- BTEC level 1 awards
- Level 1 AAT certificates
Requirements:
Typically you will need 4 GCSEs at grades 9-3. Some subjects may require an additional subject to be grades 9-4 such as science. Alternatively some subjects will only require a level 1 in the relevant subject area or relevant experience.
Qualification types at this level include:
- Level 2 Diplomas
- Level 2 AAT certificates
- Training Qualifications (TQUK) level 2 certificate
- Level 2 functional skills
Requirements:
The typical requirements for studying a level 3 course are: 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 (including English and maths) or a level 2 qualification from a related course.
Qualification types at this level include:
- A Levels
- Advanced apprenticeships
- Access to Higher Education
- Level 3 diplomas
- T Levels
Requirements:
You can typically study a Foundation Degree (Level 4) course if you hold a Level 3 qualification from a related course. Level 4 courses can be best described as equivalent to 1 year of an undergraduate degree (Level 6).
Qualification types at this level include:
- Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE)
- Higher Apprenticeship
- Higher National Certificate (HNC)
- Level 4 award, certificate, or diploma
- Level 4 National Vocational Qualification (NVQ)
Requirements:
A Level 5 qualification is a higher education qualification, typically equivalent to the second year of a university degree.
Qualification types at this level include:
- Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE)
- Foundation Degree
- Higher National Diploma (HND)
- Level 5 award, certificate or diploma
- Level 5 National Vocational Qualification (NVQ)
Requirements:
You can typically study a Level 6 course if you hold a Foundation Degree or equivalent Level 5 qualification. Studying a full-time Level 6 qualification would typically be three years.
Qualification types at this level include:
- Degree Apprenticeship
- Honours Degree – for example Bachelor of the Arts BA (Hons), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Engineering (BEng)
- Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma
- Level 6 award, certificate or diploma
- Level 6 National Vocational Qualification (NVQ)
- Ordinary Bachelor’s Degree without honours
- Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
Requirements:
You can typically study a Level 7 course if you hold a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent Level 6 qualification.
Qualification types at this level include:
- Masters Degree, example (MA), (MSc) or (MEng)
- Level 7 award, certificate or diploma
- Level 7 National Vocational Qualification (NVQ)
- Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
Browse the range of courses we offer
With over 500 courses across a variety of faculty areas, we're sure you can find the perfect course that's right for you.
