Entry Level (E1-3)
These courses are typically for students who may not have the academic qualifications to go straight onto a Level 1 course. Entry Level courses give you additional communication, numeracy and study skills to help you progress on to a Level 1 course in your chosen area. Entry Level is available with Gateway Learning courses. No GCSEs or formal qualifications are required.
Level 1 Plus
For students who don’t necessarily have all of the academic qualifications to enter straight on to a Level 1 course, or who need additional support and are a level up from Entry Level, but not quite ready to dive straight into a Level 1 course. Most departments will have these courses, but please ask at your interview for more information.
Level 1 - Foundation
These courses provide a foundation from which you can progress on to a Level 2 course in the area of your choice. You will need at least two GCSE's at Grades E or F.
Level 2 - Intermediate
You can progress from a Level 1 course, or enter straight on to the course if you have at least 2 GCSE’s at Grade D in core curriculum subjects. For specialist crafts or trades, you may need a Level 1 City and Guilds qualification or a NVQ Level 1.
Level 3 - Advanced
These courses are essential for entry into university or Higher Education. You will usually need four or five GCSE's at A* – C, a BTEC First Diploma with a Merit, a NVQ Level 2 or equivalent.
Level 4/5 - Higher Education
These are courses that are 1st (Level 4) or 2nd year (Level 5) HND/FD/BA/BSc
You should be over 18 and have a relevant Level 3 qualification, such as Access to Higher Education, AS or A2, BTEC National Diploma, NVQ Level 3 or equivalent. You may also require a GCSE Grade C (minimum) in Maths and English.
(N.B.: Some courses may also require additional experience, a specific qualification, a portfolio of work or an audition).
Level 6 - Higher Education
These are are 3rd year HND/FD/BA/BSc courses. You will need the appropriate Level 4 and Level 5 qualifications.
Apprenticeship & Advanced Apprenticeship
We offer 2 Levels of Apprenticeship; Apprentice, which is Level 2 and Advanced Apprentice which is Level 3. Both levels are made up from a framework of qualifications which include an NVQ (a work based assessment of your skills), a Technical Certificate (which provides the knowledge and understanding of your trade) and a number of key skills such as literacy and numeracy, in order to meet the requirements set by your employer.