Qualification Levels & Entry Requirements

For most courses your level of study will depend on the qualifications you have achieved already, but the opportunity is there for you to work your way up.

Use the guide below as an indication of what is expected at each Level.

For detailed information and entry requirements on any of our courses, view our courses

If you don’t meet the entry requirements for your chosen course you may still be able to study the subject but at a different level.

Entry Level 2

Designed to give learners the opportunity to engage in learning, which is relevant to them, providing opportunities to develop key skills, a range of life skills, personal skills, and attributes, and develop interests in different areas which may enable progression to further study or supported employment

No formal entry requirements, however an informal interview will be held. During the interview, an initial assessment will be completed to assess a variety of skills. Students’ social and emotional needs will be discussed to ensure the course is suitable for learners’ needs

Most learners will be working towards Entry 2

Entry Level 3

These courses will help you build up skills, experience and gain confidence to progress to Level 1

You must be working at Entry Level 2 in Literacy and Numeracy. Working towards Entry 3 qualifications.

Once you have applied, you will be invited to attend an interview, and undertake a short assessment in literacy and numeracy, to establish any support required.

Level 1

These courses will help you progress on to Level 2 courses or into employment. They will prepare you with the skills in a specific trade/career.

You will normally require 3 GCSEs at grades A*- E including Maths/Numeracy and English Language/Welsh (First Language) or successful completion of an Entry 3 Foundation qualification.

Level 2

These courses allow you to begin specialising in an area you want to pursue as a career.

You will require 4 GCSEs at grades A*- D including Maths/Numeracy and English Language/Welsh (First Language) or a Level 1 in a related vocational subject.

Level 3

These allow you to develop specific work-related skills and knowledge. They include vocational qualifications (including Extended Diplomas, Diplomas, Certificates) and apprenticeships.

A triple distinction star grade (DDD) on a Level 3 vocational course is equivalent to three A* grades at A Level.

You will normally require 5 GCSEs at grades A*- C including Maths/Numeracy, English Language/Welsh (First Language) or a Level 2 qualification with the appropriate selection of units.

On some courses specific subjects may be required.

For an Apprenticeship you will need Maths/Numeracy and English Language/Welsh (First Language) at GCSE C or above

Level 4/5 (Higher Education)

Our HNC’s, HND’s and Foundation Degree courses are classed as Level 4/5.

Entry requirements for courses are typically completion of an appropriate Level 3 Vocational courses, or two A Levels, or Access to Higher Education qualification

Consideration is given to individual circumstances

Level 6 (Higher Education)

This applies to our Bachelor Degree (BA Hons) and Professional Graduate Certificate in Education courses (PgCe)

Entry requirements for these courses are typically completion of an HNC/HND/Foundation Degree in a related subject.