Level 3 courses are equivalent to A Levels.
BTEC National Certificate/Diploma/Award
These courses develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed in broad work-related areas such as building studies or music technology, media, performance, and ICT. A BTEC National Certificate qualification is the equivalent of two A Levels.
AS/A2 Level (formerly A Level)
You could choose to study AS/A2 Levels as a route into higher education or into employment. AS/A2 Levels are normally taken over two years and are designed to develop your knowledge, skills and understanding of a particular subject.
AS/A2 Levels are broken down into six units with exams for the first three units (the AS Levels) being taken in June of Year
1 and the final three units (the A2 Level) being taken at the same time in Year 2. Students will be expected to successfully
complete the AS Level before proceeding to the A2 Level.
Access to Higher Education
Access courses enable you to apply for higher education courses. They are suitable if you don’t have the formal qualifications for direct entry to university. They develop your study skills and enable you to take a different route into higher education.
What qualifications do I need to apply?
4 or 5 GCSEs at grade A* – C or a Level 2 qualification
What could I do next?
Level 4 – 6 courses, higher education or move into employment