The Diploma

What is the Diploma?

The Diploma is a new qualification that schools, colleges, employers and universities helped to develop. It's not yet available everywhere but it will be soon. You can take a Diploma at three levels:

Foundation - equivalent to 5 GCSEs at grades D to G

Higher - equivalent to 7 GCSEs at grades A* to C

Advanced - equivalent to 3.5 A Levels. There's also a shorter Progression Diploma equivalent to 2.5 A Levels. The Progression Diploma has no optional elements.

Back to top

What are the entry requirements?

These depend on the level of the Diploma and where you choose to study. Your local online 14-19 prospectus will have these details. As well as having suitable qualifications, you must show an interest in the subject and enjoy doing some of your learning in a practical way. You must also be willing to travel as you may need to take part of your course at another school or college in your area.

Back to top

What subjects can I do?

You pick a subject from those that local partnerships of schools and colleges offer. Look at your local online 14-19 prospectus to see what's available. Your choices could include: Business, Administration and Finance; Construction and the Built Environment; Creative and Media; Engineering; Environmental and Land-based Studies; Hair and Beauty Studies; Hospitality; Information Technology (IT); Manufacturing and Product Design; Public Services; Retail Business; Society, Health and Development; Sport and Active Leisure; and Travel and Tourism.

Back to top

What is the course like?

It has three parts:

• learning about your Diploma subject
• the essential skills you need for everyday life, in learning and at work - including functional and personal, learning and thinking skills, a research project and at least 10 days working with an employer. If you're working towards a level 3 Advanced or Progression Diploma, you'll do the Extended Project qualification
• a choice of other subjects to help you understand more about your Diploma subject or to fulfil a personal interest - these can include GCSEs, A/AS Levels and vocational qualifications like BTEC awards (normally at the same level of your course, for example an A Level in an Advanced Diploma).

Back to top

How is it assessed?

Each part of the course is assessed separately through a mix of examinations and internal assessment, including practical tasks. You must pass all parts of the course to gain the Diploma. You'll get a transcript showing your overall grade and your achievements in each part of the Diploma. You'll also get separate certificates for each qualification you gain.

Back to top

Where does it lead?

The Diploma doesn't qualify you to do a specific job but it does prepare you for work and further learning. Depending on the level of your Diploma you could go on to:

• a higher level Diploma in the same or a different subject
• GCSEs and A/AS Levels
• higher education - for example, to do an honours degree, a Foundation degree, or a Higher National Certificate or Diploma
• an Apprenticeship
• an industry training scheme or another job with training
• a vocational course that will qualify you to do a specific job.

Back to top