A Guide to Qualifications

An AS level is

• a single subject course available in a wide variety of subjects which is usually completed in one year
• the first part of an A level, consisting of 3 units
• an academic qualification in its own right that is valued by universities and employers

You can combine AS levels with other courses such as Vocational A levels or BTEC National Diplomas.

An A Level is

• a single subject course available in a wide variety of subjects which is usually completed in two years
• made up of an AS and an A2 in the same subject. An A2 is the second part of an A level, also consisting of 3 units 1 A level = 1 AS + A2 = 6 units
• designed to prepare you for Higher Education and a range of job opportunities.

As a full time A level student you can take 3, 4 or 5 AS levels in your first year of study and then complete 3 or 4 A levels in your second year.

A Vocational AS/A Level (formerly AVCE)

• an Advanced level qualification
• offered as a single award (equivalent to 1 A level) and a double award (equivalent to 2 A levels).

You can combine a Vocational AS/A level with other AS/A level subjects.

A GNVQ is

• a General National Vocational Qualification
• usually taught in a modular way
• designed to give you the knowledge and skills you need for employment or Higher Education
• available at 2 different levels, Foundation and Intermediate.

Your GCSE results will determine which level of course you can join.

An NVQ is

• a National Vocational Qualification
• available at different levels
• related to a specific career
• designed to give you the practical skills you need for a particular trade
• offered as a full-time or part-time course or combined with other qualifications.

A BTEC Diploma is

• available at First, National and Higher National level, according to your entry qualifications
• related to areas of work such as Sports Science or Design
• built up of a number of units for which you can gain a pass, merit or distinction grade
• designed to give you the knowledge and skills you need for employment or Higher Education.

Your GCSE results will determine which level of course you can join. You can combine a National Diploma with AS/A level subjects.

Key Skills are

• application of Number, Communication and ICT
• national qualifications
• available at different levels
• available to all full-time students
• highly valued by employers and higher education establishments.