About levels
When you’re looking at the courses that interest you, you’ll often see things like ‘entry level’ or ‘level 1’ next to them. So what does this actually mean?
Every course you will be studying is linked to a qualification. Different types of qualification are grouped together into various ‘levels’. This can help you see how different levels fit together and how one type can lead to another type. Examples of qualifications under each level can be seen below:
| Level |
Examples |
| Entry Level |
e.g - Entry level certificates, Skills for Life at entry level |
| Level 1 |
e.g. GCSEs (grades D-G), NVQs, BTECs (Introductory Diplomas and Certificates), Key skills level 1, Foundation Diploma |
| Level 2 |
e.g. GCSEs (grades A* - C), BTEC (First Diploma and Certificates), NVQs, Key Skills level 2, Higher Diploma |
| Level 3 |
e.g. A Levels, International Baccalaureate, Key Skills level 3, BTEC (Diploma, Certificates and awards etc), Advanced Diploma |
| Level 4 - 5 |
e.g. Key skills level 4, NVQs, BTEC (Professional Diploma, Certificates and Awards), HNCs and HNDs |
| Level 6 - 8 |
e.g. Bachelor Degrees, Masters Degrees, Doctorates, National Diploma in Professional Production Skills, BTEC (Advanced Professional Diplomas, Certificates and Awards), Masters |
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