Qualifications Guide
Ways in which to learn and gain qualifications are changing, courses are now more flexible and there is a broader range to choose from. It can be quite confusing, but these pages will help you by explaining the different qualifications and the levels.
HCT specialises in offering vocational programmes. These are courses, often with a large practical element, on which you will learn about specific crafts and industry, whilst developing skills relevant to the workplace or entry into higher education, often gaining a range of qualifications.
For many young people the academic route after school is not suited to their way of learning. There are so many opportunities to train and develop skills in other ways.
Entry level courses
These courses are suitable for people who have finished school, have few or no formal qualifications and may have learning difficulties. Extra support may be required to assist learning. From Entry level courses, students can progress onto Foundation courses in their chosen area.
Foundation Level courses
These level 1 courses are usually completed over 1 year. Students will need to show enthusiasm and commitment to the programme. Successful completion can then lead to the study of level 2 courses, or into an Apprenticeship. For many practical subjects where hand skills need to be developed alongside “job knowledge”, this is the starting point on the ladder to a career.
Note: a further year of level 1 study may be required when progressing to a specific trade or apprenticeship programme.
First Diplomas
These are full-time, year-long level 2 (intermediate) courses and are the equivalent to 4-5 GCSEs at grade C or above. You will usually be required to have a few GCSEs at grades D-G to start a course at this level, or to have successfully completed a foundation programme. These qualifications are designed to enable you to learn about the industry you wish to enter. First Diploma courses have an emphasis on practical, work-related projects and assignments. You will develop skills that will help you either start your career or progress onto a level 3 qualification.
National Awards, Certificates and Diplomas
An Award is a 6 unit course and the equivalent to one A Level qualification*. A Certificate (usually 1 year full-time study) is a 12 unit course and the equivalent to two A Level qualifications*. Students who choose to progress from a Certificate onto a Diploma study for another year in order to complete 18 units in total. Diplomas (usually 2 year full-time study) are 18 unit programmes and the equivalent to three A Level qualifications*. National Diplomas are full level 3 (advanced) courses. They are widely accepted by Universities as an entry qualification. These courses will give you a broad-based vocational understanding of your chosen career. You will usually be required to have four GCSEs at grades A-C, a first diploma or an NVQ level 2 for entry onto a course at this level.
* Exact equivalents will depend on grade achieved and UCAS points gained.
Higher National Certificates and Diplomas (HNCs and HNDs)
These are level 4 programmes and take two years to complete. These are known as ‘Higher Education’ courses. See Higher Education section.
Foundation Degrees are qualifications designed with employers and combine academic study with workplace learning to equip people with the relevant knowledge, understanding and skills to improve performance and productivity.
NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications)
NVQs relate to real work, testing how competent you are in carrying out the tasks of a particular job. To achieve NVQs, your ability to perform across a variety of skills is assessed practically, (rather than by sitting exams). You will be required to produce a portfolio of evidence. Normally you will need to be in work to take an NVQ. The work should relate to the NVQ subject area.
NVQ's can be gained at 5 levels:
- Level 1 – Basic / Foundation level skills are assessed, most of which may be routine in the chosen job.
- Level 2 – Craft / Practical levels skills are assessed, the equivalent to GCSEs at grade C or above. Some of the activities may be complex or non-routine and some individual level of responsibility will be involved.
- Level 3 – Technician / Supervisory level. This is the equivalent to 2 A-Levels or AVCE Double Award. Activities are mainly complex and non-routine. There will be considerable personal responsibility and the supervision of others will often be required.
- Level 4 - Higher Technician, Junior Management.
- Level 5 - Professional, Middle Management.
Apprenticeships
See Apprenticeships section
Awarding Bodies
The majority of our qualifications are approved by the Quality Curriculum Authority, which means they are nationally recognised qualifications. They are accredited through nationally recognised awarding bodies or higher educational establishments, for example; Edexcel, OCR (Oxford and Cambridge Royal Society of Arts) and City & Guilds.
(BVNA) British Veterinary Nursing Association is the national representative body for Veterinary Nurses
(RCVS) Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. The RCVS is the regulatory body for veterinary surgeons in the UK.
