Level 3 Courses
Level 3 courses are a great option if you're ready to specialise in a subject, develop advanced skills, or prepare for university, higher-level apprenticeships or skilled employment.
Level 3 qualifications are broadly equivalent to A Levels.
Most Level 3 courses can help you progress to university and higher education, Higher and Degree Apprenticeships, Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs), professional training programmes, or employment in your chosen career area.
Many careers require you to achieve a Level 3 qualification before progressing to higher-level study or professional training.
Is a Level 3 course right for me?
If you:
- Want to develop advanced knowledge and skills in a subject you enjoy
- Are considering university or higher education
- Would like to prepare for a Higher or Degree Apprenticeship
- Have achieved Level 2 qualifications and/or GCSEs and are ready for the next step
- Want to gain qualifications valued by universities and employers
- Have a clear career goal and want to work towards it
then a Level 3 course could be right for you.
Find out more
Level 3 courses are available in a wide range of subject areas, including:
- Business
- Construction and the built environment
- Engineering
- Health and social care
- Childcare and education
- Science
- Computing and digital technologies
- Media and creative industries
- Art and design
- Sport and fitness
- Public services
- Travel and tourism
- Agriculture and land-based studies
- Hair and beauty
- Hospitality and catering
Courses may be academic (eg A Levels), vocational or technical (eg BTECs, T Levels) and you may be able to choose a mix of both, depending on the provider and subject areas.
Level 3 courses are offered by a variety of education and training providers across Norfolk, including:
- Sixth form colleges
- Further education colleges
- Specialist training providers
- School sixth forms
- Apprenticeship providers
Check out what's available and where in the Courses and Apprenticeships section
Entry requirements vary depending on the course and provider, but you will usually need:
- A Level 2 qualification in a relevant subject and/or
- GCSEs at grades 4-9, often including English and maths
- Evidence of commitment to your chosen area of study
Most providers will invite applicants to attend an interview before offering you a place, which may be conditional on you achieving certain grades.
Assessment methods vary depending on the qualification and subject area, but may include:
- Coursework and assignments
- Practical assessments
- Projects and portfolios
- Employer-set projects (on some technical qualifications)
- Presentations and professional discussions
- Written examinations
Many Level 3 vocational and technical courses combine practical and theoretical assessment to prepare learners for progression into higher education or employment.
Academic courses such as A Levels are mainly assessed through examinations.
Examples of Level 3 qualifications include:
- A Levels
- T Levels
- BTEC Nationals
- OCR Cambridge Technicals
- City & Guilds Level 3 Diplomas
- UAL Level 3 Diplomas
- Advanced Apprenticeships