Level 3 Courses
| Qualification | To start you need | Type | How is it assessed? | What's it all about? | Where does it lead? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A levels | At least 4-5 GCSEs at grades 9-4, but might be more. You may need at least a grade 5/6 in subjects you wish to continue studying at A level. | Academic | Mainly exams at the end of the course. Some subjects will have non-exam assessments. | Two year academic courses in subjects like maths, English, languages and sciences but you can also start new subjects. Lots of theory and written work. | Higher Education (university & college degree courses), employment, an apprenticeship, or professional or technical training. |
| AS levels | 4-5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 or Technical Certificate. | Academic | Mainly exams at the end of the course. Some subjects will have non-exam assessments. | A one year course which you may take alongside A levels or other qualifications. | Employment or training, an apprenticeship or can be used with other qualifications for entry into Higher Education. |
T Levels (new from September 2020) | You will need to check entry requirements with any sixth form or college offering T Levels | Technical | A mix of academic and technical study plus practical experience gained with an employer as part of an industry placement. | Develop the skills and knowledge needed to operate in a particular occupational specialism. Subject areas currently being offered include Digital, Construction, Education & Childcare, Health and Science. | Skilled technical employment, Higher Education (university & college degree courses), an apprenticeship or professional or technical training |
Applied General Qualifications (such as BTEC Nationals and OCR Cambridge Technicals) | 4 GCSEs at grades 9-4 or other Level 2 qualification | Applied general | Applied learning through practical and written assignments, tasks and exams | Develop practical skills and knowledge in a vocational area. Can be combined with A levels. Extended Diploma is equivalent to 3 A levels, a Diploma to 2 A levels, Extended Certificate to 1 A level and Certificate to 1 AS level. | Higher Education (university & college degree courses), employment, an apprenticeship or professional or technical training |
Tech Levels (such as BTEC Nationals, OCR Cambridge Technicals, City & Guilds Advanced Technicals) | 4 GCSEs at grades 9-4, a Technical Certificate or other Level 2 qualification | Vocational or technical | Practical and written assignments, tasks and exams. If you take one or more tech levels, a level 3 maths qualification and undertake an extended project you will achieve a Technical Baccalaureate | Enable you to specialise for roles within a specific industry such as agriculture, digital media, construction, health and social care. Can be studied alongside A levels. As for applied general qualifications they are available as diplomas and certificates. | Higher Education (university & college degree courses), employment, an apprenticeship or professional or technical training |
NVQ 3 | Vary, often 4 GCSEs at grades 9-4, a Technical Certificate or NVQ 2 | Vocational or technical | Emphasis on recording practical experience and assessment of you doing the actual job. | Training for a particular job, Usually offered as part of an apprenticeship rather than full-time study at college. | Further technical or professional training or a higher level apprenticeship |