This means that the course doesn't come with any kind of qualification. You might do it for the experience or just to learn a skill
This means you'll get a certificate at the end to prove you've completed the course. You won't have to do any exams, you'll just be given something to show you turned up and learnt something
The Functional Skill qualification is awarded to people who have completed a course that shows them how to apply maths and/or English to real life situations. You will be assessed in order to achieve this
This essentially means you'll come away with a basic ability at literacy and numeracy. These qualifications and courses are often for adults who didn't reach a high enough level in these in school
Pre-apprenticeship courses are aimed at getting you ready to do an apprenticeship. If you hold one of these qualifications, it will help you take the next step when you're ready
NVQ stands for National Vocational Qualification and will cover skills needed in a particular area of work. Level 1 NVQs teach the basics and will provide you with a starter to study more. They're equivalent to GCSEs grades D-G
The same as an NVQ but for Scotland (stands for Scottish Vocational Qualification), the SVQ level one covers skills needed in a particular area of work. Level 1 SVQs teach the basics and will provide you with a starter to study more. They're equivalent to GCSEs grades D-G
National Qualifications are based in Scotland and are taken by students in school and college, depending on the level. Like GCSEs in England, they cover a range of subjects and aim to prepare you for further education or work. This level is the first and most basic level of National you can do
National qualifications are based in Scotland and are taken by students in school and college, depending on the level. Like GCSEs in England, they cover a range of subjects and aim to prepare you for further education or work. This level is the first and most next level up from the most basic level of National qualification you can do
National qualifications are based in Scotland and are taken by students in school and college, depending on the level. Like GCSEs in England, they cover a range of subjects and aim to prepare you for further education or work. This is the 'intermediate' level of National you can do
GCSE stands for General Certificate of Secondary Education and sit at levels 1 and 2 on the QCF. This means they give you a grounding in a subject that will prepare you for further education or work
Delivered by course providers in Wales, this qualification is at the same level as GCSEs and often chosen as an alternative
This term encompasses any qualification that you can achieve that will be focused on preparing you for a specific workplace
Intermediate apprenticeships are the equivalent to GCSEs grades A* to C. They are workplace-based qualifications where you learn by doing (and get paid too!) and only spend a short time in college
These qualifications, though usually based in a college or school, prepare you for the workplace by teaching you relevant practical skills alongside theory. They are equivalent to GCSEs
NVQ stands for National Vocational Qualification and will cover skills needed in a particular area of work. Level 2 NVQs will require you have some knowledge in the subject and will take basic skills a little further. They're equivalent to GCSEs grades A*-C
The same as an NVQ but for Scotland (stands for Scottish Vocational Qualification), the SVQ Level 2 build on the basics and will provide you with a starter to study more. They're equivalent to GCSEs grades A*-C
Advanced apprenticeships are the equivalent to A Levels. They are workplace-based qualifications where you learn by doing (and get paid too!) and only spend a short time in college
These are academic qualifications aimed at giving you higher expertise in certain subjects, preparing you for work or for further education
These are academic qualifications aimed at giving you higher expertise in certain subjects, preparing you for work or for further education
This qualification is recognised worldwide and is equivalent to GCSEs. It covers a range of subjects
These qualifications, though usually based in a college or school, prepare you for the workplace by teaching you relevant practical skills alongside theory. They are equivalent to A Levels
NVQ stands for National Vocational Qualification and will cover skills needed in a particular area of work. Level 3 NVQs will require you have some knowledge in the subject and will take your learning to a higher level. They're equivalent to A Levels
The same as an NVQ but for Scotland (stands for Scottish Vocational Qualification), the SVQ level one covers skills needed in a particular area of work. They're equivalent to A Levels
National Qualifications are based in Scotland and are taken by students in school and college, depending on the level. Like GCSEs in England, they cover a range of subjects and aim to prepare you for further education or work. This is the 'higher' level of National qualification you can do
National Qualifications are based in Scotland and are taken by students in school and college, depending on the level. Like GCSEs in England, they cover a range of subjects and aim to prepare you for further education or work. This is the 'advanced higher' level of National qualification you can do
This is a qualification aimed at preparing you for university if you don't have the traditional A Level/GCSE level of study. Usually focused on a specific subject it will get you ready to take a degree in that area on finishing
This qualification is aimed at getting you ready to take a degree in a creative subject. It is equivalent to a foundation degree
NVQ Level 4 and relevant components
The same as an NVQ but for Scotland (stands for Scottish Vocational Qualification), the SVQ level one covers skills needed in a particular area of work. Level 4 takes your learning to a much higher level. They're equivalent to undergraduate degrees
Higher apprenticeships are the equivalent to a foundation degree. They are workplace-based qualifications where you learn by doing (and get paid too!) and will only spend a short time in college
NVQ stands for National Vocational Qualification and will cover skills needed in a particular area of work. Level 5 NVQs are usually for experienced managers in the workplace. They're equivalent to undergraduate degrees
The same as an NVQ but for Scotland (stands for Scottish Vocational Qualification), the SVQ level one covers skills needed in a particular area of work. Level 5 SVQs take your learning to a much higher level - often for experienced managers. They're equivalent to undergraduate degrees
This means the qualification you gain can be transferred to other locations in the UK and employers will be familiar with the level you've studied at
This term encompasses qualifications that you can use in the workplace of a particular industry. Usually awarded by professional and industry-based organisations, these qualifications will be familiar to employers in certain areas of work
This means the qualification is awarded by an external body. It may therefore include an assessed element
This means the qualification is awarded by the course provider but that you do get a real qualification at the end, it's just that they award it in-house. There will be an assessment to get this
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