Course Levels Explained

Helping you to understand which course level is right for you.

Guide to Course Levels

This acts as a guide to the course levels and their entry requirements. Specific criteria for individual courses can be found on their course pages within this website.

Entry Level

Get the basic skills, confidence and independence to progress further in your studies. They are not geared towards specific occupations.

Types of Qualification

  • Entry Level Certificate
  • Basic Literacy (English)
  • Basic Numeracy (maths)

Entry Requirements

  • No formal qualifications are required
  • Acceptance on these courses is by interview

Level 1

Designed for students with little or no experience. A great way to develop your knowledge, skills and confidence for further study.

Types of Qualification

  • Introductory Diploma
  • NVQ Level 1

Entry Requirements

Entry Level 3 Certificate OR GCSEs grade 3-1 / D-G including English and maths

Level 2

Get a good knowledge and understanding of a subject, and develop the basic skills and techniques you need for working in your chosen career. Prepare for an apprenticeship, a Level 3 course, T Level, or entry-level work. Most employers use this as their minimum entry requirement.

Types of Qualification

  • Level 2 Diploma
  • NVQ Level 2
  • Intermediate Apprenticeship
  • GCSEs

Entry Requirements

Relevant Level 1 qualification OR 4 GCSEs grade 9-3 / A*-D including English and maths

Level 3

Build on the skills learned at Level 2 or in your GCSEs to an advanced level. Prepare for university, a higher apprenticeship, or work.

Types of Qualification

  • Level 3 Diploma
  • NVQ Level 3
  • Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Access to Higher Education

Entry Requirements

Relevant Level 2 qualification OR 5 GCSEs grade 9-4 / A*-C including English and maths

Level 4

Equivalent to first year degree level. 

Types of Qualification

  • Higher National Certificate (HNC)
  • NVQ Level 4
  • Certificate of Higher Education
  • Higher Apprenticeship

Entry Requirements

Relevant level 3 qualification or substantial experience in the subject 

Level 5

Equivalent to second year degree level.

Types of Qualification

  • Higher National Diploma (HND)
  • NVQ Level 5
  • Foundation degree
  • Diploma of Higher Education
  • Higher Apprenticeship

Entry Requirements

Relevant level 4 qualification or substantial experience in the subject 

Level 6 & 7

Equivalent to a degree or Masters

Types of Qualification

  • Degree or Master's Degree
  • Postgraduate Diploma
  • Degree Apprenticeship

Entry Requirements

Relevant level 5 qualification or substantial experience in the subject