Levels and qualifications
To help you understand the references to different qualifications, here is a quick guide:
Academic/Vocational
Academic is used to describe the study of a subject, sometimes to a high level. Vocational is used to describe courses which help you learn skills which are work-related.
AS/A2 Level and GCSE
If you study two or three subjects at Advanced level, you may be able to apply for a Higher Education course at university. The traditional structure of GCEs is changed from 2000/01. In general terms Advanced GCEs will be awarded upon successful completion of 6 elements or units. These can be studied in one or two years. The new award (Advanced Subsidiary or AS) is awarded after successful completion of the first 3 units. These are compulsory if the full Advanced GCE is to be attempted.
GCSEs allow you to progress towards Advanced levels or National Diploma courses (eg BTEC).
Access to Higher Education
Access courses enable you to apply for Higher Education without A levels. They are suitable if you are over twenty-one and have missed out at school.
BTEC/EDEXCEL
The Business and Technology Education Council (now known as EDEXCEL) works with Colleges, Schools and Employers to develop work-related courses. The College offers BTEC GNVQs at Intermediate level, together with First Certificate and National Diplomas.
Birkbeck College
The College, in conjunction with Birkbeck College for Extra-Mural Studies, organises courses for students who wish to study for a Certificate or Diploma from the University of London.
City & Guilds (part of aqa)
City & Guilds offers vocational qualifications which test practical and work-related skills.
Foundation Courses
Foundation courses provide an introduction to a technical or practical area. Some foundation courses can be used as a qualification for entry to Higher Education.
Further Education Further Education Colleges offer full and part-time courses in the day and evening. Courses offered teach both academic, practical and work related skills.
Higher Education
If you wish to take a higher education course at university, you will need two or three A levels or have successfully completed an Access, Foundation, BTEC National course or equivalent new _Higher Education_.
NVQ
National Vocational Qualifications enable you to gain qualifications for the skills you learn at work. Some courses in the College offer knowledge and understanding when practised with skills gained in the workplace and enable achievement of the qualification.
LOCN
Various skills-based courses offer London Open College Network credits. They are recognised by universities and colleges as an alternative to GCSEs and A levels. Credits can be accumulated on a termly basis and are transferable from year to year and course to course.
OCR (Oxford & Cambridge Royal Society of Arts)
The OCR is an examination board offering courses in many vocational areas ranging from basic skills to higher education. Assessment is usually by written examination.
Further information on these qualifications can be found on the course information sheets which can be obtained by calling the Course Information Line on 020 7573 5333.
Explanation of Levels
Level 1
Courses that provide a foundation of knowledge and skill. Examples of these courses are LOCN 1 and NVQ 1 courses.
Level 2
Courses that develop a broader range of knowledge and skills by building on the foundations of level 1. Examples of these courses are GCSE, LOCN 2 or NVQ Level 2.
Level 3
Courses that develop skills and understanding of more complex issues, which can lead directly to University entrance and level 4 work. Examples of these courses are A/AS Levels, LOCN 3, Access to Higher Education and NVQ 3.
Level 4
Study at degree/Higher National Diploma level.
Please note that these levels do not apply to Foreign Languages.
