What will I study in my Diploma?
The Diploma combines compulsory and optional subjects. Compulsory courses in your Diploma cover the main things you need to know about your chosen employment sector.
For example, in the Diploma in Environmental and Land-based Studies there are three principal learning themes:
-
The productive and working environment
-
Plants and animals
-
Developing the sustainable environment.
You will do English, maths and ICT unless you have already achieved these at the right level.
In addition, you will choose from a range of optional subjects. For example, if you’re studying for a Diploma in Environmental and Land-based Studies, you might choose to take a GCSE in Geography.
During your two-year course, you will spend at least 10 days in the workplace. You also need to complete a project, to explore a topic of interest to you in more depth and demonstrate that you have understood what you have learned. And, you’ll develop skills like creative thinking and self-management, which will be valuable to you in the future.
How does the Diploma fit in with other qualifications?
The Diploma is not replacing existing programmes like A Levels, NVQs and Apprenticeships. It is another option for you to consider. You can do a Diploma instead of A levels, or you can incorporate GCSEs or A levels into your Diploma. You can go from a Higher Diploma to A levels or an Apprenticeship and from GCSEs to an Advanced Diploma.
What qualification will I get at the end of it?
-
If you have taken a Foundation Diploma this will take about the same time to do as 5 GCSEs grades D - G.
-
If you have taken a Higher Diploma, this will take about the same time to do as 7 GCSEs grades A* - C.
-
If you have taken an Advanced Diploma, this will take about the same time to do as 3.5 A levels.
I haven’t done a Foundation or Higher Diploma, can I still do an Advanced Diploma?
Yes, you don’t need to have completed a Foundation Diploma to do a Higher or Advanced level Diploma.
How long does it take to do a Diploma?
An Advanced Diploma course will normally take two years. A Higher or Foundation Diploma course may take less than this if you are doing it aged 16 or over. Diplomas are made up of different parts so it is possible to build up towards a complete Diploma at your own pace, particularly if you are working as well.
Where will I study my Diploma?
Schools and colleges are working together to make sure that you get the best facilities and teachers in your area. You are likely to study your Diploma partly at college or school, and partly in a work environment.
Will the Diploma help me get a good job?
The Diploma was developed with employers, to help students get the skills, knowledge and experience they need to do well at work. Employers know that a Diploma student has the hands-on, work-related skills they need.
Will I be able to get into university with the Diploma?
The Advanced Diploma will be broadly equivalent to 3.5 A levels. So when you’re applying to college or university, if you have a Diploma they know you should have the kind of knowledge and skills they are looking for, both for relevant degree subjects and for higher level study more generally.
What is the difference between Diplomas and Apprenticeships?
Apprenticeships are for people who know the career they want to pursue. They provide training for specific jobs. Taking a Diploma will give you an insight into a particular industry sector, alongside a fully rounded education. So if you take the Diploma in Environmental and Land-based Studies, you can choose from a wide range of areas across related industries or something in a completely different area. Your Diploma will give you the skills that other employers and universities are looking for.