Diploma Overview
Diplomas provide an alternative to traditional learning and are the biggest change to the country's education system since the introduction of the GCSEs. Developed in partnership with employers, Diplomas have been introduced to increase further education and employability opportunities for 14-19 year olds by providing:
- an alternative to traditional styles of learning
- high quality, credible, work-related learning opportunities
- an exciting, stretching and relevant program of learning
- flexibility to progress into work or continue into further or higher education
- a combination of essential skills and knowledge - including Personal, Learning and Thinking Skills
- exposure to sectors and industries of interest.
Through the combination of theoretical study and practical learning, Diplomas will equip young people with the knowledge, skills and attitudes they need to succeed.
Diploma levels and components
The Diplomas are comprised of 3 key learning areas:
- Principal Learning - focuses on developing relevant knowledge, skills and attitudes related to the primary line of learning (eg. Creative and Media)
- Generic Learning - developing the broad essential skills and knowledge for learning, employment and personal development, comprises of Functional Skills (English, Mathematics, ICT), Personal, Learning and Thinking Skills (PLTS), work experience and a project.
- Additional and Specialist Learning (ASL) - a range of employer endorsed study options allowing students to specialise or take up complementary learning.
Consortia sometimes ask about equivalencies between Principal Learning and GCE/GCSE qualifications. Unfortunately the equivalencies are different depending on whether Guided Learning Hours (GLH), school and college achievement and attainment tables (SCAAT) points or (at Advanced Level) UCAS points are used to calculate them. However, the same equivalencies apply across all Component (CAB) and Diploma (DAB) Awarding Bodies. AQA-City & Guilds has asked Ofqual to provide further guidance, and if any further information becomes available it will be displayed here.
In the meantime, QCDA's website contains a table of SCATT points and glhs for various qualifications, from which equivalences on those bases can be calculated: www.qcda.gov.uk/15536.aspx
Diplomas are available at three levels - Foundation (Level 1), Higher (Level 2) and Advanced/Progression (Level 3). The structure for each level varies as follows:
| Diploma Level | Principal Learning | Generic Learning | Additional and Specialist Learning | Equivalent to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main subject eg. IT |
Project | Functional Skills | Work experience | Optional courses - A Levels, GCSEs, Vocational Qualifications, BTECs | ||
| Foundation Diploma (Level 1) | Practical assessments + 1 exam |
Foundation Project | ICT/ Maths/ English Level 1 | Minimum 10 days | 120 Guided Learning Hours | 5 GCSEs |
| Higher Diploma (Level 2) | Practical assessments + 1 exam |
Higher Project | ICT/ Maths/ English Level 2 | Minimum 10 days | 180 Guided Learning Hours | 7 GCSEs |
| Advanced Diploma (Level 3) | Practical assessments + 2-3 exams |
Extended Project | ICT/ Maths/ English Level 2 | Minimum 10 days | 360 Guided Learning Hours | 3.5 A Levels |
| Progression Diploma (Level 3) | Practical assessments + 2-3 exams |
Extended Project | ICT/ Maths/ English Level 2 | Minimum 10 days | Not required | 2.5 A Levels |