General Diploma FAQs

What is a Diploma?

The Diploma is a new qualification designed to recognise achievement of the 14 - 19 learner group. It combines practical skill development with theoretical and technical understanding and knowledge. Diplomas:

Provide credible, industry-verified applied learning, linked to interdependent general learning, with real opportunities to practise skills.

Open up choices for young people.

Offer routes into further or higher education, apprenticeships or employment.

Why have Diplomas been introduced?

Diplomas have been introduced as part of a range of changes to 14-19 education that aim to widen the choice of courses available to young people, motivate them and encourage them to continue learning for longer. The Diploma blends theoretical and applied learning with key Functional Skills (English, Mathematics and ICT) in a work-related context to allow learners to develop a broad skills base to move into further education or employment.

Are Diplomas replacing A Levels and GCSEs?

No. Diplomas will sit alongside GCSEs and A Levels and can be studied as either an alternative or in combination with them.

What is a Sector Skills Council?

Sector Skills Councils are employer-led organisations covering all sectors of the economy which are responsible for tackling the skills, productivity needs and training in the UK.

What are Diploma Lines of Learning?

Lines of learning are the 14 qualifications that are being developed over the next three years across a sector. View our lines of learning here.

What does a Diploma involve?

The Diploma is comprised of compulsory and optional elements. Compulsory elements include Principal Learning (a qualification based on your chosen subject eg. engineering), Functional Skills (English, Mathematics and ICT), a Project and 10 days work experience (at each level). Optional elements include Additional and Specialist Learning, which are programs selected by the learner in consultation with the teacher, that allow the learner to explore a specialist area or broader area such as a language. This balanced learning approach will allow learners to develop Personal, Learning and Thinking Skills and knowledge to prepare for further education or work.

How does the Diploma relate to the national curriculum?

Key stages 3 and 4 have been altered, which will be phased in from September 2008, with the introduction of the Diplomas. Functional Skills (English, mathematics and ICT) have been built into the new curriculum. They have been written in the same format as the subject programmes of study, increasing coherence of learning at key stage 4.

What is the difference between each Diploma level?

Each level of the Diploma is structured as follows:

		Principal Learning	Generic Learning			Additional and Specialist Learning
		Main Subject eg. Creative and Media	Project	Functional Skills	Work Experience	Optional courses agreed with course coordinator
Foundation Diploma	Practical assessments + 1 exam		Foundation Project	ICT / Maths / English Level 1	Minimum 10 days	Choose from qualifications including: Vocational qualifications GCSEs A levels
Higher Diploma	Practical assessments + 1 exam		Higher Project	ICT / Maths / English Level 2	Minimum 10 days
Advanced Diploma	Practical assessments + 2 or 3 exams		Extended Project	ICT / Maths / English Level 2	Minimum 10 days
Progression Diploma	Practical assessments + 2 or 3 exams		Extended Project	ICT / Maths / English Level 2	Minimum 10 days	Not required

What is the Progression Diploma?

This is a variant on the Level 3 Advanced Diploma, which does not require that learners complete the ASL (and which thus attains fewer UCAS points)

How does the Diploma compare to A Levels and GCSEs?

In terms of challenge and length of study each level of the diploma is broadly comparable as follows:

Study Level	Equivalent to	Guided Learning Hours
Foundation Diploma (Level 1)	5 GCSEs (D-G grade)	600
Higher Diploma (Level 2)	7 GCSEs (A*-C grade)	800
Advanced Diploma (Level 3)	3.5 A levels (A*-E grade)	1080
Progression Diploma (Level 3)	2.5 A Levels (A*-E grade)	720

How many points are Diplomas worth?

The Diploma has extra points awarded to it to recognise achievement of the whole qualification and passing all elements of the Diploma, in addition to the points awarded to the component parts of the qualification. Therefore the score for the Diploma is greater than those awarded for the combination of PL and EP as it includes an extra allocation awarded for completion of key/functional skills, personal learning and thinking skills (PLTS) and work experience. Whilst these generic learning components do not attract Tariff points if taken as stand alone activities they are included within the Tariff considerations as students cannot achieve the Diploma without successfully completing them. Tariff points for ASL qualifications are additional to those awarded for achievement of the Diploma grade.

With regards to the assignment of these recognition points, they are awarded in line with the overall Diploma grade (which comes from achievement in Principal Learning and Extended Project). Should you wish to learn more about Diploma aggregation rules, they are available in Chapter 4 of Ofqual’s document Ofqual/08/3865, Arrangement for awarding and setting standards in the Diploma (http://www.ofqual.gov.uk/files/ofqual-08-3865_DASG_report.pdf)

Level 3

Progression Diploma (Points for the Progression Diploma come into effect for entry to Higher Education from 2010 onwards).

Grade	Tariff Points
A*	350
A	300
B	250
C	200
D	150
E	100

Advanced Diploma = Progression Diploma plus Additional and Specialist Learning (ASL). Please see appropriate qualification to calculate the ASL score.

UCAS Tariff points Advanced Diploma	Principal and Generic Learning					Additional and Specialist Learning
	Grade		Tariff			Grade		Tariff
	A*		350			A*		140
	A		300			A		120
	B		250			B		100
	C		200			C		80
	D		150			D		60
	E		100			E		40
Progression Diploma	The UCAS Board agreed Tariff points for accredited components of the Advanced Diploma:
	Principal Learning			Extended Project			Progression Diploma
	Grade	Tariff		Grade	Tariff		Grade		Tariff
	A*	210		A*	70		A*		350
	A	180		A	60		A		300
	B	150		B	50		B		250
	C	120		C	40		C		200
	D	90		D	30		D		150
	E	60		E	20		E		100

Functional Skills*

Grade	Tariff
Level 2	10

*Functional Skills will attract Tariff points for 2010 but will be removed from the Tariff for entry into higher education from 2011 onwards.

How are Diplomas graded?

The Diploma grades are derived from the aggregate score of Principal Learning and the Project. The grading of the Diploma will be reported in the following way:

• Foundation Diploma: A*, A, B or ungraded (U)
• Higher Diploma: A*, A, B, C or ungraded (U)
• Advanced Diploma: A*, A, B, C, D, E or ungraded (U).

Each Learner will receive a Diploma transcript from the Diploma Aggregation Service (see below) which will:

• record and report achievement in units and qualifications within the Diploma programme
• contain grades at unit level for Principal Learning
• record the achievement of Personal, Learning and Thinking Skills (PLTS)
• record the completion of Work Experience.

Can learners move from Diplomas to other qualifications?

Yes. Learners have great flexibility in the qualifications they can choose – perhaps by taking a Higher Diploma (at level 2) followed by A-levels, or GCSEs following an Advanced Diploma. Diplomas can include a GCSE or A level within the program.

Will the Diploma certificates be a joint certificate from both AQA and City & Guilds?

Yes, Diploma certificates will be awarded as AQA-City & Guilds.

Are Diplomas only available in England?

Yes, although Wales is reviewing how Diplomas might fit into their quality framework.

What is the Diploma catalogue?

The Diploma catalogue allows users to view the Principal Learning and Project qualifications available, as well as a full listing of the Functional Skills or Additional and Specialist Learning options relevant to the specific line of learning and level. The Diploma catalogue enables centres to put together their Diploma offers, and learners are able to view combinations of qualifications that may be available as part of a Diploma package in their area. Please visit www.ndaq.org.uk for further information.

Who are Diplomas for?

Diplomas are suitable for all 14-19 learners as they provide a balanced learning approach with excellent progression routes to Higher or Further education or employment. Diplomas provide learners with opportunities to stretch and demonstrate their abilities no matter what their future goals or learning preferences are:

for those with academic goals, diplomas provide the stretch to demonstrate that they not only have the theoretical understanding but know how to apply knowledge in a relevant way

for those who prefer practical work to theory, Diplomas provide the opportunity to demonstrate their skills through practical problems and situations

for those who prefer a variety of learning styles, Diplomas give the flexibility to learn and achieve in new and innovative learning environments.

Will Diplomas prepare learners for specific jobs?

No. While Diplomas focus on equipping learners with essential transferable skills in a work-relevant context, they are designed to provide an awareness of a broad employment sector without narrowing options. Diplomas develop self-motivated, creative and forward thinking individuals valued by employers. The Diploma includes a minimum of 10 days work experience which may or may not be related to the primary study area of the Diploma.

Will Diplomas prepare learners for Higher Education?

Yes. Diplomas were developed in consultation with Higher Education to ensure that learners are well prepared for progression into University or College. There is also flexibility within the Diploma to allow students to undertake relevant A Level courses to satisfy specific entry requirements. Some universities and colleges have provided a statement regarding their view of the Advanced Diploma on the UCAS website.

What resources are available?

Please see the Diploma Resource Zone on the website and discuss with your Diploma Support Team. The specification also contains suggested resources at the end of each unit.

Who can I contact for more information?

Our dedicated Diploma team is here to help with all aspects of preparation for delivering diplomas from the gateway process, teacher training and curriculum development through to assessment and moderation.

To arrange a visit please complete our online booking form or call 08700 242 466.

http://store.aqa.org.uk/admin/library/AQA-DIPLOMA-ADMIN.PDF

DCSF has published nuts and bolts guides. The full list of nuts and bolts guides now available are:

Leading Diploma Administration
Quality Assurance
Gender equality
Functional skills
Implementation Planning
Workforce Planning
Communications

They can be found at the following link: