Additional and Specialist Learning (ASL)

Additional and Specialist Learning (ASL) provides learners with greater breadth (Additional Learning) and depth (Specialist Learning) of study and enables them to tailor their personal programmes to their own interests and aspirations. 

Additional learning is complementary or broadening in character. It can include:

  • qualifications that enable learners to explore a related sector 
  • national curriculum entitlement areas 
  • learning options such as languages, music or science that relate to individual needs, interests and aspirations 
  • GCSEs and other qualifications

Specialist learning gives the learner the opportunity for further learning within their chosen sector. It can include:

  • existing qualifications and units designed to support progression within a chosen sector
  • GCSEs and other qualifications
  • specialist qualifications, designed specifically for the Line of Learning, that may enable learners to select a specified pathway

ASL can be taken at the chosen Diploma level through learners selecting a single qualification or a combination of qualifications to meet the required Guided Learning Hours.

Learners will select from qualifications at the same level as the Diploma that they are taking, or one higher eg the Foundation Diploma can have ASL at level 1 or 2. ASL forms part of the Diploma and fits into the overall structure of the Foundation (Level 1) Diploma as follows:

Foundation (Level 1) Diploma

  Guided Learning Hours (GLH)
Principal Learning  240
Generic Learning  240
Additional and Specialist Learning  120
Total    600

View sample Foundation Diploma ASL pathway options

Higher (Level 2) Diploma

  Guided Learning Hours (GLH)
Principal Learning 420
Generic Learning 200
Additional and Specialist Learning 180
Total 800

View sample Higher Diploma ASL pathway options

Advanced (Level 3) Diploma

  Guided Learning Hours (GLH)
Principal Learning 540
Generic Learning 180
Additional and Specialist Learning 360
Total 1080

View sample Advanced Diploma ASL pathway options

Find out more
Diploma ASL pathways
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ASL BAF CAB CBE CM DAB DCSF ELB ENG GLH GQ H&B HOSP IT LLUK LoL LSC LSIS LSN MPD NAA PL PS PLTS QCF RB SAL SHD TT VQ WE
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