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. A Diploma (formally called specialised Diploma):
- 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 employmentback to top >
What is a Sector Skills Council?
The Sector Skills Council are employer-led organisations covering all sectors of the economy which are responsible for tackling the skills, productivity needs and training in the UK. back to top >
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.
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What are the GCSE equivalence?
QCA states the GCSE equivalence as being 7 A* - C grades for the Higher Diploma. The AQA-City & Guilds 5-6 GCSE is the GLH equivalent only, as published originally by QCA.                                                          The new 7 GCSE equivalence is for AAT (Attainment table) purposes, recently announced by QCA, and is explained in the FAQs document on the DCSF website.
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Can a student take a Level 3 Diploma with no prior knowledge of the subject?
Students do not need any previous knowledge of a subject to do a Diploma at any level.back to top >
Will the Diploma certificates be a joint certificate from both AQA and City & Guilds?
Yes, certificates will be awarded as AQA-City & Guilds. back to top >
Are Diplomas only available in England?
Yes, although Wales is reviewing how Diplomas might fit into their quality framework. back to top >
What are the average length of study for Diploma Levels?
The Foundation Diploma (Level 1) will be comparable to a programme of 5 GCSEs – D - G  (600 Guided Learning Hours - GLH)
The Higher Diploma (Level 2) will be comparable to a programme of 7GCSEs – A* - C  (800 GLH)
The Advanced Diploma (Level 3) will be comparable to a programme of 3 GCE A levels – A* - E  (1080 GLH)

A Progression Diploma (Level 3) award is also being developed, broadly comparable in size to 2 A levels A* - E  (720 GLH)

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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 the site below for further details.

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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.back to top >
Will I have to get centre approval to offer the Diploma even though I am already an AQA or a City & Guilds centre?
Yes. All centres will have submitted an application form to the DCSF and passed through the Gateway process for consortia. Successful consortia will need to apply to individual Awarding Bodies for approval. back to top >
What do I have to do during my Diploma?
Typically a Foundation Diploma (Level 1) will be made up of 600 guided learning hours (GLH).  This will be broken down into the following components – Principal Learning (240 GLH), Generic Learning (240 GLH) and Additional & Specialist Learning (120 GLH).


Learners will develop Personal, Learning and Thinking skills (PLTS) within the Diploma and across the rest of their curriculum. There is a notional time allocation of 60 GLH for PLTS within the Generic Learning component of the Diploma at each level. In addition, learners will undertake a minimum of 10 days’ work experience.

Level 3 of each line of learning contains and Extended Project.  This will test Personal, Learning and Thinking skills, but primarily offers opportunities for young people to pursue areas of interest relating to their Diploma. This enables learners to shape the way they develop their own skills and knowledge in their chosen line of learning.

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What is the Progression Diploma?
The Progression Diploma (Level 3) consists of Principal Learning and Generic Learning for a particular line of learning but does not include Additional or Specialist Learning.back to top >
If a student does not complete the full Diploma (all components), how many GCSEs would they achieve?

Principal Learning is worth 3.5 GCSEs                                          Additional and Specialist Learning is worth 1.5 GCSEs                      Project is worth 0.5 GCSEs

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