steps to higher education - Informnorth · NVQ Level 2. GCSE grade D-G. BTEC ro Diploma or GNVQ Foundation. NVQ Level 1. Postgraduate Level Degree. HNC/HND undation Degree Diploma

+ AS. BTEC National Diploma. NVQ Level 3. GCSE’s grade A-C. BTEC First Diploma GNVQ Intermediate. NVQ Level 2. GCSE grade D-G. BTEC Intro Diploma or GNVQundation. NVQ Level 1. Postgraduate Level Degree. HNC/HND Foundation Degreeploma H.E. NVQ Level 4. A2 + AS. BTEC National Diploma. NVQ Level 3. GCSE’s gradeC. BTEC First Diploma or GNVQ Intermediate. NVQ Level 2. GCSE grade D-G. BTECro Diploma or GNVQ Foundation. NVQ Level 1. Postgraduate Level Degree. HNC/HNDundation Degree Diploma H.E. NVQ Level 4. A2 + AS. BTEC National Diploma. NVQvel 3. GCSE’s grade A-C. BTEC First Diploma or GNVQ Intermediate. NVQ Level 2.SE grade D-G. BTEC Intro Diploma or GNVQ Foundation. NVQ Level 1. Postgraduate

vel Degree. HNC/HND Foundation Degree Diploma H.E. NVQ Level 4. A2 + AS. BTECtional Diploma. NVQ Level 3. GCSE’s grade A-C. BTEC First Diploma or GNVQermediate. NVQ Level 2. GCSE grade D-G. BTEC Intro Diploma or GNVQ Foundation.Q Level 1. Postgraduate Level Degree. HNC/HND Foundation Degree Diploma H.E.Q Level 4. A2 + AS. BTEC National Diploma. NVQ Level 3. GCSE’s grade A-C. BTECst Diploma or GNVQ Intermediate. NVQ Level 2. GCSE grade D-G. BTEC Intro DiplomaGNVQ Foundation. NVQ Level 1. Postgraduate Level Degree. HNC/HND Foundationgree Diploma H.E. NVQ Level 4. A2 + AS. BTEC National Diploma. NVQ Level 3.SE’s grade A-C. BTEC First Diploma or GNVQ Intermediate. NVQ Level 2. GCSE gradeG. BTEC Intro Diploma or GNVQ Foundation. NVQ Level 1. Postgraduate Level Degree.

NC/HND Foundation Degree Diploma H.E. NVQ Level 4. A2 + AS. BTEC Nationalploma. NVQ Level 3. GCSE’s grade A-C. BTEC First Diploma or GNVQ Intermediate.Q Level 2. GCSE grade D-G. BTEC Intro Diploma or GNVQ Foundation. NVQ Level 1.stgraduate Level Degree. HNC/HND Foundation Degree Diploma H.E. NVQ Level 4. A2AS. BTEC National Diploma. NVQ Level 3. GCSE’s grade A-C. BTEC First Diploma or

NVQ Intermediate. NVQ Level 2. GCSE grade D-G. BTEC Intro Diploma or GNVQundation. NVQ Level 1. Postgraduate Level Degree. HNC/HND Foundation Degreeploma H.E. NVQ Level 4. A2 + AS. BTEC National Diploma. NVQ Level 3. GCSE’s gradeC. BTEC First Diploma or GNVQ Intermediate. NVQ Level 2. GCSE grade D-G. BTECro Diploma or GNVQ Foundation. NVQ Level 1. Postgraduate Level Degree. HNC/HNDundation Degree Diploma H.E. NVQ Level 4. A2 + AS. BTEC National Diploma. NVQvel 3. GCSE’s grade A-C. BTEC First Diploma or GNVQ Intermediate. NVQ Level 2.SE grade D-G. BTEC Intro Diploma or GNVQ Foundation. NVQ Level 1. Postgraduate

vel Degree. HNC/HND Foundation Degree Diploma H.E. NVQ Level 4. A2 + AS. BTECtional Diploma. NVQ Level 3. GCSE’s grade A-C. BTEC First Diploma or GNVQermediate. NVQ Level 2. GCSE grade D-G. BTEC Intro Diploma or GNVQ Foundation.Q Level 1. Postgraduate Level Degree. HNC/HND Foundation Degree Diploma H.E.Q Level 4. A2 + AS. BTEC National Diploma. NVQ Level 3. GCSE’s grade A-C. BTECst Diploma or GNVQ Intermediate. NVQ Level 2. GCSE grade D-G. BTEC Intro DiplomaGNVQ Foundation. NVQ Level 1. Postgraduate Level Degree. HNC/HND Foundationgree Diploma H.E. NVQ Level 4.

steps to higher educationwww.aimhigher.ac.uk

Aimhigher...achieve more

A Levels are not the only way into highereducationThere are lots of qualifications and learning paths into highereducation besides A Levels.

NVQ’s, BTEC National Awards, Certificates and Diplomas and Access to HigherEducation Courses all allow you to study either full time or part time via the route that suits you best. There are also many higher education courses that you can progress to besides the traditional ‘honours’ degree. FoundationDegrees, Higher National Diplomas and Higher National Certificates for example,all provide higher education qualifications.

Lots of choice can sometimes be confusing but don’t let that put you off. Thereis no ‘right time’ to think about higher education. Whether you are leavingschool, already working or thinking of returning to study after a long absence,there will be something to suit your needs.

There is plenty of help to guide you through the process and local colleges and universities all provide opportunities for you to try out different subjects beforeyou make your decision. Why not find out what’s on offer?

This booklet demonstrates the various routes that real people have taken intohigher education, so read on to find out more and the next person applying toHE could be you!

Level 4-Level 4

certificates of HE

Postgraduate LevelPostgraduate Diplomas, Masters Degrees, PhD

Level 5 -HNC,

FoundationDegrees,HND

Level 6-Bachelordegrees, graduate

certificates and diplomas

BTECNationalDiploma

CertificateAward

GCSEA*–C

VGCSEAA*-CC

IntermediateGNVQ

(Ending 2007)

BCEC FirstDiplomas and

CertificateNCFE Level 2

NVQLevel 2

GCSED–G

VGCSEDD-GG

FoundationGNVQ

(Ending 2007)

BTECIntroductoryDiploma andCertificate

NVQLevel 1

NVQLevel 3

AdvancedApprenticeship

Access toHE*

AS + A2AppliedAS/A2

NVQLevel 4/5

Level1

Level2

Level3

Level4–6

Level7–8

* Access to HE courses are intended for adults who do not have any qualifications or who do not have traditional 6th form or vocational qualifications allowing them to prepare for and gain entry to, degree and or other HE programmes

At 47, Paul is a mature student whoreturned to education in order to give himthe best possible chance to realise his ambitions. Paul dropped out of his A levelsafter an offer of employment but recently hedecided that he wanted a career change andreturned to education. After completing a NCFE level 2 in VideoProduction at a local college, Paul applied to a higher education institution. He is currently studying a Foundation Degree in Television and Media Practice and has ambitions to become a film director or cameraman. Paul regards producing his first featurelength film as being his biggest achievementto date and that his motivation to succeed

is doing something that he enjoys. Paul’s top tip is, ‘Getting into HigherEducation is not as difficult as you think so don’t be intimidated. Use the supportstructures in place and you will be a success.’

Which way did they go? Which way did Katie Coward go? Katie is the first in her family to go to university. Her parents both left school at 16and none of her extended family continuedin education. Katie gained A and B grades inall her GCSE’s and this made her believe inher ability to progress. Katie realised thatshe wanted to continue studying the subjects she enjoyed and also recognisedthat many of the jobs that interested herrequired a degree as they provide specialistskills.After passing four A Levels, Katie wasaccepted at university to study EnglishLanguage and Literature. She was very nervous about being the first in her familyto go to university but she received plenty of support from her family and made themall proud when she graduated with a 2:2honours degree. Katie currently has a job as a studentambassador encouraging other young people to think about higher education.

Katie’s top tip is to, ‘Always set goals andtargets, write ‘to do’ lists and check yourtimetables!’

S t e p 1GCSE A-BGrades

BTEC FirstDiplomaVGCSE’s

OCR Level 2Nationals

Level 2 NVQ

S t e p 2AS/A2 Levels

Applied AS/A2Levels

Level 3 NVQ

S t e p 3BA (Honours) Degree in

English Languageand Literature

BTECProfessionalDiplomas,

Certificates andAwards

Level 4 NVQ

S t e p 1O Levels

S t e p 2NCFE Certificate inFilm Production

Level 2 NVQ

Diplomas ofHigher Education

S t e p 3Foundation Degreein Television &Media Practice

Level 4 NVQ

Which way did Paul Green go?

Carly left school after gaining B and Cgrades in her GCSE’s and although shewanted to continue her education she wasn’t sure what she wanted to do. Carlybegan an apprenticeship scheme in Businessand after gaining her NVQ level 2 and 3decided to continue onto college to study a HNC part-time.After passing her HNC and realising sheloved marketing, Carly decided to go ontouniversity and graduated with an honoursdegree in Business & Marketing.Carly is currently working as a StudentRecruitment Officer dealing with marketingand publications and encouraging otheryoung people to think about HigherEducation. She is currently part way throughher Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing andhopes to complete this by the end of theyear.Carly’s top tip is, ‘Never let anything get inyour way’. She also comments that, ‘all myfriends went to college but I decided to takea different route because I felt it was theright way for me to go. Studying part-timewas difficult but it gave me a greater senseof achievement and not only do I have the

qualifications but have gained practicalexperience as well.’

Which way did Carly Machin go?

Kieran is a Civil Engineering Technician. Heis studying an HND in Civil Engineering on a part-time basis whilst he continues in hisjob. His employer recognised the importanceof having highly skilled staff and Kieranknew that part-time study was the bestoption for him as it allowed him to continueearning a living whilst he gained his qualifications.After completing his BTEC National Diplomaat college, Kieran went on to find employment as an Engineering Technician inorder to gain some experience in his chosenfield. His employer supported him throughan NVQ level 3 in Technical Design and seeing the benefits to the organisation,encouraged him to progress to an HND. Kieran’s ambition is to become a fullyqualified Civil Engineer and he hopes to be able to progress onto a degree in CivilEngineering.

Kieran’s top tip on higher education is that‘It’s a long process but anything worthwhile and rewarding takes a bit of time.’

S t e p 1GCSE A-C Grades

S t e p 2AS level in ICT

Level 2 NVQ

Diploma of Higher Education

S t e p 5HND in CivilEngineering

Level 4 NVQ

Which way did Kieran Bostock go?

AS/A2 levels

S t e p 3BTEC National

Diploma Civil Engineering

S t e p 4Level 3 NVQ inTechnical Design

in BuiltEnvironment

Level 7 Diploma in Translation

NVQ 5


Certificates AwardsNVQ 4

S t e p 1 GCSE A-C Grades

BTEC First DiplomaVGCSE’s

S t e p 2 NVQ 2 Business

S t e p 6Postgraduate

Diploma (PGDip)Marketing

S t e p 5BA (Hons)

Business andMarketing

Certificates ofHigher Education

S t e p 4HNC in Business NVQ 4

AS/A2 BTEC NationalDiploma

S t e p 3NVQ 3

in Business

Mark left school at the age of 16 withvirtually no qualifications and joined theMarines. Having greatly enjoyed his timeand ‘armed’ with 2 O levels he hadachieved within the Marines, Mark was ready to embark on a fresh challenge.His O level success fuelled his desire forFurther Education and his search took himon to studying a BTEC in Leisure Studies. He states, ‘As I knew very little abouteducation and essay writing after my time inthe Marines, I chose the BTEC as it was morehands-on and practical than doing the usualA level route.’After doing his BTEC, Mark enrolled at alocal university to study a 3 year BA (Hons.)in Media and Culture. He tells us, ‘Thisdegree, along with constant support fromthe university, helped me to aspire towards my career goal of working in the media.’Eventually, this dream was achieved as Mark now works as News Editor for SUN FM.

Marks top tip is, ‘When you’re studying atuniversity, try to get involved with as muchof the volunteer work and extra curricularactivities as possible. As I found, this willhelp open many networking opportunitiesfor future careers.’

Which way did Mark Selling go?

Kate is currently studying medicine at university after always being keen on science in school. She decided to studymedicine after being convinced by herschool that she had the talent and skillsto succeed. She was successful in her application and now has ambitions tobecome a GP once she qualifies. Kate is the first from her family to study atuniversity and choosing medicine meantthat she was naturally worried about thecost of studying for five years. She soonrealised that there is lots of help available inthe form of student loans, bursaries andnon-repayable grants. This has helped hercope with any financial worries and enabledher to concentrate on her studies.Kate’s motivation to succeed at universitywas to show her family how successful shecould be and to make everyone proud.

Kate’s top tip is, ‘Never give up because ifyou put your mind to it, you can achieveanything!’

S t ep 3 BA (Honours)

Degree in Media &Culture

BTEC ProfessionalDiplomas,


Level 4 NVQ

S t e p 3 Medicine MBBSHonours degree



Level 4 NVQ

AS/A2 Levels

S t e p 2 BTEC National

DiplomaLeisure Studies

Level 3 NVQ

S t e p 1 O Levels

BTEC FirstDiplomaGCSE’s


Level 2 NVQ

S t e p 2 AS/A2 Levels

Applied AS LevelsLevel 3 NVQ

S t e p 1 GCSE A-B Grades

BTECFirst DiplomaVGCSE’s


Level 2 NVQ

Which way did Kate Dickinson go?

Going the right way?Level 3 qualifications can lead to higher education so choosing the right qualification foryou means understanding the differences between the qualifications on offer. By seekingadvice from your local university or college and getting accurate information about the qualifications you’re interested in you can make an informed decision on what and howto study.

BTEC National DiplomasThe BTEC National encourages and stimulates student achievement through innovativelearning and assessment styles, by focusing on the applied knowledge and understanding ofspecific sectors.

• You want to mix and match subjects that you are interested in. This provides a balance of options when considering progression routes.

• You want to study a qualification which offers subjects that you studied at GCSE. A Levels/Applied A Levels are also available in other subjects such as Law and Psychology.

• You want to study a well established progression pathway to higher education recognised by all universities and colleges who deliver higher education.

• You know what you want to do and would enjoy studying a subject which provides you with a specific vocational approach. Students who study a BTEC qualification have specific knowledge in a vocation and can take this knowledge forward to employment or further study.

• You enjoy being assessed through a wide range of methods including a portfolio of evidence and assessment of practical work.

• You want more than one progression route to choose from. You can progress to BTEC Nationals from various routes including BTEC level 2 qualifications, GCSE and VGCSE.

• You would like to have flexibility while you study. With a BTEC qualification, you can ‘switch’ vocational areas and still progress. For example you could switch from a BTEC First Diploma in Business to a National Diploma in Media.

• You don’t like examinations. As BTEC’s are vocationally orientated they involve few if any examinations. (Please check the institution that offers the qualification first as some subjects vary).

• You have checked the entry requirements for progression to higher education using this route and it meets the requirements of the course you wish to progress to.

• You are not completely sure that you want to focus on a specific subject area.

• You would rather study at a school 6th form. BTEC’s are predominantly offered at colleges of Further Education, particularly National Diplomas.

Do consider BTEC qualifications if…

Consider alternatives if…A Levels & Applied A LevelsA Levels/Applied A Levels are split into two parts; the AS and the A2. Combined, they make a full A level/Applied A Level. The Advanced Subsidiary (AS) is a stand alone qualification, valued at halfa full A level/Applied A Level. The A2 qualification is the second half of a full A level/Applied ALevel and is also worth 50% of the total qualification.

Do consider A levels if…

Consider alternatives if…• You are not comfortable with exams. A Levels/

Applied A Levelsuse examinations as a form ofassessment as well as coursework. For students who find being assessed through exams nerve wracking, this may not be the best option.

• You don’t want to choose three or foursubjects. It can be difficult choosing thismany subjects that you are interested in and good at.

NVQ’sNational vocational qualifications (NVQ’s) are work-related, competence-basedqualifications. They demonstrate that a candidate is competent in the area of work the NVQ framework represents and are based on national occupational standards.

• You want to work and earn money whilst continuing in education.

• You want to progress at your own pace,moving through the NVQ levels

• You want formal qualifications which show that you have the competence to carry out a job properly and to specific industrial standards

Do consider NVQ’s if…

Consider alternatives if…

Do consider access qualifications if…

• You want to study full time at a school, college or university. NVQ’s have to becompleted in the workplace.

• You want a fixed progression route to highereducation with no variation. Progression fromNVQ’s can vary between institutions. Some will ask for a level 4 NVQ rather than a level 3. You will need to check with your chosen provider what their entry requirements are.

Access to Higher Education Access qualifications provide a route to higher education for adults with little if any formalqualifications. Some Access qualifications prepare students for specific subject areas, such asAccess to Law, others offer students three or four subjects to study which are relevant to theirintended progression route into HE.

• You would like to progress to higher education but do not have the necessary formal qualifications.

• You want to study a specific occupational area, for example teaching or nursing. These courses will provide you with the core knowledge required to progress to a HE diploma/degree in a similar subject area.

• You want to study flexibly. Access courses are available full time or part time, daytime and evening and are extremely flexible. As the minimum age is 19, many students studying Access courses are in the samesituation.

• As with other qualifications, you want to be able to access both foundation degrees and honours degrees.

David is a mature student who applied touniversity after completing an Access toHigher Education course at a local college.He cites passing the Access course andbeing accepted onto his degree course astwo of his proudest moments. He iscurrently studying a Foundation Degree inTelevision and Media Practice and has ambitions to become a television scriptwriter or cameraman.David feels that he has overcome thepersonal barriers to learning through hardwork, determination and support from lecturers. He also believes that with a familyto provide for, the support he received fromstudent services, grants, loans and other financial incentives to study were invaluable.David’s top tip is, ‘That it’s never too lateto return to education. I’m in my forties,

married with three children and I am doingjust fine.’

Which way did Michelle Miles go? Michelle gained fantastic A level grades andalways knew she had the ability to succeedat university. The barriers that stood in herpath were financial as her parents couldn’tafford to contribute to the cost of her studies. Michelle decided to tackle her financial barriers by taking a gap year prior to starting higher education. During this yearshe saved up enough money to contribute to the costs of her undergraduate course.Michelle is now studying Psychology at university and her ambition is to become a doctor in Clinical Psychology. Michelle’s top tip is, ‘If you save hardenough, not only does a gap year help payfor your studies but it also gives you a greatinsight into the world of work.’


Applied AS/A2Levels Level 3 NVQ




Level 2 NVQ

AS/A2 Levels

S t e p 2 Access to Higher

Education Programme

Level 3 NVQ

S t e p 1 O Levels

BTEC First

Diploma VGCSE’sOCR Level 2Nationals

Level 2 NVQ

Diplomas ofHigher Education

S t e p 3Foundation Degree

in Television and MediaPractice

Level 4 NVQ

S t e p 3BSc (Honours)

Degree in AppliedPsychology



Level 4 NVQ

Which way did David Ross go?

Paul has had ambitions to train as a doctorfor as long as he can remember and beingthe first in his family to enter higher education made him determined to succeed.His family all supported his decision toapply to university although his parents hadtheir own worries as they weren’t sure howmuch it would cost. Fortunately, Paul is confident that the investment in his futurenow will more than pay for itself when heenters his chosen career. Paul is currently a first year student at medical school and has ambitions to specialise in psychiatry once he has qualifiedas a doctor. Paul’s top tip is, ‘Higher Education is agreat achievement, it allows you to moveinto what you want to do and open the doorto a brighter future!’

Simon is the Managing Director of his owndesign company. He has built the companyup from nothing and now employs morethan ten staff. After he left school, he triedto become a professional footballer butwhen this didn’t work out he returned to education where he studied a series of BTECqualifications. Following this, he moved onto university where he studied an undergraduate degree and then a mastersdegree in Digital Design and Architecture. Simon is living proof that if somethingdoesn’t work out the way you planned it,there’s nothing to stop you from changingdirection and achieving your goals via a different route. By returning to education,Simon has made his way right to the topthrough hard work and determination.Simon’s top tip is, ‘All I ever wanted to bewas a footballer and when I didn’t make itI had to make the choice; get a job or returnto education. I chose college and look whereI am now!!’

Which way did Paul Cooper go?

Which way did Simon Brown go?

S t e p 3 Medicine MBBSdegree with an

integratedPsychology degree



Level 4 NVQ


Applied AS/A2Levels Level 3 NVQ




Level 2 NVQ

S t e p 5 MA (Masters

Degree) AdvancedDigital Design in

Architecture

BTEC AdvancedProfessionalDiplomas,


Level 5 NVQ

S t e p 4 BA (Honours)

Degree in InteriorDesign andArchitecture



Level 4 NVQ

S t e p 1 GCSEs A-C

grades

BTEC FirstDiploma Level 2 NVQ

AS & A2 Levels

S t e p 2 BTEC Certificate

in Design

S t e p 3BTEC National

Diploma in Design

Dale is a mature student who applied to university after completing an Access toHigher Education course at a local college.He is currently studying a LLB Law degree at a local university and has ambitions tobecome a successful solicitor.‘After leaving school, I found it difficult toget a job at first and tended to move fromoccupation to occupation. I discovered thatwith many of the higher paid jobs in themarket I needed qualifications. As a mature student, I was worried about studying withthose who had come straight out of college.’Dale feels that he has overcome his personal barriers to learning through hardwork, determination and support from lecturers. Dale’s top tip is, ‘That it’s never too lateto get into education, whether you’re 21 or

61, there is always something new to learnand a way to better yourself.’

Christine returned to education at the age of40 after leaving school with O Levels whenshe was 16. She decided that she wanted toreturn to education and study English atuniversity. Before applying to universityChristine knew she had to add to her OLevels so she enrolled with a local college to study an Access to Higher Education qualification. By completing her Accesscourse she had the necessary qualificationsto apply to university.She counts her acceptance on her chosendegree as one of her greatest achievementsas she thought the barriers to learning weretoo great. Christine studies at a universityclose to her home and this enables her tolook after her children and her dog!Now she is at university she hopes to gainthe best degree she can and prove all of the people who doubted her wrong!!

Christine’s top tip is, ‘Never letanyone tell you that you can’t do it!!’

Which way did Dale Jarvis go?

Which way did Christine Puckerin go? S t e p 3 BA (Hons.)

English



Level 4 NVQ

AS/A2 Levels


EducationProgramme

Level 3 NVQ

S t e p 1 O Levels

A-G

BTEC First

DiplomaLevel 2 NVQ

S t e p 1 GCSE A-C

BTEC First DiplomaVGCSE’s


Level 2 NVQ

AS/A2 Levels


Education Programme

Level 3 NVQ

S t e p 3 LLB Law degree



Level 4 NVQ

Which way now?If you think you would like to follow in the footsteps of any of these people, or you want tomake your own pathway to higher education, you can find out how by talking to your localcollege or university. They want to support you, so all you have to do is ask.

If you are interested in a particular subject or course you may find further, useful information on some of the following websites:

Hotcourseswww.hotcourses.co.uk

Foundation Degreeswww.foundationdegrees.org.uk

UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service)www.ucas.com

Apprenticeshipswww.apprenticeships.org.uk

Ready to Apply?When you are ready to apply, your chosen university or college will talk to you about startdates for your course and the best times to formally apply for your place.If you don’t think you have the right qualifications, ask for advice. There is much moreflexibility for applicants now and older students can often get credit for valuable work andlife experience.Visit www.aimhigher.ac.uk for the answers to your questions.

Take the next step for yourself...Higher Education can widen your options,

increase your earning power andimproves your employment prospects

…so why not Aimhigher?

With thanks to Aimhigher West Midlands for the original concept

Supporting progression into Higher Education

Aimhigherwww.aimhigher.ac.uk

www.aimhigher.ac.uk/dontstop/

Aimhigher North EastFor further information or to download this

publication, visit our websitewww.aimhigher.northeast.ac.uk

email: [email protected]

Documents

steps to higher education - Informnorth · NVQ Level 2. GCSE grade D-G. BTEC ro Diploma or GNVQ Foundation. NVQ Level 1. Postgraduate Level Degree. HNC/HND undation Degree Diploma