Currently there are four types of Diploma – Foundation, Higher, Advanced and Progression – available at three attainment levels (1 – 3). The Extended Diploma will be available from 2011.
Level 1: The Foundation Diploma is equivalent to 5 GCSEs at grades D to G.
|
Principal Learning
50% Applied Learning
(240 GLH) |
Generic Learning
Functional skills:
English, Maths, ICT
(120 GLH)
Project
(60 GLH)
10 days' work experience |
Additional & Specialist Learning
(120 GLH minimum, but up to 180 GLH) |
|
Personal, learning and thinking skills (60 GLH) |
Level 2: The Higher Diploma is equivalent to 7 GCSEs at grades A* to C.
|
Principal Learning
50% Applied Learning
(420 GLH) |
Generic Learning
Functional skills:
English, Maths, ICT
(80 GLH)
Project
(60 GLH)
10 days' work experience |
Additional & Specialist Learning
(180 GLH minimum, but up to 270 GLH) |
|
Personal, learning and thinking skills (60 GLH) |
Level 3: The Advanced Diploma is equivalent to 3.5 A levels.
|
Principal Learning
50% Applied Learning
(540 GLH) |
Generic Learning
Functional skills:
English, Maths, ICT
(0 GLH)
Extended Project
(120 GLH)
10 days' work experience |
Additional & Specialist Learning
(360 GLH minimum, but up to 540 GLH) |
|
Personal, learning and thinking skills (60 GLH) |
The Progression Diploma, which comprises the Principal Learning and Generic Learning element of the Advanced Diploma, does not require the Additional and Specialist Learning component. The Progression Diploma is equivalent to 2.5 A levels.
From 2011, the Extended Diploma will be available at all three levels for all 17 lines of learning. These qualifications include more Generic and Additional and Specialist Learning than currently available Diplomas. Extended Diplomas are expected to have the following equivalencies:
Foundation — 7 GCSEs at grades D to G
Higher — 9 GCSEs at grades A* to C
Advanced — 4.5 A levels