Always Learning
Always Learning

Diploma | The four types
expand Level 1: The Foundation Diploma (equivalent to five 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)
 
expand Level 2: The Higher Diploma (equivalent to seven 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)
 
expand Level 3: The Advanced Diploma (equivalent to 3.5 A levels) and the Progression Diploma (equivalent to 2.5 A levels)

The Advanced Diploma

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 elements of the Advanced Diploma, does not require the Additional and Specialist Learning component. The Progression Diploma is equivalent to 2.5 A levels.