Diplomas

Diplomas are a new qualification for young people age 14-19. They combine applied and work related learning with hands-on practical experience.

They will run in selected schools and colleges, from September 2009, in the following subjects:

• Creative and Media - based at Sharnbrook, Wootton and Harlington 
• Construction and the Built Environment – based at Bedford College 
• Engineering - based at Samuel Whitbread Community College, in partnership with Bedford College and BTG 
• Hair and Beauty Studies - delivered at Bedford College 

By 2013, there will be, in total, 17 subjects to choose from.

What will each Diploma involve?

The Diploma course is made up of many parts. You will study:

• Principal Learning - this is the applied learning for your chosen diploma. It teaches you the main things you need to know with a real emphasis on learning by doing
• Additional and Specialist Learning - these subjects might be related to the Diploma , or simply ones that reflect your interests and ambitions
• Personal, Learning and Thinking Skills - this is where you learn about things like team working, being creative, studying and organising yourself
• Project - this can be about anything that interests you and is relevant to the diploma
• Work Experience - this is where you spend time with an employer, learning what it's like to be in the workplace
• Functional Skills - this is the English, Maths and ICT you need for everyday life 

How do Diplomas compare to other qualifications?

• Foundation Diploma is equivalent to 5 GCSEs at grades D-G
• Higher Diploma is equivalent to 7 GCSEs grades A*-C
• Advanced Diploma is equivalent to 3.5 A levels

An advanced worth 3.5 “A” Levels or a progression diploma worth 2.5 “A” Levels will be available in the near future.

If you’re aiming at a particular university or course it’s a good idea to consult course admissions tutors; they may want specific qualifications/ subjects in addition to a level 3 Diploma.

Where will the Diploma learning take place?

Students will learn in different environments including employers in local businesses.

Is a Diploma right for you?

A Diploma will:

• Help you to learn work-related skills alongside your other studies
• Be challenging: you will be working and thinking in new ways

A Diploma will not:

• Train you for a specific job: if, for example, you want a course that will train you in a trade (e.g. plumber), a Diploma probably isn’t for you
• Be an easy option: you will have to be flexible and inventive in order to cope with both practical and theoretical learning

Where can I find out more?

To find out what’s happening in your school:

• contact the Careers Co-ordinator, your Tutor or Connexions Personal Adviser
• look on the school or college website

For more information check out yp.direct.gov.uk/diplomas/