A Guide To Qualifications

To get ahead in today's highly competitive job market, you will need qualifications to show employers that you have the skills, knowledge and experience for which they are looking.

The City of Wolverhampton College offers courses which enable you to choose the qualifications and approach to learning which most suits you, from introductory up to degree level.

When a wide range of qualifications are on offer, it can be very confusing.

To help you understand where the various qualifications fit in the scheme of life, this page provides a brief summary of the qualifications and their equivalents.

Download our Qualifications Table - this will show you how the main types of qualifications relate to each other to help you see the range of opportunities and pathways available.

See the list below for an overview of the type of qualification.

General Qualifications

General qualifications show the achievement of a certain standard in a subject. These include GCSEs, AS and A Levels and some degrees.

Entry Level Certificates

These qualifications are taken as a stepping stone to Level 1 and other higher qualifications such as GCSEs. There are three Levels 1, 2 and 3 with 3 being the highest.

GCSEs

The most common qualification taken by fourteen to sixteen-year-olds, and available to adults too. Short-course GCSEs are equivalent to half a full GCSE.

AS and A Levels

A Levels historically provide a well established accepted route to higher education. Once learners have passed the AS Level in a subject, they can opt to study the subject in more depth by taking the second half of the A Level course known as A2. The A2 is not a qualification in its own right.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are a framework which combine vocational and skills-based qualifications.

Skills-based Qualifications

These qualifications show learners have the skills, such as reading, writing, working with numbers or using a computer, to get on in work and life in general. These are sometimes called the Skills for Life.

Skills

Equip people with the abilities they need to be successful in life and work.

Skills for Life

A framework designed and implemented to help learners build their English, Maths or Computer skills.

Functional Skills

Learners can also take Functional Skills qualifications, which can include important skills such as team working, action planning and problem-solving, communication, application of number and information technology.

Functional Skills are usually taught alongside or within courses. Like other qualifications, learners study Functional Skills at the level which best suits their needs. There are two levels at the moment.

Vocational Qualifications

These show the achievement of a certain standard in vocational or work related qualifications and understanding of the skills related to industry. These can include NVQs, City and Guilds, BTECs and OCR Nationals and vocational degrees directly relevant to employment for example law, medicine, teaching, engineering and health.

NVQ

National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) are work-related, competence-based qualifications. They reflect the skills and knowledge needed to do a job effectively, and show that a learner is competent in the area of work the NVQ represents. There are five levels available from Level 1 - Foundation to Level 5 - Professional, Middle-Management. There are NVQs for almost every industry and occupation. Some NVQ courses require learners to be employed in the profession before they start the course. These qualifications are currently being revised.

BTEC National Diploma

These nationally-recognised vocational courses are related to a broad occupational area, combining practical, hands-on activities with detailed technical study. Learners may also be able to take part in related work experience. There are three levels of BTEC - Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3.

Higher National Certificate, Diploma (HNC/HND) and Foundation Degree

These courses enable learners to further develop their skills and underpinning knowledge. They also provide a stepping stone onto degree level study. Foundation Degrees are higher education qualifications that combine academic study with work-based learning. HNCs, HNDs and Foundation Degrees can often be taken on a part-time basis combined with full or part-time employment.

Bachelors’ Degree (BA, BSc)

Degree courses can vary in length from three to five years (full-time) depending on the subject or combination of subjects and course arrangements. Sandwich courses involve alternating periods of study and work placements, and usually extend the course to four years.

Postgraduate Qualifications and Higher Education courses

Entry requirements may include suitable work experience and a Degree or HNC/HND. These qualifications allow learners to advance in their careers and prepare them for professional level employment.

Professional Qualifications

Professional Qualifications help learners to further their careers and specialise in their chosen area. Many qualifications are accredited by professional bodies. Learners need to have previous work experience within the relevant field and may be asked to attend an interview to assess their level of competence. Professional qualifications are also offered at lower levels, depending on experience and current attainment.

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