The Diploma
What is a Diploma?
- It's a qualification for 14 to 19 year olds.
- There are 14 Diplomas available, but only in some areas. See www.coursefinder-leics.org for what's available locally.
- They teach you about an area of work you're interested in.
- It's different to GCSEs and A levels.
- You get a mix of class work and hands on experience.
- You will gain essential skills such as English, maths and ICT.
- And choose subject options that you want to do.
The Diploma is a great way to keep your options open by learning about different careers within your chosen subject area without commiting to a specific job. It's also been designed with employers and universities as a stepping stone to higher education, training and employment, so you can be sure you're prepared for future work or study.
14 - 19 vocational video
The benefits of vocational learning for learners in Leicestershire.
What can I study?
These websites have lots of information to help you:
- Construction and the Built Environment,
- Creative and Media
- Engineering
- Information Technology
- Society, Health and Development
- Environmental and Land-based Studies
- Business, Administration and Finance
- Manufacturing and Product Design
- Hospitality
- Hair and Beauty
- Travel and Tourism,
- Public Services
- Sport and Active Leisure
- Retail Business
Where can I study the Diploma in Leicester and Leicestershire?
Find Diploma courses at http://www.coursefinder-leics.org/ or ask at your school or college for more information about where you can study the Diploma.
How will I learn?
Studying for the Diploma will be different from your normal school or college work. As well as traditional classroom learning you will have the chance to learn in the workplace, and you may also attend another local school or college. You will develop skills like team working and problem solving alongside English, maths and ICT to provide you with the essential combination of knowledge and skills that employers and universities look for. You can also study GCSEs and A Levels alongside a Diploma.
What levels are there?
There are three levels of Diploma. Each takes about two years to complete.
Foundation Diploma is at level 1 - roughly equivalent to five GCSEs at grades D to G.
Higher Diploma is at level 2 - roughly equivalent to seven GCSEs at grades A* to C.
Advanced Diploma is at level 3 - roughly equivalent to 3.5 A levels.
What are my options after taking the Diploma?
The Diploma is designed to be flexible so you can keep your options open while you find out more about subjects you are particularly interested in. After you finish you could go on to study the next level of the Diploma or take GCSEs, A levels or another qualification. You might decide instead to do an Apprenticeship or start a job with training. If you've completed the Advanced Diploma you will be able to go on to university.
Where can I find out more?
Find out more about what's involved by visiting: http://yp.direct.gov.uk/diplomas
For information about particular Diploma subjects taught in the City or County, download a leaflet from the right hand bar on this page or look at our Diploma Guides.
U-xplore interactive
Interactive online careers website that lets you explore different diploma areas through videos, 360° virtual tours and job profiles. All Leicester City schools and colleges have access to this site, your school can provide you with a username and password.
