The Diploma
What is a Diploma?
- It's a new qualification for 14 to 19 year olds.
- There are 11 Diplomas available, but only in some areas (see below 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 choosen 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.
What can I study?
- 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?
Creative & Media
Melton and Belvoir
Leicester City
North Charnwood
Hinckley, Bosworth, Birstall and Wreake
South Leicestershire
Engineering
Melton and Belvoir
North West Leicestershire
Leicester City
South Leicestershire
Society, Health and Development
Leicester City
South Leicestershire
Hinckley, Bosworth, Birstall and Wreake
Hospitality
North Charnwood
Hinckley, Bosworth, Birstall and Wreake
Hair and Beauty Studies
North West Leicestershire
Leicester City
Construction and The Built Environment
South Leicestershire
Leicester City
Hinckley, Bosworth, Birstall and Wreake
IT
South Leicestershire
Retail
Leicester City
Business, Administration and Finance
Leicester City
North West Leicestershire
Sport and Leisure
Leicester City
North Charnwood
Travel and Tourism
Leicester City
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 four types 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?
Watch a film about Diplomas and find out more about what's involved by visiting: http://yp.direct.gov.uk/diplomas/
U-xplore interactive
Interactive online careers website that lets you explore different diploma areas
through videos, 360° virtual tours and job profiles. All schools in Leicester have access to this site, your school can provide you with a username and password.
Diploma Leaflets