Progression Routes

QUALIFICATIONS EXPLAINED

OCN (Open College Network)

Accredits programmes at four levels from basic skills through to pre-Higher Education courses.

NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications)

These reflect the skills and competencies people need in order to do their job, matched against nationally recognised standards.

A Levels (AS/A2)

The College offers a wide range of A Level subjects. Some learners apply for the course simply because they are interested in the subject, while others require the qualification to improve their employment prospects or to gain entry to higher education.

GNVQs (General National Vocational Qualifications)

AVCE (Advanced Vocational Certificate of Education)

Broad-based vocational courses offered in a range of subject areas, with an AS2 structure.

BTEC (Business & Technology Education Council)

BTEC Diplomas/Certificates provide learners with broad knowledge, understanding and skills essential to employment. These courses offer progression routes through Introductory, First, National and Higher Diplomas/Certificates/ Foundation Degrees with access at any appropriate level. They are particularly suitable for those already in employment.

Foundation Degree

They offer preparation for work in relevant occupations through vocationally specific curricula, development of employability skills and personal and professional development. There is an emphasis on work-based and work-related learning and an opportunity to progress to honours degree level. All NHC Foundation Degrees are validated and awarded by the University of Hertfordshire

LEVELS EXPLAINED

The following table is from The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority www.qca.co.uk/493.html

Framework level	Level indicators
Entry	Entry level qualifications recognise basic knowledge and skills and the ability to apply learning in everyday situations under direct guidance or supervision. Learning at this level involves building basic knowledge and skills and is not geared towards specific occupations.
Level 1	Level 1 qualifications recognise basic knowledge and skills and the ability to apply learning with guidance or supervision. Learning at this level is about activities which mostly relate to everyday situations and may be linked to job competence.
Level 2	Level 2 qualifications recognise the ability to gain a good knowledge and understanding of a subject area of work or study, and to perform varied tasks with some guidance or supervision. Learning at this level involves building knowledge and/or skills in relation to an area of work or a subject area and is appropriate for many job roles.
Level 3	Level 3 qualifications recognise the ability to gain, and where relevant apply a range of knowledge, skills and understanding. Learning at this level involves obtaining detailed knowledge and skills. It is appropriate for people wishing to go to university, people working independently, or in some areas supervising and training others in their field of work.
Level 4	Level 4 qualifications recognise specialist learning and involve detailed analysis of a high level of information and knowledge in an area of work or study. Learning at this level is appropriate for people working in technical and professional jobs, and/or managing and developing others. Level 4 qualifications are at a level equivalent to Certificates of Higher Education.
Level 5	Level 5 qualifications recognise the ability to increase the depth of knowledge and understanding of an area of work or study to enable the formulation of solutions and responses to complex problems and situations. Learning at this level involves the demonstration of high levels of knowledge, a high level of work expertise in job roles and competence in managing and training others. Qualifications at this level are appropriate for people working as higher grade technicians, professionals or managers. Level 5 qualifications are at a level equivalent to intermediate Higher Education qualifications such as Diplomas of Higher Education, Foundation and other degrees that do not typically provide access to postgraduate programmes.
Level 6	Level 6 qualifications recognise a specialist high level knowledge of an area of work or study to enable the use of an individual’s own ideas and research in response to complex problems and situations. Learning at this level involves the achievement of a high level of professional knowledge and is appropriate for people working as knowledge-based professionals or in professional management positions. Level 6 qualifications are at a level equivalent to Bachelors degrees with honours, graduate certificates and graduate diplomas.
Level 7	Level 7 qualifications recognise highly developed and complex levels of knowledge which enable the development of in-depth and original responses to complicated and unpredictable problems and situations. Learning at this level involves the demonstration of high level specialist professional knowledge and is appropriate for senior professionals and managers. Level 7 qualifications are at a level equivalent to Masters degrees, postgraduate certificates and postgraduate diplomas.
Level 8	Level 8 qualifications recognise leading experts or practitioners in a particular field. Learning at this level involves the development of new and creative approaches that extend or redefine existing knowledge or professional practice.