There are lots of qualifications available to you, no matter what age you are or your level of ability. Whether you want to study full-time or part-time, at college or 'on-the-job', there is something to suit you.
An Apprenticeship is a mix of on and off-the-job learning while at the same time giving a nationally recognised qualification. Apprenticeships give you the opportunity to earn a wage while you learn. You can study subjects including agriculture, land-based engineering and veterinary nursing.
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Work-based Diplomas/NVQs are work-related qualifications that allow you to gain the skills and knowledge you need to do a job. You can study at different levels, such as a Work-based Diploma in Environmental Conservation. These qualifications are based on national standards agreed by industry, so they are recognised by employers throughout the UK.
You can find out more information on Work-based qualifications from the Register of Regulated Qualifications.
You can study Vocational Qualifications in a number of subjects, from agriculture to veterinary nursing. They can be studied at a variety of levels and include hands-on work related activities, as well as learning about your subject through classroom lessons. Some of the qualifications you could study include: BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Horticulture, Level 2 Diploma in Floristry.
You can find out more information on Vocational Qualifications from the Register of Regulated Qualifications.
The Diploma in Environmental and Land-based Studies is for learners aged 14 to 19. It gives practical skills, knowledge and understanding needed by industry and is studied alongside GCSEs and A-levels. Available at three levels, it helps learners to move into employment and further and higher education.
You can find out lots more about the qualification from the Diploma Awarding Organisations:
The General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE for short) are the exams taken by most UK pupils of school-leaving age and are widely available to all 14-19 year old students. GCSEs are available in more than 50 subjects, such as English, Maths and Science. They are often the main entry requirement onto level 3 study (such as AS Levels) and may be required for some jobs or Apprenticeships.
A-level qualifications are made up from an advanced subsidiary (AS) qualification and A2 units of learning. The AS is a stand-alone qualification and is worth half a full A-level. The A2 is the second half of a full A-level. The qualification is assessed by a mix of exams and coursework. They are often the main route into higher education and you can study subjects such as Geography and Biology.
A Foundation Degree is a Degree level qualification that combines academic study with work place learning. Designed in association with employers, they are qualifications to equip you with the relevant skills, knowledge and understanding to achieve academic results, as well as improve performance and productivity in a work place.
A Foundation Degree is the equivalent of two thirds a full honours Degree and is a fully flexible qualification allowing students to study full or part-time to fit their lifestyle.You could study subjects such as a Foundation Degree in Wildlife Management or Agriculture with Crop Production.
You can find out more information on Foundation Degrees from Foundation Degree Forward.
- Are you involved in advising, coaching or mentoring working people about Higher Education (HE) options?
- Are you advising people who want to consider working and learning at HE level?
- Are you in employment and considering whether HE is for you?
Then visit a new website created by Foundation Degree Forward, working with unionlearn, the Open University, NIACE, the Lifelong Learning Networks and Sector Skills Councils. It give a simple overview of work-based HE programmes, including Foundation degrees, but within the broader context of higher level learning.
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A Degree is a level 6 qualification and usually takes 3 years full-time, although some very specialist areas of study may take 4 or even 5 years to complete. The two most common Degrees are either called a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BSc), such as a BSc in Horticulture. Honours Degrees are divided into four 'classes' (like grade): 1 (first - the highest level), 2.1 (upper second), 2.2 (lower second) and 3 (third or pass).
You can find out more information about Degrees from UCAS.
A Postgraduate qualification is awarded after a Degree. These qualifications concentrate less on theoretical learning and more on hands-on, practical application for the job market. Postgraduate qualifications take a year or more to complete and can be studied full or part-time. Many offer direct entry onto Master's Degrees at partner universities. You can study qualifications such as Crop Protection & Agronomy and Agricultural Engineering.
Postgraduate qualifications are usually studied at a further education college or at a university. You can find out more information about the venues offering the courses from UCAS.
A Masters is a Postgraduate qualification that can be taught in scientific (MSc) or non-scientific arts (MBA) subjects and usually take 2 years to complete. A doctorate (PhD) usually takes 3 years or more to complete and is made up graduate study and a dissertation. This is the highest level of study someone can achieve. You can study qualifications such as Rural Estate & Land Management and Farm & Agricultural Business Management.
Masters and doctorate qualifications are usually studied at a university. You can find out more information about universities from UCAS.