steps to higher education - Informnorth

7 downloads 1615 Views 3MB Size Report
C. BTEC First Diploma or GNVQ Intermediate. NVQ Level 2. GCSE grade D-G. BTEC ro Diploma or GNVQ Foundation. NVQ Level 1. Postgraduate Level ...
+ AS. BTEC National Diploma. NVQ Level 3. GCSE’s grade A-C. BTEC First Diploma GNVQ Intermediate. NVQ Level 2. GCSE grade D-G. BTEC Intro Diploma or GNVQ ndation. NVQ Level 1. PostgraduateAimhigher...achieve Level Degree. HNC/HND Foundation more Degree oma H.E. NVQ Level 4. A2 + AS. BTEC National Diploma. NVQ Level 3. GCSE’s grade . BTEC First Diploma or GNVQ Intermediate. NVQ Level 2. GCSE grade D-G. BTEC o Diploma or GNVQ Foundation. NVQ Level 1. Postgraduate Level Degree. HNC/HND ndation Degree Diploma H.E. NVQ Level 4. A2 + AS. BTEC National Diploma. NVQ el 3. GCSE’s grade A-C. BTEC First Diploma or GNVQ Intermediate. NVQ Level 2. E grade D-G. BTEC Intro Diploma or GNVQ Foundation. NVQ Level 1. Postgraduate el Degree. HNC/HND Foundation Degree Diploma H.E. NVQ Level 4. A2 + AS. BTEC onal Diploma. NVQ Level 3. GCSE’s grade A-C. BTEC First Diploma or GNVQ rmediate. NVQ Level 2. GCSE grade D-G. BTEC Intro Diploma or GNVQ Foundation. Q Level 1. Postgraduate Level Degree. HNC/HND Foundation Degree Diploma H.E. Q Level 4. A2 + AS. BTEC National Diploma. NVQ Level 3. GCSE’s grade A-C. BTEC t Diploma or GNVQ Intermediate. NVQ Level 2. GCSE grade D-G. BTEC Intro Diploma GNVQ Foundation. NVQ Level 1. Postgraduate Level Degree. HNC/HND Foundation ree Diploma H.E. NVQ Level 4. A2 + AS. BTEC National Diploma. NVQ Level 3. E’s grade A-C. BTEC First Diploma or GNVQ Intermediate. NVQ Level 2. GCSE grade G. BTEC Intro Diploma or GNVQ Foundation. NVQ Level 1. Postgraduate Level Degree. C/HND Foundation Degree Diploma H.E. NVQ Level 4. A2 + AS. BTEC National oma. NVQ Level 3. GCSE’s grade A-C. BTEC First Diploma or GNVQ Intermediate. Q Level 2. GCSE grade D-G. BTEC Intro Diploma or GNVQ Foundation. NVQ Level 1. tgraduate Level Degree. HNC/HND Foundation Degree Diploma H.E. NVQ Level 4. A2 S. BTEC National Diploma. NVQ Level 3. GCSE’s grade A-C. BTEC First Diploma or VQ Intermediate. NVQ Level 2. GCSE grade D-G. BTEC Intro Diploma or GNVQ ndation. NVQ Level 1. Postgraduate Level Degree. HNC/HND Foundation Degree oma H.E. NVQ Level 4. A2 + AS. BTEC National Diploma. NVQ Level 3. GCSE’s grade . BTEC First Diploma or GNVQ Intermediate. NVQ Level 2. GCSE grade D-G. BTEC o Diploma or GNVQ Foundation. NVQ Level 1. Postgraduate Level Degree. HNC/HND ndation Degree Diploma H.E. NVQ Level 4. A2 + AS. BTEC National Diploma. NVQ el 3. GCSE’s grade A-C. BTEC First Diploma or GNVQ Intermediate. NVQ Level 2. E grade D-G. BTEC Intro Diploma or GNVQ Foundation. NVQ Level 1. Postgraduate el Degree. HNC/HND Foundation Degree Diploma H.E. NVQ Level 4. A2 + AS. BTEC onal Diploma. NVQ Level 3. GCSE’s grade A-C. BTEC First Diploma or GNVQ rmediate. NVQ Level 2. GCSE grade D-G. BTEC Intro Diploma or GNVQ Foundation. Q Level 1. Postgraduate Level Degree. HNC/HND Foundation Degree Diploma H.E. Q Level 4. A2 + AS. BTEC National Diploma. NVQ Level 3. GCSE’s grade A-C. BTEC t Diploma or GNVQ Intermediate. NVQ Level 2. GCSE grade D-G. BTEC Intro Diploma GNVQ Foundation. NVQ Level 1. Postgraduate Level Degree. HNC/HND Foundation www.aimhigher.ac.uk ree Diploma H.E. NVQ Level 4.

steps to higher education

Level 7–8

Level 4–6

Level 3

Level 2

Level 1

*

Postgraduate Level Postgraduate Diplomas, Masters Degrees, PhD

Level 4Level 4 certificates of HE

AS + A2 Applied AS/A2

GCSE A*–C

GCSE D–G

Level 5 -

HNC,

Foundation Degrees,

HND

BTEC

National Diploma Certificate Award

VGCSE AA*-CC

Intermediate GNVQ (Ending 2007)

VGCSE DD-GG

Foundation GNVQ

(Ending 2007)

Level 6-

Bachelor degrees, graduate certificates and diplomas

Access to HE*

BCEC First Diplomas and Certificate NCFE Level 2

BTEC

Introductory Diploma and Certificate

NVQ

Level 4/5

NVQ

Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

NVQ

Level 2

NVQ

Level 1

Access to HE courses are intended for adults who do not have any qualifications or who do not have traditional 6th form or vocational qualifications allowing them to prepare for and gain entry to, degree and or other HE programmes

A Levels are not the only way into higher education There are lots of qualifications and learning paths into higher education besides A Levels.

NVQ’s, BTEC National Awards, Certificates and Diplomas and Access to Higher Education Courses all allow you to study either full time or part time via the route that suits you best. There are also many higher education courses that you can progress to besides the traditional ‘honours’ degree. Foundation Degrees, Higher National Diplomas and Higher National Certificates for example, all provide higher education qualifications. Lots of choice can sometimes be confusing but don’t let that put you off. There is no ‘right time’ to think about higher education. Whether you are leaving school, already working or thinking of returning to study after a long absence, there will be something to suit your needs. There is plenty of help to guide you through the process and local colleges and universities all provide opportunities for you to try out different subjects before you make your decision. Why not find out what’s on offer?

This booklet demonstrates the various routes that real people have taken into higher education, so read on to find out more and the next person applying to HE could be you!

Which way did Katie Coward go?

Which way did they go?

Katie is the first in her family to go to university. Her parents both left school at 16 and none of her extended family continued in education. Katie gained A and B grades in all her GCSE’s and this made her believe in her ability to progress. Katie realised that she wanted to continue studying the subjects she enjoyed and also recognised that many of the jobs that interested her required a degree as they provide specialist skills. After passing four A Levels, Katie was accepted at university to study English Language and Literature. She was very nervous about being the first in her family to go to university but she received plenty of support from her family and made them all proud when she graduated with a 2:2 honours degree. Katie currently has a job as a student ambassador encouraging other young people to think about higher education.

Which way did Paul Green go? At 47, Paul is a mature student who returned to education in order to give him the best possible chance to realise his ambitions. Paul dropped out of his A levels after an offer of employment but recently he decided that he wanted a career change and returned to education. After completing a NCFE level 2 in Video Production at a local college, Paul applied to a higher education institution. He is currently studying a Foundation Degree in Television and Media Practice and has ambitions to become a film director or cameraman.

Paul regards producing his first feature length film as being his biggest achievement to date and that his motivation to succeed

Diplomas of Higher Education

Step 3 Foundation Degree in Television & Media Practice

Level 4

NVQ

Step 1 O Levels

Step 2 NCFE Certificate in Film Production

Level 2

NVQ

is doing something that he enjoys.

Paul’s top tip is, ‘Getting into Higher Education is not as difficult as you think so don’t be intimidated. Use the support structures in place and you will be a success.’

Step 3

BA (Honours)

Degree in English Language and Literature Step 2

AS/A2 Levels

Step 1 GCSE A-B Grades

BTEC

Professional Diplomas, Certificates and Awards

Applied AS/A2 Levels

Level 4

NVQ

Level 3

NVQ

Level 2

NVQ

BTEC First Diploma

VGCSE’s OCR Level 2 Nationals

Katie’s top tip is to, ‘Always set goals and targets, write ‘to do’ lists and check your timetables!’

Which way did Kieran Bostock go? Kieran is a Civil Engineering Technician. He is studying an HND in Civil Engineering on a part-time basis whilst he continues in his job. His employer recognised the importance of having highly skilled staff and Kieran knew that part-time study was the best option for him as it allowed him to continue earning a living whilst he gained his qualifications. After completing his BTEC National Diploma at college, Kieran went on to find employment as an Engineering Technician in order to gain some experience in his chosen field. His employer supported him through an NVQ level 3 in Technical Design and seeing the benefits to the organisation, encouraged him to progress to an HND. Kieran’s ambition is to become a fully qualified Civil Engineer and he hopes to be able to progress onto a degree in Civil Engineering.

Step 5

Diploma of Higher Education

HND in Civil

AS/A2 levels

Step 3 BTEC National Diploma Civil Engineering

Step 1

GCSE A-C Grades

Level 4

NVQ

Engineering

Step 2

AS level in ICT

Step 4 Level 3 NVQ in Technical Design in Built Environment

Level 2

NVQ

Kieran’s top tip on higher education is that ‘It’s a long process but anything worth while and rewarding takes a bit of time.’

Which way did Carly Machin go? Carly left school after gaining B and C grades in her GCSE’s and although she wanted to continue her education she wasn’t sure what she wanted to do. Carly began an apprenticeship scheme in Business and after gaining her NVQ level 2 and 3 decided to continue onto college to study a HNC part-time. After passing her HNC and realising she loved marketing, Carly decided to go onto university and graduated with an honours degree in Business & Marketing.

Carly is currently working as a Student Recruitment Officer dealing with marketing and publications and encouraging other young people to think about Higher Education. She is currently part way through her Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing and hopes to complete this by the end of the year.

Carly’s top tip is, ‘Never let anything get in your way’. She also comments that, ‘all my friends went to college but I decided to take a different route because I felt it was the right way for me to go. Studying part-time was difficult but it gave me a greater sense of achievement and not only do I have the

Step 6 Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) Marketing

Level 7 Diploma in Translation

NVQ 5

BTEC

Step 5 BA (Hons) Business and Marketing

Professional Diplomas, Certificates Awards

Certificates of Higher Education

HNC in Business

AS/A2

BTEC National Diploma

Step 1

BTEC First

Step 4

NVQ 4

NVQ 4

Step 3

GCSE A-C Grades

Diploma

VGCSE’s

NVQ 3 in Business

Step 2

NVQ 2 Business

qualifications but have gained practical experience as well.’

Which way did Kate Dickinson go? Kate is currently studying medicine at university after always being keen on science in school. She decided to study medicine after being convinced by her school that she had the talent and skills to succeed. She was successful in her application and now has ambitions to become a GP once she qualifies.

Kate is the first from her family to study at university and choosing medicine meant that she was naturally worried about the cost of studying for five years. She soon realised that there is lots of help available in the form of student loans, bursaries and non-repayable grants. This has helped her cope with any financial worries and enabled her to concentrate on her studies. Kate’s motivation to succeed at university was to show her family how successful she could be and to make everyone proud.

BTEC Professional

Step 3 Medicine MBBS Honours degree

Step 2

Diplomas, Certificates and Awards

Applied

AS Levels

AS/A2 Levels

Level 4

NVQ

Level 3

NVQ

Level 2

NVQ

BTEC

Step 1 GCSE A-B Grades

First Diploma

VGCSE’s OCR Level 2 Nationals

Kate’s top tip is, ‘Never give up because if you put your mind to it, you can achieve anything!’

Which way did Mark Selling go? Mark left school at the age of 16 with virtually no qualifications and joined the Marines. Having greatly enjoyed his time and ‘armed’ with 2 O levels he had achieved within the Marines, Mark was ready to embark on a fresh challenge.

His O level success fuelled his desire for Further Education and his search took him on to studying a BTEC in Leisure Studies. He states, ‘As I knew very little about education and essay writing after my time in the Marines, I chose the BTEC as it was more hands-on and practical than doing the usual A level route.’ After doing his BTEC, Mark enrolled at a local university to study a 3 year BA (Hons.) in Media and Culture. He tells us, ‘This degree, along with constant support from the university, helped me to aspire towards my career goal of working in the media.’ Eventually, this dream was achieved as Mark now works as News Editor for SUN FM.

Step 3

BTEC Professional

BA (Honours) Degree in Media & Culture

Diplomas, Certificates and Awards

AS/A2 Levels

BTEC National

Level 4

NVQ

Level 3

NVQ

Level 2

NVQ

S tep 2

Diploma Leisure Studies

BTEC First Step 1

O Levels

Diploma

GCSE’s OCR Level 2 Nationals

Marks top tip is, ‘When you’re studying at university, try to get involved with as much of the volunteer work and extra curricular activities as possible. As I found, this will help open many networking opportunities for future careers.’

Going the right way?

BTEC National Diplomas

NVQ’s

Do consider BTEC qualifications if…

Level 3 qualifications can lead to higher education so choosing the right qualification for you means understanding the differences between the qualifications on offer. By seeking advice from your local university or college and getting accurate information about the qualifications you’re interested in you can make an informed decision on what and how to study. National vocational qualifications (NVQ’s) are work-related, competence-based qualifications. They demonstrate that a candidate is competent in the area of work the NVQ framework represents and are based on national occupational standards. Do consider NVQ’s if…

• You want to work and earn money whilst continuing in education. • You want to progress at your own pace, moving through the NVQ levels Consider alternatives if…

• You want to study full time at a school, college or university. NVQ’s have to be completed in the workplace.

A Levels & Applied A Levels

• You want formal qualifications which show that you have the competence to carry out a job properly and to specific industrial standards • You want a fixed progression route to higher education with no variation. Progression from NVQ’s can vary between institutions. Some will ask for a level 4 NVQ rather than a level 3. You will need to check with your chosen provider what their entry requirements are.

A Levels/Applied A Levels are split into two parts; the AS and the A2. Combined, they make a full A level/Applied A Level. The Advanced Subsidiary (AS) is a stand alone qualification, valued at half a full A level/Applied A Level. The A2 qualification is the second half of a full A level/Applied A Level and is also worth 50% of the total qualification. Do consider A levels if…

• You want to mix and match subjects that you are interested in. This provides a balance of options when considering progression routes.

Consider alternatives if…

• You are not comfortable with exams. A Levels/ Applied A Levels use examinations as a form of assessment as well as coursework. For students who find being assessed through exams nerve wracking, this may not be the best option.

• You want to study a qualification which offers subjects that you studied at GCSE. A Levels/Applied A Levels are also available in other subjects such as Law and Psychology.

• You want to study a well established progression pathway to higher education recognised by all universities and colleges who deliver higher education. • You don’t want to choose three or four subjects. It can be difficult choosing this many subjects that you are interested in and good at.

The BTEC National encourages and stimulates student achievement through innovative learning and assessment styles, by focusing on the applied knowledge and understanding of specific sectors. • You know what you want to do and would enjoy studying a subject which provides you with a specific vocational approach. Students who study a BTEC qualification have specific knowledge in a vocation and can take this knowledge forward to employment or further study.

• You would like to have flexibility while you study. With a BTEC qualification, you can ‘switch’ vocational areas and still progress. For example you could switch from a BTEC First Diploma in Business to a National Diploma in Media.

• You want more than one progression route to choose from. You can progress to BTEC Nationals from various routes including BTEC level 2 qualifications, GCSE and VGCSE.

• You have checked the entry requirements for progression to higher education using this route and it meets the requirements of the course you wish to progress to.

• You enjoy being assessed through a wide range of methods including a portfolio of evidence and assessment of practical work.

Consider alternatives if…

• You are not completely sure that you want to focus on a specific subject area.

Access to Higher Education

• You don’t like examinations. As BTEC’s are vocationally orientated they involve few if any examinations. (Please check the institution that offers the qualification first as some subjects vary).

• You would rather study at a school 6th form. BTEC’s are predominantly offered at colleges of Further Education, particularly National Diplomas.

Access qualifications provide a route to higher education for adults with little if any formal qualifications. Some Access qualifications prepare students for specific subject areas, such as Access to Law, others offer students three or four subjects to study which are relevant to their intended progression route into HE. Do consider access qualifications if… • You would like to progress to higher education but do not have the necessary formal qualifications.

• You want to study a specific occupational area, for example teaching or nursing. These courses will provide you with the core knowledge required to progress to a HE diploma/degree in a similar subject area.

• You want to study flexibly. Access courses are available full time or part time, daytime and evening and are extremely flexible. As the minimum age is 19, many students studying Access courses are in the same situation.

• As with other qualifications, you want to be able to access both foundation degrees and honours degrees.

Which way did Michelle Miles go? Michelle gained fantastic A level grades and always knew she had the ability to succeed at university. The barriers that stood in her path were financial as her parents couldn’t afford to contribute to the cost of her studies. Michelle decided to tackle her financial barriers by taking a gap year prior to starting higher education. During this year she saved up enough money to contribute to the costs of her undergraduate course. Michelle is now studying Psychology at university and her ambition is to become a doctor in Clinical Psychology.

Michelle’s top tip is, ‘If you save hard enough, not only does a gap year help pay for your studies but it also gives you a great insight into the world of work.’

Which way did David Ross go? David is a mature student who applied to university after completing an Access to Higher Education course at a local college. He cites passing the Access course and being accepted onto his degree course as two of his proudest moments. He is currently studying a Foundation Degree in Television and Media Practice and has ambitions to become a television script writer or cameraman.

David feels that he has overcome the personal barriers to learning through hard work, determination and support from lecturers. He also believes that with a family to provide for, the support he received from student services, grants, loans and other financial incentives to study were invaluable. David’s top tip is, ‘That it’s never too late to return to education. I’m in my forties,

Diplomas of Higher Education

Step 3 Foundation Degree in Television and Media Practice

Level 4

NVQ

AS/A2 Levels

Step 2 Access to Higher Education Programme

Level 3

NVQ

BTEC First VGCSE’s OCR Level 2

Level 2

NVQ

Step 1

O Levels

Diploma

Nationals married with three children and I am doing just fine.’

Step 3

BTEC Professional

BSc (Honours)

Diplomas, Certificates and Awards

Degree in Applied Psychology

Step 2

AS/A2 Levels

Applied AS/A2 Levels

Level 4

NVQ

Level 3

NVQ

Level 2

NVQ

BTEC First Step 1 GCSE A-B Grades

Diploma

VGCSE’s

OCR Level 2 Nationals

Which way did Paul Cooper go? Paul has had ambitions to train as a doctor for as long as he can remember and being the first in his family to enter higher education made him determined to succeed. His family all supported his decision to apply to university although his parents had their own worries as they weren’t sure how much it would cost. Fortunately, Paul is confident that the investment in his future now will more than pay for itself when he enters his chosen career.

Paul is currently a first year student at medical school and has ambitions to specialise in psychiatry once he has qualified as a doctor. Paul’s top tip is, ‘Higher Education is a great achievement, it allows you to move into what you want to do and open the door to a brighter future!’

Step 3 Medicine MBBS degree with an integrated Psychology degree

Step 2

AS/A2 Levels

Step 1 GCSE A-B Grades

BTEC Professional Diplomas, Certificates and Awards

Level 4

NVQ

Applied AS/A2 Levels

Level 3

NVQ

BTEC First Diploma VGCSE’s OCR Level 2 Nationals

Level 2

NVQ

Which way did Simon Brown go? Simon is the Managing Director of his own design company. He has built the company up from nothing and now employs more than ten staff. After he left school, he tried to become a professional footballer but when this didn’t work out he returned to education where he studied a series of BTEC qualifications. Following this, he moved onto university where he studied an undergraduate degree and then a masters degree in Digital Design and Architecture. Simon is living proof that if something doesn’t work out the way you planned it, there’s nothing to stop you from changing direction and achieving your goals via a different route. By returning to education, Simon has made his way right to the top through hard work and determination.

Simon’s top tip is, ‘All I ever wanted to be was a footballer and when I didn’t make it I had to make the choice; get a job or return to education. I chose college and look where I am now!!’

Step 5

BTEC Advanced

Degree) Advanced Digital Design in Architecture

Professional Diplomas, Certificates and Awards

Step 4

BTEC Professional

Degree in Interior Design and Architecture

Diplomas, Certificates and Awards

AS & A2 Levels

BTEC Certificate

BTEC National

in Design

Diploma in Design

Step 1

BTEC First

GCSEs A-C

Diploma

MA (Masters

BA (Honours)

Step 2

grades

Level 5

NVQ

Level 4

NVQ

Step 3

Level 2

NVQ

Which way did Christine Puckerin go?

Christine returned to education at the age of 40 after leaving school with O Levels when she was 16. She decided that she wanted to return to education and study English at university. Before applying to university Christine knew she had to add to her O Levels so she enrolled with a local college to study an Access to Higher Education qualification. By completing her Access course she had the necessary qualifications to apply to university. She counts her acceptance on her chosen degree as one of her greatest achievements as she thought the barriers to learning were too great. Christine studies at a university close to her home and this enables her to look after her children and her dog! Now she is at university she hopes to gain the best degree she can and prove all of the people who doubted her wrong!!

Which way did Dale Jarvis go? Dale is a mature student who applied to university after completing an Access to Higher Education course at a local college. He is currently studying a LLB Law degree at a local university and has ambitions to become a successful solicitor.

‘After leaving school, I found it difficult to get a job at first and tended to move from occupation to occupation. I discovered that with many of the higher paid jobs in the market I needed qualifications. As a mature student, I was worried about studying with those who had come straight out of college.’ Dale feels that he has overcome his personal barriers to learning through hard work, determination and support from lecturers.

Dale’s top tip is, ‘That it’s never too late to get into education, whether you’re 21 or

BTEC Professional Step 3 LLB Law degree

AS/A2 Levels

Step 1 GCSE A-C

Diplomas, Certificates and Awards Step 2 Access to Higher Education Programme BTEC First Diploma VGCSE’s OCR Level 2 Nationals

Level 4

NVQ

Level 3 NVQ

Level 2 NVQ

61, there is always something new to learn and a way to better yourself.’

Step 3 (Hons.)

BA

English

AS/A2 Levels

Step 1 O Levels A-G

BTEC Professional Diplomas, Certificates and Awards

Step 2 Access to Higher Education Programme

BTEC First Diploma

Level 4

NVQ

Level 3 NVQ

Level 2 NVQ

Christine’s top tip is, ‘Never let anyone tell you that you can’t do it!!’

Which way now?

If you think you would like to follow in the footsteps of any of these people, or you want to make your own pathway to higher education, you can find out how by talking to your local college or university. They want to support you, so all you have to do is ask. If you are interested in a particular subject or course you may find further, useful information on some of the following websites:

Hotcourses

www.hotcourses.co.uk

Foundation Degrees

www.foundationdegrees.org.uk

UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) www.ucas.com

Apprenticeships

www.apprenticeships.org.uk

Ready to Apply?

When you are ready to apply, your chosen university or college will talk to you about start dates for your course and the best times to formally apply for your place.

If you don’t think you have the right qualifications, ask for advice. There is much more flexibility for applicants now and older students can often get credit for valuable work and life experience. Visit www.aimhigher.ac.uk for the answers to your questions.

With thanks to Aimhigher West Midlands for the original concept

Take the next step for yourself...

Higher Education can widen your options, increase your earning power and improves your employment prospects …so why not Aimhigher?

Supporting progression into Higher Education Aimhigher

www.aimhigher.ac.uk www.aimhigher.ac.uk/dontstop/

Aimhigher North East For further information or to download this publication, visit our website www.aimhigher.northeast.ac.uk email: [email protected]