Part-time study

Check your current level

Where are you now?

The table below will help you understand the value of any qualifications you already have.

In general you will need Level 3 qualifications to apply for university-level credit-bearing study; however some of our part-time programmes are purely for pleasure and do not require any prior academic qualifications.

Overview

Level 8

Qualifications are:

  • Doctorate (PhD)
To apply for a Level 8 qualification, you need: Level 6-7 qualification
Level 7

Qualifications are:

  • MA ie, Master’s Degree in Arts
  • MSc ie, Master’s Degree in Science or equivalent
To apply for a Level 7 qualification, you need: Level 5-6 qualification
Level 6

Qualifications are:

  • BA (Hons) ie, Bachelor of Arts Degree
  • BSc (Hons) ie, Bachelor of Science Degree
To apply for a Level 6 qualification, you need: Level 3-5 qualification
Level 5

Qualifications are:

  • NVQ 5
  • Diploma of Higher Education (= second year at university)
  • Foundation Degree
  • Higher National Diploma
To apply for a Level 5 qualification, you need: Level 3-4 qualification
Level 4

Qualifications are:

  • NVQ 4
  • Certificate of Higher Education (= first year at university)
To apply for a Level 4 qualification, you need: Level 3 qualification
Level 3

Qualifications are:

  • NVQ 3
  • A levels
  • International Baccalaureate
  • BTEC National Certificate/Diploma
  • Advanced Diploma
  • Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Access to HE course (adults)

To apply for a Level 3 qualification, you usually need: 4-5 GCSEs at grade A*-C. It is possible to apply with Level 2 qualifications such as: GNVQ Intermediate (Merit) or BTEC First Diploma (Merit).

Level ? Not sure of your qualifications or experience?
If you are unsure where you fit into the levels shown then please contact the Information and Guidance Unit for assistance on 01227 827272.

Level 3

Level 3

Qualifications are:

  • NVQ 3
  • A levels
  • International Baccalaureate
  • BTEC National Certificate/Diploma
  • Advanced Diploma
  • Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Access to HE course (adults)

To apply for a Level 3 qualification, you usually need: 4-5 GCSEs at grade A*-C. It is possible to apply with Level 2 qualifications such as: GNVQ Intermediate (Merit) or BTEC First Diploma (Merit).

Level 4

Level 4

Qualifications are:

  • NVQ 4
  • Certificate of Higher Education (= first year at university)
To apply for a Level 4 qualification, you need: Level 3 qualification

Level 5

Level 5

Qualifications are:

  • NVQ 5
  • Diploma of Higher Education (= second year at university)
  • Foundation Degree
  • Higher National Diploma
To apply for a Level 5 qualification, you need: Level 3-4 qualification

Level 6

Level 6

Qualifications are:

  • BA (Hons) ie, Bachelor of Arts Degree
  • BSc (Hons) ie, Bachelor of Science Degree
To apply for a Level 6 qualification, you need: Level 3-5 qualification

Level 7

Level 7

Qualifications are:

  • MA ie, Master’s Degree in Arts
  • MSc ie, Master’s Degree in Science or equivalent
To apply for a Level 7 qualification, you need: Level 5-6 qualification

Level 8

Level 8

Qualifications are:

  • Doctorate (PhD)
To apply for a Level 8 qualification, you need: Level 6-7 qualification

Not sure...

Level ? Not sure of your qualifications or experience?
If you are unsure where you fit into the levels shown then please contact the Information and Guidance Unit for assistance on 01227 827272.

 

 

Returning to learning

For students who are returning to learning, we may be able to consider previous experience including work-related skills, alternative qualifications and other information instead of traditional entrance requirements.

Advice is available to guide you about the level of skill needed for all our courses. Contact us.

ELQ Fees

If you have studied at university level before you may be required to pay Equivalent or Lower Level Qualification (ELQ) fees. You will find more information on our Fees and funding page.

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Last Updated: 20/07/2011