Level 3 Courses

What level 3 courses can I study?

Level 3 courses taken in diverse academic subjects – such as English, maths, media studies, and the various sciences – provide the student with a qualification within an A-E grade band at the end of the course, with the option to move onto university (Level 6) if set grades are met. 

In further and adult education, level 3 courses cover all types of vocational work and can be taken progressively as a means of advancing a career or aiding your professional development within a certain domain. Level 3 courses are available in numerous subject areas, such as: 

• Childcare
• Health & Social Care
• Mental Health
• Bookkeeping
• Hospitality

How can I take a level 3 course?

Level 3 courses can be taken either within the school system or local education centres, as well as via online and distance learning. Taking a level 3 course online is the perfect option for those who wish to work around their family life or other responsibilities, those who live in remote areas or those who are already in work but wish to progress onto something new. 

The costs and entry requirements for level 3 courses all depend on the subject, the organisation and the length of the course. Courses offered by recognised institutions may yield higher prices and higher entry requirements, whereas others offer specialised courses – usually vocational – with no official entry requirements.

What are the benefits of taking a level 3 course?

Level 3 courses will demand a certain level of pre-ordained knowledge on the given subject, meaning that some can provide the ideal stepping-stone to advance within an already-established career. For example, those working in childcare and education can specialise their training with a Level 3 course in Nursery Education, Childminding or a Teaching Assistant diploma, or those working in finance might take a level 3 course in accounting or bookkeeping in order to diversify their portfolio within their area of expertise. 

Some Level 3 courses can also provide the stepping-stone to an entry-level position.  

What can I do after a level 3 course?

After taking level 3 courses in academic subjects – either within the school system or at an educational training centre – you can progress into higher education and go on to specialise even further within your given subject. With a more vocational level 3 qualification, such as a certificate, diploma or award, you can progress either into the world or with further study, equipped with your new experience and a recognised qualification.