Level 5 Courses

What is a foundation degree?

Offered by universities and some colleges, foundation degrees are equivalent to two-thirds of a full bachelor’s degree. But because they generally focus on a particular profession or job (such as nursing or social work), they combine academic study with practical workplace learning. If you study full time you’ll complete your course in two years, whereas part-time study takes three years.

What are the entry requirements?

There are generally no entry requirements, as foundation degrees are aimed at students who don’t have formal qualifications. Industry experience is viewed as equally important for these entry-level courses.

What can I do afterwards?

Once you’ve finished your degree, you could either start working or do a top-up degree, which usually involves entering the third year of a similar degree course.

What is a Higher National Diploma (HND)?

Academically equivalent to the second year of a bachelor’s degree, Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes are aimed at students who prefer learning by doing. Just like Higher National Certificates (HNCs), they focus on developing specific workplace skills for practical industries such as engineering, agriculture and healthcare.

HNDs are usually offered by further education institutions rather than universities. If you study full time, you’ll gain your diploma in two years. Part-time study will take four years.

What are the entry requirements?

To access HND courses you’ll generally need at least one A level (grades A-D) or an equivalent level 3 qualification. However, don’t despair if you don’t have this, as some providers accept work experience in lieu of qualifications.

What can I do afterwards?

Once you’ve completed your HND you’ll have the skills and knowledge you need to apply for work. However, if you decide you’d like to go on to achieve a full bachelor’s degree in a similar subject, you could join the final year of a degree course.

What is a Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE)?

One level on from the Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE), the DipHE is equal to two years of full-time study at degree level. It’s often taken by people who either don’t want to commit to a full degree or haven’t studied for a while. Although this qualification does involve academic study, the subjects on offer tend to have a vocational focus.

What are the entry requirements?

Entry requirements for DipHE courses vary depending on the provider. Some may ask for GCSEs or A levels, while others won’t require any formal qualifications at all. Access to Higher Education Diplomas is also generally accepted.

What can I do afterwards?

If you’re not already working in your chosen field, your diploma will enable you to find employment. You’ll also have the option of moving on to the final year of a related undergraduate degree.

What are level 5 awards, diplomas and certificates?

Although all of these qualifications are equal to a foundation degree in terms of difficulty, their content and total qualification time vary. Essentially, awards are worth 1-12 credits (10-120 study hours), certificates are worth 13-36 credits (130-360 hours) and diplomas require over 37 credits (370 hours).

What are the entry requirements?

Entry requirements for these qualifications vary widely. If you choose a course that’s related to your current area of employment, you’ll probably find that your work experience is sufficient. For other courses, you may need level 4 qualifications.

What can I do afterwards?

Successful completion of your course will enable you to take other level 5 qualifications or progress to the next level. You may also be able to join the third year of some degree programmes.

What is a level 5 NVQ?

Academically equivalent to the second year of a degree, level 5 NVQs are vocational qualifications which focus on gaining essential skills in the context of your workplace. You’ll be assessed by demonstrating your competence during observations and by submitting a portfolio. The great thing about NVQs is that there’s no time limit, so you can gain the qualification at your own pace.

What are the entry requirements?

For some courses, you may require a level 4 NVQ, but for others, you’ll simply need a good standard of spoken and written English. You’ll also need a job or placement in order to develop and demonstrate your skills.

What is a Higher Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are work-based learning programmes that are available at several different levels of the regulated qualifications framework. Take a higher apprenticeship and you’ll complete a recognised level 5 qualification, such as a diploma of higher education or a foundation degree.

What are the entry requirements?

To apply for an apprenticeship at this level, you’ll usually need at least 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4, plus level 3 qualifications such as A levels, NVQs or BTECS.

What can I do afterwards?

According to government statistics, 90% of apprentices keep working after completing their programme. And an impressive 70% of these people remain with the employers who trained them. However, this isn’t the only option available – if you’re determined to gain that bachelor’s degree, you could apply for a degree apprenticeship.

What kind of subjects can I study at this qualification level?

You’ll be glad to know that there’s plenty of subject choice at this level of the qualifications framework. Here are some of the top subjects on offer:

• Nursing
• Social care
• Hospitality
• Business studies
• Animal science
• Agriculture
• Design
• Computer studies
• Drama
• Engineering
• Sports science
• Counselling
• Law
• Science
• Media
• Accounting
• Music
• Environmental studies

Explore our range of level 5 qualifications today!