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Alternatives to A Levels then University

longman

Getting A Levels and then going to University isn't the only way of getting qualifications. You can progress by instalments mixing in work experience. There is a new system being set up called Qualification and Credit Framework, to make this process easier and more transparent, but basically all qualifications have a credit value and can be used as a substitutes for parts of the next qualification by "accrediation for higher learning". It is a useful way of improving career prospects while getting workplace experience at a manageable pace. It might take twice as long, but getting a degree can still mean having the same problems finding work and fitting in in the workplace, so a slower progression may be beneficial.

The best way to see this is to go to the DirectGov website (www.direct.gov.uk) and select "Education and Learning" then "Qualifications Explained". This sets out the qualification levels and further down the page is a clickable list of qualifications each with an information page. It isn't perfect but the alternatives like OFQUAL are harder to follow.

In conventional terms there are 8 levels from basic to doctorate. University degrees are at levels 4, 5 and 6, 6 being an honours degree. Level 1 is GCSEs graded D to G. Level 2 is GCSEs graded A* to F. Level 3 is A Levels.

The alternative routes include 14-19 diploma, NVQs (national vocational qualifications), HNC/HND (Higher National Certificates and Diplomas) and Foundation Degrees.

I'll try to put in details of these alternatives in subsequent postings.

Parents

  • Sadly the government insisted on calling these "foundation degrees" because they have been confused with foundation courses done prior to going on to a degree.This confusion has meant that they haven't been taken up as well as they should, and many Foundation Degrees have closed as a result. Also some colleges and universities just adapted HNCs and HNDs which led to a loss in confidence. Having said this a Foundation Degree is still a realistic option.

    A Foundation Degree is at level 4 and 5, and completing one is equivalent to completing second year at university. They stand as degrees in their own right - you can graduate with a foundation degree or top up by further study to a full degree.

    They were designed as practical alternatives to doing a full degree. They are mostly "vocational" based on a career, and development was led by the Sector Skills Councils. Again they contain around a dozen modules and earlier qualifications may be accepted as part of them by "accreditation of prior learning". So you can use NVQs HNCs etc as part of completing them.

    Like HNC/HND they are usually part-time by day release from work, at a local college or even at a university, and can also be by distance learning (self directed study). They are like HNC/HNDs in many ways, just that completion gives you a degree, and they can be automatically "topped up" to a full degree, which could be in a different but related subject.

    Main problem is they need more promotion, and are not well enough known, though employers often like them as they produce practical graduates rather than brain boxes.

Reply

  • Sadly the government insisted on calling these "foundation degrees" because they have been confused with foundation courses done prior to going on to a degree.This confusion has meant that they haven't been taken up as well as they should, and many Foundation Degrees have closed as a result. Also some colleges and universities just adapted HNCs and HNDs which led to a loss in confidence. Having said this a Foundation Degree is still a realistic option.

    A Foundation Degree is at level 4 and 5, and completing one is equivalent to completing second year at university. They stand as degrees in their own right - you can graduate with a foundation degree or top up by further study to a full degree.

    They were designed as practical alternatives to doing a full degree. They are mostly "vocational" based on a career, and development was led by the Sector Skills Councils. Again they contain around a dozen modules and earlier qualifications may be accepted as part of them by "accreditation of prior learning". So you can use NVQs HNCs etc as part of completing them.

    Like HNC/HND they are usually part-time by day release from work, at a local college or even at a university, and can also be by distance learning (self directed study). They are like HNC/HNDs in many ways, just that completion gives you a degree, and they can be automatically "topped up" to a full degree, which could be in a different but related subject.

    Main problem is they need more promotion, and are not well enough known, though employers often like them as they produce practical graduates rather than brain boxes.

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