Levels of Study
Vocational/Further Education
What is it?
Vocational and Further Education Colleges provide courses geared toward technical-skill based professions and adult education. Courses can range in length from a couple of weeks to a maximum of two years (three with a sandwich placement in industry), and you can choose from thousands of opportunities in science and technology, computing and business, art and design, social sciences, the humanities, and many others.
Types
BTEC Nationals (Business and Technology Education Council)
NVQ (National Vocational Qualification)
A level (GCE Advanced Level)
Quick facts
BTEC Nationals (Levels 1-6)
Courses in career-related subjects such as e-business, engineering, art and design, media, performing arts, agriculture, applied science, computing, and health and social care
Ideal for students hoping to progress to a career at supervisory or technician level
Can provide a foundation for higher education courses in the same subject area
They have an equivalence to other qualifications such as the GCSE (levels 1 to 2), A level (level 3) and university degrees (levels 4 to 6)
Tend to be based on practical work or coursework rather than examinations
NVQ (Levels 1-5)
Courses in career-related subjects such as business administration, nursery nurse, hair-dressing, construction, animal care, and youth work
Students must prove competency in carrying out their job to a required standard (usually through paid or voluntary work)
They can be compared to other qualifications such as GCSE (levels 1 to 2), A Level (level 3), BTEC (level 4) and lower university degrees (level 5)
A levels
The equivalent of 6th and 7th year in high school making 13 years of education in total
Subjects are usually studied over 2 years
Internationally recognised
Cost
BTEC: £4,000-£6,000
NVQ £4,000-£6,000
A-Levels : £4,000-£8,000 per year
For more information on finding the right course for you please contact us.
