'New' Diplomas
These are new courses developed by schools and employers and were taught for the first time in 2009. They are a new
and exciting way of learning and succeeding that involve a single (or principal) area of learning with additional related
studies, work experience and project work.
At level 2 a Higher Diploma = 7 GCSEs at A*-C
At level 3 an Advanced Diploma = 3.5 A levels
Diplomas are designed to meet the needs of every student. However they are particularly suitable for you if you have a very
clear area of interest or career plan and if you prefer studies that apply to the world of work (often called applied studies).
In some cases they will lead directly into employment in a chosen career but in others they will be a step towards further qualifications.
Universities are committed to them and value the wide range of skills successful students will have developed.
This course has been developed to provide a solid grounding in business skills including:
• Business Enterprise - developing ideas, promoting products and services.
• Business Administration - illustrating the importance of administration.
• Business Finance - learning to manage personal and business finances.
At Level 3 the course has been developed to expand on the knowledge, understanding, competency and skills developed
during Level 2 courses. It will provide the following learning:
• Business Enterprise - structure of business organisations and the processes involved in planning, setting up, running
and closing a business venture, about entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation in business.
• Business Administration - information, project and events management.
• Business Finance - purpose and principles of financial accounting, business finance and taxation, the structure, interpretation
and use of financial documents.
This course will study the ideas and concepts behind engineering and how they impact upon the modern world:
• The Engineering World - looking at its impact on the way we live.
• Engineering Technology - discovering the principles of design and manufacturing.
• The Future of Engineering - understanding innovation and new ideas.
At Level 2 you will develop your abilities in your specialist area and also in 'functional skills' which are the more practical
elements in English, Maths and ICT. Studies will be very varied with lots of 'hands on' activities as well as a major project.
The Diploma in Creative and Media is an exciting new qualification for young people aged 14-19, who want to learn about some
of the UK's most dynamic industries. The Diploma covers a rich range of disciplines which may include film, TV and fashion.
Students of the Diploma will gain knowledge, experience and skills enabling them to master processes common to all creative
industries. There are also opportunities to specialise.
By choosing to study this Diploma, you will gain hands-on, practical experience of a
range of creative methods and ideas that will prepare you for university and the world of work.
Universities, colleges and employers have all been involved in the development of the Diploma in Sport and Active Leisure, in a
bid to create what has the potential to become the 'flagship' qualification for all 14-19 years olds wanting to enter the sport
and active leisure sector. The Diploma in Sport and Active Leisure, offered at levels one, two and three, will provide students
with knowledge and understanding of the sport and active leisure industry. The Diploma combines both class work and hands-on
experience that gives students the opportunity to gain a fully rounded education through a number of learning methods within the
environments of both the classroom and the workplace.
The Diploma in Sport and Active Leisure is not designed to produce world class athletes. Students interested in taking the
Diploma do not necessarily have to be active participants, they should simply have an interest in the industry, whilst
also be able to understand and relate to leading an active and healthy lifestyle. The sport and leisure industry spans a
huge range of job roles. There are opportunities to specialise in areas of sport, including competitive sport but also other
interests such as walking, climbing or adventure, in fitness, in play work, stadium management and safety, roles based in the
outdoors, sport surfaces and many more. The scope ranges from groundsman or stadium manager to coach or personal trainer -
there are over 200 job roles within the sport and leisure industry.