What is the Diploma?
The Diploma is a qualification for students aged 14-19 and is set to become one of three main education choices alongside GCSEs/A Levels and apprenticeships. It combines theory and practice to equip students with the skills, knowledge and experience they need for success at college, university and work.
The Diploma will appeal to students of all abilities and aspirations, who like to learn about subjects in ways that relate to real life.
Designed by universities and employers, the Diploma can take students on to college, university or the career of their choice.
There will be a range of Diplomas to choose from — 17 in total. All 17 Diplomas will be available in areas across the country by 2013.
From September 2008
- Engineering
- Construction and the Built Environment
- Information Technology
- Society, Health and Development
- Creative and Media.
From September 2009
- Environmental and Land-based Studies
- Manufacturing and Product Design
- Hair and Beauty Studies
- Business, Administration and Finance
- Hospitality.
From September 2010
- Public Services
- Sport and Active Leisure
- Retail Business
- Travel and Tourism.
September 2011
- Science
- Languages
- Humanities.
The Diploma will be available at three different levels:
- Foundation — equivalent to 5 GCSEs at grades D-G
- Higher — equivalent to 7 GCSEs at grades A*— C
- Advanced — equivalent to 3.5 A Levels.
A new extended Diploma, designed to extend each of the 17 Diploma lines by adding more generic and additional and specialist learning, will also be available from 2011. The extended Diplomas are expected to be equivalent to:
- Foundation — 7 GCSEs at grades D to G
- Higher — 9 GCSEs at grades A* to C
- Advanced - 4.5 A Levels.
There will also be a Progression Diploma equivalent in size to 2.5 A Levels. It will include the generic and principal learning sections of the full Advanced Diploma. Students will develop knowledge, understanding and skills relevant to their Diploma choice, complete a project, and do a minimum of ten days work experience.
Last updated: 03 September 2008
