At each level, the Diploma in Engineering is designed as an
individual qualification and it is not necessary to complete the
Foundation Diploma before the Higher Diploma or the Higher Diploma
before the Advanced.
Students will be able to select which level Diploma suits them
best:
- Foundation (equivalent to 5 GCSEs at grades D to G)
- Higher (equivalent to 7 GCSEs at grades A* to C)
- Advanced (equivalent to 3.5 A Levels, worth 420 UCAS
points)
There is also a Progression level Diploma, which is like the
Advanced Diploma, but without various options, and is equivalent to
2 A Levels. It is worth 300 UCAS points.
There is also an Extended Diploma, which has more generic and
additional and specialist learning. It will be available from
2011.
It is hoped that the more able students would progress straight
to a Higher Diploma, and some learners may opt to do an Advanced
after GCSEs as an alternative to 'A' Levels. Some students
who do not respond well to traditional academic courses may respond
well to applied learning and excel on a Foundation Diploma, and
then progress through the Higher Diploma, and Advanced Diploma and
onwards.
It is envisaged that most students wanting an A-Level equivalent
qualification will do the full Advanced Diploma with the
Progression Diploma being primarily for those who do not have the
time to complete the full Advanced Diploma.
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