Diplomas

Diplomas are not replacing traditional GCSEs and AS/A levels, but instead they give you a different option to these traditional routes, keeping just as many options open for you.

They allow you to take GCSEs or AS/A levels alongside them. Like GCSEs and AS/A levels, they can lead to further study, or to employment with training.

The Diploma is a qualification based around work rather than traditional subjects, and you will have the opportunity to experience different styles of learning in different environments.

You need a whole range of skills in life, not just academic achievement. The Diploma helps you to develop skills and experience that employers, colleges and universities really value. These skills will include teamwork and creative thinking.

You will also develop your English, Maths and ICT abilities, and study other National Curriculum subjects.


What are the benefits of taking a Diploma?
There are many benefits:

  • You will get a valuable insight into one of the country's main employment sectors, without committing yourself
  • As well as learning in the classroom, you may also study some days at an employer's place of work, and spend time on work experience

  • The Diploma allows you to go on to further study, and then on to college or university, or into a job and training; the choice is yours
  • The Diploma gives you the knowledge and skills that employers and universities are seeking, without committing yourself to a career in a particular area
  • The Diploma gives you a head start in the competitive employment market



    • From which Diplomas can I choose?
    In 2010, Sunderland students can choose from 14 Diploma subject areas:

  • Business, Administration and Finance
  • Construction and the Built Environment
  • Creative and Media
  • Engineering
  • Environmental and Land-based Studies
  • Hair and Beauty Studies
  • Hospitality
  • Information Technology
  • Manufacturing and Product Design
  • Public Services
  • Retail Business
  • Society, Health and Development
  • Sport and Active Leisure
  • Travel and Tourism



    • What will I study in my Diploma?
    The Diploma combines compulsory elements and optional subjects.

    Compulsory courses in your Diploma cover the main things you will need to know about your chosen sector.

    In an Engineering Diploma, for example, there are three principal learning themes:

  • The Engineering World
  • Engineering Technology
  • The Engineering Future

    • You will also study Functional Skills, namely English, Maths and ICT.

    In addition, you will have a choice of doing additional learning such as GCSEs or specialist learning units linked with your Diploma subject. For example, if you are studying for a Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment, you could take a more specialist course in Surveying, or you could choose a more traditional subject like a Modern Foreign Language.

    You will get the chance to spend at least 10 days working with an employer, developing these skills and experiencing what work is like from the inside.


    What qualification will I get at the end of my Diploma?
    The Diploma is available at three different levels:

  • The Foundation Diploma (level 1) is equivalent to 5 GCSEs at grades D to G
  • The Higher Diploma (level 2) is equivalent to 7 GCSEs at grades A* to C
  • The Advanced Diploma (level 3) is equivalent to 3.5 A levels



    • What can I do after the Diploma?
    There are lots of options. On completing a Foundation or Higher Diploma, you could go on to take a Diploma at the next level, either in the same subject, or you could change to a different subject area. You could also go on to do GCSEs, AS/A levels or another qualification. You might decide instead to start an Apprenticeship, or start a job with training. Your Connexions Personal Adviser can help you make the right choice.


    Will the Diploma help me to get a good job?
    The Diploma was developed with employers to help students get the skills, knowledge and experience they need to do well. Employers know that a Diploma student has the range of skills they are seeking.


    Will I be able to get into university with a Diploma?
    Taking a Diploma can be the first step towards college or university. If you go on to do an Advanced Diploma, universities will regard it as broadly equivalent to three A levels.