The Diploma

The Diplomas are an exciting and brand new qualification for 14-19 year olds which are available in selected schools and colleges.

Liverpool has been chosen as one of only ten areas in the country where all five diplomas will be available. Diplomas will be offered by partnerships of schools, colleges and work based learning providers with learning taking place in realistic work environments.

The Diplomas will:

• Offer you a real alternative to traditional qualifications by helping you develop work-relevant skills, knowledge and understanding in an exciting, creative and enjoyable way
• Give you first-hand experience and insight into the world of work by giving you an opportunity to take part in a practical, real-world environment; and
• Give you the essential knowledge and personal skills that you will need for college, university or work and help you make choices about what career you want to follow.

Diplomas can be studied at three levels:

• Foundation Diploma - a Level 1 qualification – equivalent to 5 GCSEs at grades D to G
• Higher Diploma - a Level 2 qualification – equivalent to 7 GCSEs at grades A* to C
• Advanced Diploma - a Level 3 qualification for those over 16, taking broadly the same amount of time to do as 3 A Levels – this is equivalent to 3.5 A Levels

The Diploma is available in:

• 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
• Society Health and Development

To find out more go to www.yp.direct.gov.uk/diploma