Home Skills & Training Types and levels of education and training

Types and levels of education and training

Understanding the different qualification levels is essential for navigating your educational path effectively. Each level offers unique opportunities tailored to various career aspirations and learning preferences. Whether you choose A-Levels for university entry or opt for vocational qualifications like BTECs or NVQs for immediate employment opportunities, there is a pathway suited to your goals

For further clarity on these qualification levels and how they interconnect within the educational framework of the UK, please refer to our accompanying diagram which visually represents these pathways.

Whether you are a student contemplating your next steps, a parent seeking guidance for your child, or an adult considering a career change, understanding the various qualification levels can help you make informed decisions about your educational journey.

A chart that shows the levels of qualifications

Qualification levels

Entry level learning

If you have no qualifications, or have been out of education for a while, then many providers can offer taster, engagement or short non-qualification courses to build your confidence, and help you decide if a particular subject is for you.

Taster courses generally have no formal assessment attached, allowing you to learn in a relaxed and informal way. Joining these type of courses enable you to meet new people, learn new skills and gain knowledge in a friendly, educational environment. These courses will give you the opportunity to find new learning opportunities and develop the motivation to do more.

Intermediate learning

GCSE’s and functional skills

At age 16, students in England typically undertake GCSEs, which are qualifications in a wide range of subjects, including mandatory, English Language, Maths, and Science (either Combined Science or Triple Science). Additionally, students usually take Physical Education (PE) and Religious Education (RE), though the former may not always be examined.

Further Education (FE) colleges and learning providers offer the opportunity to retake GCSEs in English and Maths for students aged 16-18, often alongside a vocational course. These qualifications are also available to adults as standalone courses. Some institutions may also offer Science as an additional subject to support post-16 learners.

For those looking for an alternative to GCSEs, Functional Skills qualifications are an excellent option.

Functional skills qualifications focus on practical skills in real-world contexts. For example, in Functional Skills Mathematics, you might learn how to manage a budget or interpret data, while Functional Skills English could involve writing a formal letter or understanding a report.

Functional skills can be taken in Maths, English, and Digital Skills up to Level 2, which is equivalent to a GCSE grade 4 (C) or above. These qualifications are designed to be more flexible and shorter in duration than traditional GCSEs, making them a suitable pathway for individuals returning to education or those who need to meet specific entry requirements for higher-level vocational programs, apprenticeships, or university courses.

Advanced Level

A-levels or Advanced Levels

A-levels, or Advanced Levels, are qualifications typically taken by students aged 16 to 18 in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. They are often considered the traditional route to university education and are usually studied over two years. Students typically choose three or four subjects to specialise in, allowing them to delve deeply into areas of interest.

A-levels are highly regarded by universities and employers alike and are particularly suitable for those looking to pursue higher education in specific fields such as sciences, humanities, or arts.

A-levels can be studied in Sixth Form Colleges, Further Education Colleges, Independent Schools and Online Learning Platforms.

Vocational qualifications

Vocational qualifications, can be intermediate, advanced or higher learning and including BTECs (Business and Technology Education Council qualifications), offer a more practical approach to learning compared to A-Levels. They are available at various levels and can be taken alongside or instead of A-Levels, or at various points throughout adulthood at Further Education Colleges or other post-16 training providers.

These qualifications focus on vocational skills and knowledge relevant to specific industries such as business, healthcare, engineering, and creative arts. They are ideal for students who prefer hands-on learning experiences and wish to enter the workforce directly or pursue further or higher education in their chosen field.

Most colleges and post-16 training providers offer a range of vocational courses across different sectors to young people and adults. Some sixth forms also provide vocational options alongside traditional A-Level courses.

Vocational qualifications are often credit-based, providing flexibility in the size and scope of the qualification, which is particularly beneficial for adult learners and those retraining:

Award: A qualification of up to 13 credits, typically taking around 130 hours to complete.
Certificate: A qualification between 13 and 37 credits, requiring up to 370 hours to complete.
Diploma: A qualification of 37 credits or more, with at least 370 hours needed for completion.

These hours include both taught sessions and self-study, including time spent on assignments.

Most vocational qualifications also include a practical element, with some requiring a component to be completed in a real work environment, ensuring that learners gain relevant, hands-on experience.

T-levels

T Levels combine classroom learning with practical industry experience. Equivalent to three A-Levels, T Levels focus on technical subjects and provide students with the knowledge and skills needed for specific careers.

These qualifications involve a substantial industry placement component – around 20% of the course – making them an excellent choice for students who wish to gain hands-on experience while studying. T Levels cater primarily to those interested in technical fields such as digital production, design engineering, or health care, although T Levels are being introduced to cover all sectors.

Further Education Colleges are the primary providers of T Level courses across various disciplines. Some colleges focus specifically on technical education and may offer a wider range of T Level options.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships offer an alternative route into employment allowing individuals to earn while they learn. The apprentice will be employed into a relevant role which complements the off-the-job learning and can range from intermediate (Level 2), Advanced (Level 3), Higher and Degree Level apprenticeships (Level 4, 5 and 6). There are also some Masters level apprenticeships (Level 7) available.

Apprenticeships are suitable for school leavers seeking immediate employment opportunities as well as adults looking to upskill or change careers. They cover a wide range of industries including construction, IT, healthcare, and business administration. Most professions have an apprenticeship standard that outlines what you’ll be trained and assessed on. The individual spends the majority of their working week with the employer and is given time to study within their work hours.

Many companies offer apprenticeship programmes directly within their organisations and various training providers partner with employers to deliver apprenticeship training across multiple sectors. In addition, many colleges facilitate apprenticeship programmes in collaboration with local businesses and will deliver the off-the-job training in their facilities.

Higher level learning

Degrees and levels 4-6 qualifications
Degrees represent higher education qualifications awarded by universities upon completion of undergraduate studies. Typically lasting three years, undergraduate degrees cover various disciplines such as arts, sciences, engineering, and social sciences. Over the typical three years, you will study at Level 4 in the first year, Level 5 in the second year and Level 6 in the third year.

Higher technical qualifications (HTQs) are qualifications at Level 4 and 5 offered by many providers as an alternative to degree programmes. HTQs ensure that learners gain the skills that employers want, and employers can be confident that learners have the knowledge, skills and behaviours for a particular specialist role. HTQs can range from accountancy and leadership and management, through to technical qualifications such as computing and engineering.

Higher level learning provides students with critical thinking skills and specialised knowledge necessary for professional roles across numerous sectors. Graduates often pursue careers that require advanced qualifications or opt for further study.

Higher degrees

Higher degrees include postgraduate qualifications such as Masters degrees (MA/MSc) (Level 7) and Doctorates (PhD) (Level 8). These qualifications require prior completion of an undergraduate degree and involve advanced study in specialised areas of interest.

Higher degrees are suitable for individuals seeking expertise in their field or aiming for academic research positions. They can also enhance career prospects significantly within competitive job markets.

The primary institutions for degree-level education are Universities, they offer a wide range of undergraduate programmes across various fields. – Some Higher Education colleges provide under and post degree-level courses in partnership with universities. Some specialised research centres provide opportunities for doctoral studies focused on specific areas of inquiry.