GCSES

• NQF level - 1-2 (depending on grades)
  
• Subjects - more than 40 academic and nine 'applied' subjects
• Entry requirements - GCSEs are the main qualification taken by 14 - 16 year olds, but are available to anyone and there are no entry requirements.
• Study mode - many GCSEs can be taken as short courses which are equivalent to half a full GCSE
• Leading to - work, further study, an apprenticeship, higher education (in addition to A Levels or equivalent)
• More information - Directgov
  
  

BTEC Diplomas and Certificates and OCR Nationals

• NQF level - BTEC (1-7), OCR Nationals (1-3)
  
• Subjects - work-related qualifications available in a wide range of subjects, including: art and design, business, health and social care, information technology, media, public services, science and sport.
• Entry requirements - these vary according to which level of qualification you want to study e.g. for a level 2 qualification, you will generally need GCSEs grades D-G, or a level 1 qualification in a similar subject.
• Study mode - full-time or part-time at college, or sometimes at school.
• Leading to - work, an apprenticeship, further study, or a route into higher education, such as taking an HNC or HND.
• More information - Directgov

Key Skills

• NQF level - 1-4
• Subjects - Key Skills subjects are transferable skills that are needed in education and training, work and life in general. There are six different areas, all available at different levels: Communication, Application of Number, ICT, Working with Others, Improving Own Learning and Performance and Problem Solving.
• Entry requirements - there are no minimum entry requirements, and you can study them alongside other types of qualifications, such as GCSEs.
• Study mode - you can study Key Skills as part of a full-time or part-time course at school or college (such as an NVQ), or as part of some higher education courses.
• Leading to - getting a Key Skills qualification at one level can lead to further Key Skills qualifications at higher levels. They can also help you move on to other qualifications, such as an HND or degree.
• More information - Directgov

AS and A Levels

• NQF level - 3
  
• Subjects - 80 subjects available as well as 'Applied GCEs'. These are vocational A Levels available in 10 subjects, offering a broad introduction to a vocational area such as business or tourism.
• Entry requirements - normally you need at least five GCSEs at grades A*-C. Sometimes, you need a grade B or above at GCSE in a particular subject to take it at AS or A level.
• Study mode - full-time takes 2 years to complete, but they are also available to study part-time.
• Leading to - higher education (university), work or training.
• More information - Directgov

NVQs

• NQF level - 1-5
  
• Subjects - a competance-based qualification available in over 1,300 different subjects. You learn practical, work-related tasks designed to help you develop the skills and knowledge to do a job effectively. NVQs are available to study at different levels.
• Entry requirements - you can take NVQs if you are employed or you are studying at college and have a part-time job or access to a work placement. You can also take an NVQ qualification at level 2 or 3 as part of an Apprenticeship.
• Study mode - there is no maximum time limit to complete an NVQ. At NVQ levels 1 and 2, it takes about a year and around two years to complete an NVQ level 3.
• Leading to - further training to the next NVQ level or higher education in a related vocational area such as a Foundation Degree or HNC or HND (if you have completed NVQ level 3 and above).
  
• More information - Directgov

International Baccalaureate Diploma

• NQF level - 3
  
• Subjects - The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is based around detailed academic study of a wide range of subjects. It leads to a single qualification, rather than separate qualifications for individual subjects. The IB Diploma Programme is made up of a compulsory 'core', plus six separate subjects where you have some choice over what you study. Compulsory 'core' subjects are: theory of knowledge, creativity, action and service, extended essay. Optional subjects are: first language, second language, experimental sciences, mathematics and computer science, the arts, individuals and society.
• Entry requirements - the IB Diploma is an internationally recognised qualification for students aged 16 to 19 - entry requirements vary.
• Study mode - available in more than 100 schools and colleges in the UK, both state and independent, and can be taken in English, French or Spanish. The IB Diploma normally takes two years to complete.
• Leading to - most students who take the IB Diploma go on to higher education. The qualification is recognised by universities in more than 100 countries.
• More information - www.ibo.org

HNCs and HNDs

• NQF level - 5
  
• Subjects - available in a wide range of subject areas, including: agriculture, computing and IT, construction and civil engineering, engineering, health and social care, business and management, sport and exercise sciences, performing arts, retail and distribution and hospitality management. HNCs and HNDs are highly valued by employers and can also count towards membership of professional bodies.
• Entry requirements - most HND courses require one A level (or equivalent).
• Study mode - offered by over 400 higher education colleges and further education colleges. HNCs can take one year to complete full time and two years part time. HNDs take two years full time and can also be taken part time (which takes longer). Only schools authorized by the IB as IB World Schools can offer the Diploma Programme
• Leading to - HNCs and HNDs are designed to give you the skills for a particular field of work so they can lead straight to a career. You can also use them to progress within your current career towards professional status. You can also convert your HNC or HND to a bachelors degree with extra study. HNCs can allow entry into the second year of a bachelors degree, while HNDs can allow entry into the second or third year.
• More information - Directgov

Foundation Degree

• FHEQ level - Intermediate
  
• Subjects - Foundation Degrees combine academic study with workplace learning, they are designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge that businesses are looking for. There are over 1,700 Foundation Degrees courses currently running. These cover a wide range of subjects including veterinary nursing, e-commerce, health and social care and forensic science.
• Entry requirements - There are no set entry requirements. Visit the UCAS website for details or contact the university or college directly.
• Study mode - Foundation Degrees are flexible. You can learn through distance learning, in the workplace or online. It takes around two years to complete a Foundation Degree full time, or three to four years part time.
• Leading to - Foundation Degrees can often lead straight to a job, or can be used to progress to a bachelors degree with further study (this normally takes about a year).
• More information - Directgov