+ AS. BTEC National Diploma. NVQ Level 3. GCSE’s grade A-C. BTEC First Diploma GNVQ Intermediate. NVQ Level 2. GCSE grade D-G. BTEC Intro Diploma or GNVQ undation. NVQ Level 1. PostgraduateAimhigher...achieve Level Degree. HNC/HND Foundation more Degree ploma H.E. NVQ Level 4. A2 + AS. BTEC National Diploma. NVQ Level 3. GCSE’s grade C. BTEC First Diploma or GNVQ Intermediate. NVQ Level 2. GCSE grade D-G. BTEC ro Diploma or GNVQ Foundation. NVQ Level 1. Postgraduate Level Degree. HNC/HND undation Degree Diploma H.E. NVQ Level 4. A2 + AS. BTEC National Diploma. NVQ vel 3. GCSE’s grade A-C. BTEC First Diploma or GNVQ Intermediate. NVQ Level 2. SE grade D-G. BTEC Intro Diploma or GNVQ Foundation. NVQ Level 1. Postgraduate vel Degree. HNC/HND Foundation Degree Diploma H.E. NVQ Level 4. A2 + AS. BTEC tional Diploma. NVQ Level 3. GCSE’s grade A-C. BTEC First Diploma or GNVQ ermediate. NVQ Level 2. GCSE grade D-G. BTEC Intro Diploma or GNVQ Foundation. Q Level 1. Postgraduate Level Degree. HNC/HND Foundation Degree Diploma H.E. Q Level 4. A2 + AS. BTEC National Diploma. NVQ Level 3. GCSE’s grade A-C. BTEC st Diploma or GNVQ Intermediate. NVQ Level 2. GCSE grade D-G. BTEC Intro Diploma GNVQ Foundation. NVQ Level 1. Postgraduate Level Degree. HNC/HND Foundation gree Diploma H.E. NVQ Level 4. A2 + AS. BTEC National Diploma. NVQ Level 3. SE’s grade A-C. BTEC First Diploma or GNVQ Intermediate. NVQ Level 2. GCSE grade G. BTEC Intro Diploma or GNVQ Foundation. NVQ Level 1. Postgraduate Level Degree. NC/HND Foundation Degree Diploma H.E. NVQ Level 4. A2 + AS. BTEC National ploma. NVQ Level 3. GCSE’s grade A-C. BTEC First Diploma or GNVQ Intermediate. Q Level 2. GCSE grade D-G. BTEC Intro Diploma or GNVQ Foundation. NVQ Level 1. stgraduate Level Degree. HNC/HND Foundation Degree Diploma H.E. NVQ Level 4. A2 AS. BTEC National Diploma. NVQ Level 3. GCSE’s grade A-C. BTEC First Diploma or NVQ Intermediate. NVQ Level 2. GCSE grade D-G. BTEC Intro Diploma or GNVQ undation. NVQ Level 1. Postgraduate Level Degree. HNC/HND Foundation Degree ploma H.E. NVQ Level 4. A2 + AS. BTEC National Diploma. NVQ Level 3. GCSE’s grade C. BTEC First Diploma or GNVQ Intermediate. NVQ Level 2. GCSE grade D-G. BTEC ro Diploma or GNVQ Foundation. NVQ Level 1. Postgraduate Level Degree. HNC/HND undation Degree Diploma H.E. NVQ Level 4. A2 + AS. BTEC National Diploma. NVQ vel 3. GCSE’s grade A-C. BTEC First Diploma or GNVQ Intermediate. NVQ Level 2. SE grade D-G. BTEC Intro Diploma or GNVQ Foundation. NVQ Level 1. Postgraduate vel Degree. HNC/HND Foundation Degree Diploma H.E. NVQ Level 4. A2 + AS. BTEC tional Diploma. NVQ Level 3. GCSE’s grade A-C. BTEC First Diploma or GNVQ ermediate. NVQ Level 2. GCSE grade D-G. BTEC Intro Diploma or GNVQ Foundation. Q Level 1. Postgraduate Level Degree. HNC/HND Foundation Degree Diploma H.E. Q Level 4. stepsA2 + AS. BTEC to National higher Diploma. education NVQ Level 3. GCSE’s grade A-C. BTEC st Diploma or GNVQ Intermediate. NVQ Level 2. GCSE grade D-G. BTEC Intro Diploma GNVQ www.aimhigher.ac.ukFoundation. NVQ Level 1. Postgraduate Level Degree. HNC/HND Foundation gree Diploma H.E. NVQ Level 4. Level 7Ð8

PostgraduatePostgraduate Diplomas, Masters Degrees, Level PhD

A Levels are not the only way into higher Level 4- Level 5 - Level 6- Level 4 Bachelor Level HNC, degrees, NVQ education certificates Foundation Level 4/5 There are lots of qualifications and learning paths into higher 4Ð6 graduate of HE Degrees, certificates education besides A Levels. HND and diplomas

NVQ’s, BTEC National Awards, Certificates and Diplomas and Access to Higher Education Courses all allow you to study either full time or part time via the route that suits you best. There are also many higher education courses that BTEC you can progress to besides the traditional ‘honours’ degree. Foundation AS + A2 National Access to NVQ Level Level 3 Diploma * Degrees, Higher National Diplomas and Higher National Certificates for example, Applied HE Advanced 3 Certificate AS/A2 Apprenticeship all provide higher education qualifications. Award

Lots of choice can sometimes be confusing but don’t let that put you off. There is no ‘right time’ to think about higher education. Whether you are leaving school, already working or thinking of returning to study after a long absence, there will be something to suit your needs. VGCSE GCSE BCEC First Level AA*-CC NVQ A*–C Diplomas and There is plenty of help to guide you through the process and local colleges and 2 Intermediate Certificate Level 2 GNVQ NCFE Level 2 universities all provide opportunities for you to try out different subjects before (Ending 2007) you make your decision. Why not find out what’s on offer?

This booklet demonstrates the various routes that real people have taken into higher education, so read on to find out more and the next person applying to VGCSE HE could be you! GCSE BTEC Level DD-GG Introductory NVQ D–G Foundation Diploma and Level 1 1 GNVQ Certificate (Ending 2007)

* Access to HE courses are intended for adults who do not have any qualifications or who do not have traditional 6th form or vocational qualifications allowing them to prepare for and gain entry to, degree and or other HE programmes Which way did they go? Which way did Katie Coward go?

Katie is the first in her family to go to Step 3 BTEC university. Her parents both left school at 16 BA (Honours) Professional Degree in and none of her extended family continued Diplomas, Level 4 NVQ English Language Certificates and in education. Katie gained A and B grades in and Literature Awards all her GCSE’s and this made her believe in her ability to progress. Katie realised that she wanted to continue studying the Step 2 subjects she enjoyed and also recognised Applied AS/A2 Level 3 NVQ AS/A2 Levels that many of the jobs that interested her Levels required a degree as they provide specialist skills. After passing four A Levels, Katie was BTEC First Step 1 Diploma accepted at university to study English Level 2 NVQ Language and Literature. She was very GCSE A-B VGCSE’s Grades OCR Level 2 nervous about being the first in her family Nationals to go to university but she received plenty of support from her family and made them all proud when she graduated with a 2:2 honours degree. Katie’s top tip Katie currently has a job as a student is to, ‘Always set goals and ambassador encouraging other young targets, write ‘to do’ lists and check your people to think about higher education. timetables!’

Which way did Paul Green go? Step 3 At 47, Paul is a mature student who Diplomas of Foundation Degree returned to education in order to give him Higher Education in Television & Level 4 NVQ the best possible chance to realise his Media Practice ambitions. Paul dropped out of his A levels after an offer of employment but recently he decided that he wanted a career change and Step 2 returned to education. Step 1 NCFE Certificate in Level 2 NVQ After completing a NCFE level 2 in Video O Levels Film Production Production at a local college, Paul applied to a higher education institution. He is currently studying a Foundation Degree in Television and Media Practice and has ambitions to become a film director or is doing something that he enjoys. Paul’s top tip cameraman. is, ‘Getting into Higher Paul regards producing his first feature Education is not as difficult as you think length film as being his biggest achievement so don’t be intimidated. Use the support to date and that his motivation to succeed structures in place and you will be a success.’ Which way did Kieran Bostock go? Kieran is a Civil Engineering Technician. He Step 5 Diploma of is studying an HND in Civil Engineering on Higher Education HND in Civil Level 4 NVQ a part-time basis whilst he continues in his Engineering job. His employer recognised the importance of having highly skilled staff and Kieran knew that part-time study was the best Step 3 Step 4 BTEC National Level 3 NVQ in option for him as it allowed him to continue AS/A2 levels Diploma Technical Design earning a living whilst he gained his Civil Engineering in Built qualifications. Environment After completing his BTEC National Diploma at college, Kieran went on to find employment as an Engineering Technician in Step 1 Step 2 Level 2 NVQ order to gain some experience in his chosen GCSE A-C Grades AS level in ICT field. His employer supported him through an NVQ level 3 in Technical Design and seeing the benefits to the organisation, encouraged him to progress to an HND. Which way did Carly Machin go? Kieran’s ambition is to become a fully Kieran’s top tip Step 6 qualified Civil Engineer and he hopes to on higher education is that Postgraduate Carly left school after gaining B and C Level 7 Diploma NVQ 5 be able to progress onto a degree in Civil ‘It’s a long process but anything worth Diploma (PGDip) in Translation grades in her GCSE’s and although she Marketing Engineering. while and rewarding takes a bit of time.’ wanted to continue her education she wasn’t sure what she wanted to do. Carly began an apprenticeship scheme in Business Step 5 BTEC and after gaining her NVQ level 2 and 3 BA (Hons) Professional NVQ 4 decided to continue onto college to study Business and Diplomas, Certificates Awards a HNC part-time. Marketing After passing her HNC and realising she loved marketing, Carly decided to go onto university and graduated with an honours Certificates of Step 4 NVQ 4 degree in Business & Marketing. Higher Education HNC in Business Carly is currently working as a Student Recruitment Officer dealing with marketing and publications and encouraging other Step 3 young people to think about Higher BTEC National NVQ 3 Education. She is currently part way through AS/A2 Diploma in Business her Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing and hopes to complete this by the end of the year. Carly’s top tip is, ‘Never let anything get in Step 1 BTEC First Step 2 GCSE A-C Grades Diploma NVQ 2 Business your way’. She also comments that, ‘all my VGCSE’s friends went to college but I decided to take a different route because I felt it was the right way for me to go. Studying part-time was difficult but it gave me a greater sense qualifications but have gained practical of achievement and not only do I have the experience as well.’ Which way did Kate Dickinson go? BTEC Professional Kate is currently studying medicine at Step 3 Diplomas, university after always being keen on Medicine MBBS Certificates and Level 4 NVQ science in school. She decided to study Honours degree Awards medicine after being convinced by her school that she had the talent and skills to succeed. She was successful in her application and now has ambitions to Step 2 Applied AS Levels become a GP once she qualifies. AS/A2 Levels Level 3 NVQ Kate is the first from her family to study at university and choosing medicine meant that she was naturally worried about the BTEC cost of studying for five years. She soon Step 1 First Diploma realised that there is lots of help available in GCSE A-B Grades VGCSE’s Level 2 NVQ the form of student loans, bursaries and OCR Level 2 non-repayable grants. This has helped her Nationals cope with any financial worries and enabled her to concentrate on her studies. Kate’s top tip Kate’s motivation to succeed at university is, ‘Never give up because if was to show her family how successful she you put your mind to it, you can achieve could be and to make everyone proud. anything!’

Which way did Mark Selling go? Step 3 BTEC Professional Mark left school at the age of 16 with BA (Honours) Diplomas, Level 4 NVQ virtually no qualifications and joined the Degree in Media & Certificates and Marines. Having greatly enjoyed his time Culture Awards and ‘armed’ with 2 O levels he had achieved within the Marines, Mark was ready to embark on a fresh challenge. S tep 2 AS/A2 Levels BTEC National Level 3 NVQ His O level success fuelled his desire for Diploma Further Education and his search took him Leisure Studies on to studying a BTEC in Leisure Studies. He states, ‘As I knew very little about education and essay writing after my time in BTEC First the Marines, I chose the BTEC as it was more Step 1 Diploma hands-on and practical than doing the usual O Levels GCSE’s Level 2 NVQ Level 2 A level route.’ OCR Nationals After doing his BTEC, Mark enrolled at a local university to study a 3 year BA (Hons.) in Media and Culture. He tells us, ‘This Marks top tip degree, along with constant support from is, ‘When you’re studying at the university, helped me to aspire towards university, try to get involved with as much my career goal of working in the media.’ of the volunteer work and extra curricular Eventually, this dream was achieved as activities as possible. As I found, this will Mark now works as News Editor for help open many networking opportunities SUN FM. for future careers.’ Going the right way? BTEC National Diplomas Level 3 qualifications can lead to higher education so choosing the right qualification for The BTEC National encourages and stimulates student achievement through innovative you means understanding the differences between the qualifications on offer. By seeking learning and assessment styles, by focusing on the applied knowledge and understanding of advice from your local university or college and getting accurate information about the specific sectors. qualifications you’re interested in you can make an informed decision on what and how to study. Do consider BTEC qualifications if… NVQ’s National vocational qualifications (NVQ’s) are work-related, competence-based • You know what you want to do and would • You would like to have flexibility while you qualifications. They demonstrate that a candidate is competent in the area of work the enjoy studying a subject which provides study. With a BTEC qualification, you can NVQ framework represents and are based on national occupational standards. you with a specific vocational approach. ‘switch’ vocational areas and still Students who study a BTEC qualification progress. For example you could switch have specific knowledge in a vocation and Do consider NVQ’s if… from a BTEC First Diploma in Business to a can take this knowledge forward to National Diploma in Media. • You want to work and earn money whilst • You want formal qualifications which show employment or further study. • You don’t like examinations. As BTEC’s continuing in education. that you have the competence to carry out a • You enjoy being assessed through a wide are vocationally orientated they involve • You want to progress at your own pace, job properly and to specific industrial range of methods including a portfolio of few if any examinations. (Please check the moving through the NVQ levels standards evidence and assessment of practical work. institution that offers the qualification first as some subjects vary). Consider alternatives if… • You want more than one progression route to choose from. You can progress to • You have checked the entry requirements • You want to study full time at a school, • You want a fixed progression route to higher BTEC Nationals from various routes for progression to higher education using college or university. NVQ’s have to be education with no variation. Progression from including BTEC level 2 qualifications, this route and it meets the requirements NVQ’s can vary between institutions. Some completed in the workplace. GCSE and VGCSE. of the course you wish to progress to. will ask for a level 4 NVQ rather than a level 3. You will need to check with your chosen provider what their entry requirements are. Consider alternatives if… A Levels & Applied A Levels • You are not completely sure that you want • You would rather study at a school 6th A Levels/Applied A Levels are split into two parts; the AS and the A2. Combined, they make a full to focus on a specific subject area. form. BTEC’s are predominantly offered at A level/Applied A Level. The Advanced Subsidiary (AS) is a stand alone qualification, valued at half colleges of Further Education, particularly a full A level/Applied A Level. The A2 qualification is the second half of a full A level/Applied A National Diplomas. Level and is also worth 50% of the total qualification. Access to Higher Education Do consider A levels if… Access qualifications provide a route to higher education for adults with little if any formal • You want to mix and match subjects that • You want to study a qualification which qualifications. Some Access qualifications prepare students for specific subject areas, such as you are interested in. This provides a offers subjects that you studied at GCSE. Access to Law, others offer students three or four subjects to study which are relevant to their balance of options when considering A Levels/Applied A Levels are also available in intended progression route into HE. progression routes. other subjects such as Law and Psychology. • You want to study a well established progression pathway to higher education Do consider access qualifications if… recognised by all universities and colleges • You would like to progress to higher • You want to study flexibly. Access courses who deliver higher education. education but do not have the necessary are available full time or part time, daytime Consider alternatives if… formal qualifications. and evening and are extremely flexible. As the minimum age is 19, many students • You are not comfortable with exams. A Levels/ • You don’t want to choose three or four • You want to study a specific occupational studying Access courses are in the same situation. Applied A Levels use examinations as a form of subjects. It can be difficult choosing this area, for example teaching or nursing. assessment as well as coursework. For students many subjects that you are interested in These courses will provide you with the core • As with other qualifications, you want to be who find being assessed through exams nerve and good at. knowledge required to progress to a HE able to access both foundation degrees and wracking, this may not be the best option. diploma/degree in a similar subject area. honours degrees. Which way did Michelle Miles go? Michelle gained fantastic A level grades and Step 3 BTEC Professional BSc (Honours) Diplomas, always knew she had the ability to succeed Level 4 NVQ at university. The barriers that stood in her Degree in Applied Certificates and path were financial as her parents couldn’t Psychology Awards afford to contribute to the cost of her studies. Michelle decided to tackle her financial Step 2 Applied AS/A2 Level 3 NVQ barriers by taking a gap year prior to AS/A2 Levels Levels starting higher education. During this year she saved up enough money to contribute to the costs of her undergraduate course. BTEC First Michelle is now studying Psychology at Step 1 Diploma university and her ambition is to become GCSE A-B Grades VGCSE’s Level 2 NVQ a doctor in Clinical Psychology. Michelle’s top tip OCR Level 2 is, ‘If you save hard Nationals enough, not only does a gap year help pay for your studies but it also gives you a great insight into the world of work.’

Which way did David Ross go? Step 3 David is a mature student who applied to Diplomas of Foundation Degree university after completing an Access to Higher Education in Television Level 4 NVQ Higher Education course at a local college. and Media He cites passing the Access course and Practice being accepted onto his degree course as two of his proudest moments. He is Step 2 Access to Higher currently studying a Foundation Degree in Level 3 NVQ Television and Media Practice and has AS/A2 Levels Education ambitions to become a television script Programme writer or cameraman. David feels that he has overcome the BTEC First personal barriers to learning through hard Step 1 Diploma VGCSE’s work, determination and support from O Levels Level 2 NVQ lecturers. He also believes that with a family OCR Level 2 to provide for, the support he received from Nationals student services, grants, loans and other financial incentives to study were invaluable. David’s top tip is, ‘That it’s never too late married with three children and I am doing to return to education. I’m in my forties, just fine.’ Which way did Paul Cooper go?

Paul has had ambitions to train as a doctor Step 3 BTEC for as long as he can remember and being Medicine MBBS Professional the first in his family to enter higher degree with an Diplomas, Level 4 NVQ education made him determined to succeed. integrated Certificates and Psychology degree His family all supported his decision to Awards apply to university although his parents had their own worries as they weren’t sure how much it would cost. Fortunately, Paul is Step 2 Applied AS/A2 confident that the investment in his future AS/A2 Levels Levels Level 3 NVQ now will more than pay for itself when he enters his chosen career. Paul is currently a first year student at BTEC First medical school and has ambitions to Step 1 Diploma specialise in psychiatry once he has qualified GCSE A-B Grades VGCSE’s Level 2 NVQ Paul’sas a doctor. top tip OCR Level 2 is, ‘Higher Education is a Nationals great achievement, it allows you to move into what you want to do and open the door to a brighter future!’

Which way did Simon Brown go? Simon is the Managing Director of his own Step 5 Advanced design company. He has built the company BTEC MA (Masters Professional up from nothing and now employs more Degree) Advanced Diplomas, Level 5 NVQ than ten staff. After he left school, he tried Digital Design in Certificates and to become a professional footballer but Architecture Awards when this didn’t work out he returned to education where he studied a series of BTEC Step 4 BTEC Professional qualifications. Following this, he moved BA (Honours) Diplomas, Degree in Interior Level 4 NVQ onto university where he studied an Certificates and Design and undergraduate degree and then a masters Architecture Awards degree in Digital Design and Architecture. Simon is living proof that if something doesn’t work out the way you planned it, Step 2 Step 3 there’s nothing to stop you from changing AS & A2 Levels BTEC Certificate BTEC National direction and achieving your goals via a in Design Diploma in Design different route. By returning to education, Simon has made his way right to the top through hard work and determination. Simon’s top tip Step 1 BTEC First is, ‘All I ever wanted to be GCSEs A-C Diploma Level 2 NVQ was a footballer and when I didn’t make it grades I had to make the choice; get a job or return to education. I chose college and look where I am now!!’ Which way did Christine Puckerin go? Step 3 BTEC Professional Christine returned to education at the age of BA (Hons.) Diplomas, 40 after leaving school with O Levels when Certificates and Level 4 NVQ English she was 16. She decided that she wanted to Awards return to education and study English at university. Before applying to university Christine knew she had to add to her O Step 2 Access to Higher Levels so she enrolled with a local college AS/A2 Levels Education Level 3 NVQ to study an Access to Higher Education Programme qualification. By completing her Access course she had the necessary qualifications to apply to university. She counts her acceptance on her chosen Step 1 BTEC First Level 2 NVQ degree as one of her greatest achievements O Levels Diploma as she thought the barriers to learning were A-G too great. Christine studies at a university close to her home and this enables her to look after her children and her dog! Now she is at university she hopes to gain Christine’s top tip the best degree she can and prove all of is, ‘Never let the people who doubted her wrong!! anyone tell you that you can’t do it!!’

Which way did Dale Jarvis go? BTEC Professional Dale is a mature student who applied Step 3 Diplomas, Level 4 NVQ to university after completing an Access to LLB Law degree Certificates and Higher Education course at a local college. Awards He is currently studying a LLB Law degree at a local university and has ambitions to become a successful solicitor. Step 2 Access to Higher Level 3 NVQ ‘After leaving school, I found it difficult to AS/A2 Levels Education get a job at first and tended to move from Programme occupation to occupation. I discovered that with many of the higher paid jobs in the market I needed qualifications. As a mature BTEC First Diploma student, I was worried about studying with Step 1 VGCSE’s Level 2 NVQ those who had come straight out of GCSE A-C OCR Level 2 Nationals college.’ Dale feels that he has overcome his personal barriers to learning through hard work, determination and support from lecturers. Dale’s top tip is, ‘That it’s never too late 61, there is always something new to learn to get into education, whether you’re 21 or and a way to better yourself.’

Which way now? If you think you would like to follow in the footsteps of any of these people, or you want to make your own pathway to higher education, you can find out how by talking to your local college or university. They want to support you, so all you have to do is ask.

If you are interested in a particular subject or course you may find further, useful information on some of the following websites:

Hotcourses www.hotcourses.co.uk

Foundation Degrees www.foundationdegrees.org.uk

UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) www.ucas.com

Apprenticeships www.apprenticeships.org.uk Take the next step for yourself...

Ready to Apply? Higher Education can widen your options, When you are ready to apply, your chosen university or college will talk to you about start dates for your course and the best times to formally apply for your place. increase your earning power and If you don’t think you have the right qualifications, ask for advice. There is much more flexibility for applicants now and older students can often get credit for valuable work and improves your employment prospects life experience. Visit www.aimhigher.ac.uk for the answers to your questions. …so why not Aimhigher?

With thanks to Aimhigher West Midlands for the original concept Supporting progression into Higher Education

Aimhigher www.aimhigher.ac.uk www.aimhigher.ac.uk/dontstop/

Aimhigher North East For further information or to download this publication, visit our website www.aimhigher.northeast.ac.uk email: [email protected]