Choosing your course

Some people will know which course they want to do. Others may be less sure and need help exploring the various options. If you’re still at school, look out for our School Liaison Team, who will be visiting you during Year 11 to give you lots of information about all the different courses we offer. Your school will also have their own careers advisor.

If you’ve already left school, why not speak to one of the College careers advisors. They will provide you with advice and guidance to help you choose the right course. Call their information and advice helpline (9am – 10am Monday to Friday) on Tel. 01253 504351/504474.

Connexions also have personal advisors who offer confidential guidance about careers and planning your future. To contact Connexions call: 01253 754840 (Blackpool); 01253 775050 (Fleetwood); 01253 783939 (St Annes).

The Different Levels

Entry Level

For people who want to go on to take an NVQ Level 1 or a BTEC, but need to build up skills, experience and gain confidence to progress to a Level 1 course.

Level 1

For people who want to find out about what an occupation involves and learn skills to help them progress to Level 2 courses or find work.

Admission to courses at Entry Level or Level 1 is by interview. You need to show you are keen to take the course and will work hard.

Level 2

GCSE – NVQ Level 2 – Diploma - Diploma/ Certificate/Award (eg BTEC) These courses involve a varied range of learning activities. School leavers normally need GCSE grades D and above to enter courses at this level and an indication from your school that this is the right course for you.

Level 3

These include A Levels (AS and A2), Diploma/ Certificate/Award (eg BTEC) and NVQ Level 3. For more coursework-focused programmes such as the Diploma and NVQs, school leavers will normally need five GCSEs at grade C or above and may require a specific subject mix. For A Levels you will normally need five passes at GCSE grade C (or above), including English Language and/or Maths

Level 4

HND-HNC-NVQ Level 4 and other professional courses Work on these courses involves a range of complex and specialist activities. Students will be expected to have achieved a Level 3 qualification to study for these qualifications.

Level 5

Foundation Degrees These qualifications have been designed with employers to provide the skills needed for various occupations. The entry requirements vary from course to course but generally you will need to have successfully completed a relevant Level 3 qualification.

Level 6

These include Ordinary and Honours degree programmes in Arts (BA), Engineering (BEng) or Science (BSc) based subjects. Generally you will need to have successfully completed a relevant Level 3 programme. People with Foundation Degrees may be able to fast-track to the second or final year of these programmes. Alternatively special ‘top-up’ degree programmes may be available.

Degree programmes require a lot of commitment and self-motivation. They tend to be 3 or 4 years long and could include a work placement or even time spent abroad.

Make sure you look at the specific entry requirements for the courses you are considering.

The Right Level For You

Things to bear in mind:

For some subjects you have to start at Level 1 If you’re interested in practical Catering; Construction; Hairdressing, Beauty and Related Therapies; Society, Health and Childhood or Motor Vehicle, you may have to start at Level 1 no matter what qualifications you have. This is because you need to master the basic techniques of your chosen area before you can move up to higher levels.

Check the entry requirements for your chosen course - The qualifications and grades needed to do certain courses may differ from those mentioned here. For more details, check the individual course sections or speak to our School Liaison Team

English and Maths are very important Having a good level of English and Maths will really help you to get on no matter which course you’re doing.