Higher Education

[toby99]

Hi � Can anyone explain the hierarchy of college/university course, starting at the bottom and working up i.e. Diplomas, NVQs, Degrees, Postgrad and Undergrad courses etc? Also, what are UCAS points and how do they work? Thanks for any help

[saxy_jag]

1. A levels/GNVQ Advanced/NVQ 3

2. Certificate, Diploma, Degree (usually one, two or three years' university study respectively) - these are all undergraduate courses. Degree is a Bachelor's, with or without honours.

3. Postgraduate Certificate, Diploma and Degree. The degree will be a Master's.

UCAS points - you earn a set number per subject taken at A level, depending on the grade you get. Universities specify how many UCAS points you need in order to be eligible to study for a Bachelor's degree. The number of points depends on the university and course applied for.

Hope this helps.

[toby99]

Many thanks Saxy_jag!

[Cheekystar]

From bottom to top -

0 - entry level courses
1 - level 1 / NVQ 1 / introductory certificates (no GCSE's required usually)
2 - level 2 / NVQ 2/ GCSE's / first diplomas / GNVQ intermediate (usually GCSE c-e grades needed for FE courses)
3 - level 3 / NVQ 3/ A-levels / National Diplomas / GNVQ advanced (usally 4 or more grade C at GCSE needed)
4 - level 4 / NVQ 4 /Founation degree / Degree (usually level 3 courses needed)
5 - level 5 / Postgrad courses

UCAS POINTS - These are for A-levels (A2's)
A=120
B=100
C=80
D=60
For AS courses just half them.
Vocational courses also have an equivilent UCAS point system, for example DDD on a National Diploma Course is worth 360 UCAS points (equiv to straight A's at A2) Contact your local Connexions / Career Office for more information or look on www.connexions-direct.com

[toby99]

Thank you so much for your great answer Cheekystar