Education Level Query on Application Form

[seeksclarity]

I'm in the process of making applications to civil service posts. One particular area I'm applying to has advertised two grades. The first grade requires 5 GCSEs at A-C or above, which I am fine with. The second position requests that applicants have A levels or equivalent. I didn't take my A levels but as a mature student went straight into degree studies, and completed two years of my course. I was told at my interview for the course that my life experience allowed me to enter the degree course without A levels. A full degree is obviously higher than A level, but what about two years of a degree?

[BRAVO1]

You seek clarity and I do too !.

You went on to do a degree or just degree studies ?

How did you get allowed on the degree program ?.

Did you pull out ? - Why only 2 yrs study ?

Did you get a degree ? - What level ? - What Subject ?

It sounds as if you are trying to make the excuse that you started a degree course then stopped it, and in some way this is better than having A Levels ?

If there are 2 positions, one of which requires A levels, then still apply, after all if your not up to standard you will not get an interview.

[seeksclarity]

Oh questions! I say degree studies because I mean degree studies, not a complete degree. The subject would be irrelevant to my question but is, as point of fact , computer science. The reason for leaving, although again irrelevant to the original question, was a complicated pregnancy, followed by a complicated infancy. I am not, and have no reason to be, making excuses. It is what it is and I make no apologies for the decision to set aside the degree course, as it was a Hobson's Choice. My question ws a simple and straightforward one, asked with a desire to clarify matters. I was in no way suggesting that two years of degree studies WAS better than A levels. I was simply asking if it would be considered to be equivelant to or more than an A level education outside the academic world. The question should have read,'...but what about two years of a degree, what does this count for in the REAL world?' I apologise if this confused you and I hope this response clarifies things a little for you!

As for the latter part of your answer I think that to apply for both positions would be foolhardy give both positions are available but one is paid at markedly less than the other. If I was the decision maker and saw an applicant willing to take both posts but capable of filling the more responsible role, and therefore earning the higher salary I would be either rubbing my hands at the thought of getting a valuable member of staff 'on the cheap' or I'd be wondering what kind of desperation would lead someone, who is apparently capable of earning the greater wage, submitting an application for a job earning the much lower wage. There is a �6k difference in the salaries and the responsibilities are distributed accordingly.

[seeksclarity]

Further to my response, I gained entry to my degree course by interview with a professor in the relevant department. Based on my work and life experience I was accepted upon the degree course without A levels. This is a common practice at Universities that support mature students. There were at least two other students on my course who earned their place by proving themselves by life experience.

[BRAVO1]

Thank-you for your clear and not so concise reply !..

I also have experience from the university of life, gained the hard way, however employers want piece's of paper with qualifications on them.

It's an employers market, that we cannot change, it's our perception we have to change.

Apply for EVERY position you feel that you can truthfully do.

Never put yourself down, and always be true to yourself.

We may never be Phd Professors or Doctors, but what a boring world it would be if we were all the same..

Good - Luck