College
Study at your local college and qualify for further study or employment.
Popular engineering qualifications include BTECs at levels 2 and 3 or HNC and HND – plus foundation degrees www.fdf.ac.uk are also available.
Find out more about courses and entry requirements from your local college website or at www.hotcourses.com
notgoingtouni was established to help young people make informed decisions about their future by showing the opportunities that exist outside of the traditional university route such as apprenticeships, foundation degrees, diplomas, NVQ's, gap years, volunteering, distance learning and jobs. Find out more at www.notgoingtouni.co.uk
The Diploma (England only)
The Diploma is an alternative to the traditional GCSE or A level route. It offers a mix of classroom learning, creative thinking and hands-on experience. It can help you to develop the skills and experience that are valued by employers and which universities and colleges look for in potential students.
The Diploma can be taken alongside a variety of A level subjects. You should check with your school or college regarding timetable options, and the university or college admissions criteria for the required subject combinations.
Information about The Diploma for young people...
Some universities and colleges have provided a statement regarding their view of the Advanced Diploma. Visit http://www.ucas.ac.uk/diplomastatements/ for more information.
Please visit http://yp.direct.gov.uk/diplomas/ for more information about The Diploma in England.
Please visit www.engineeringdiploma.com for specific information about the engineering diploma (this site includes information for parents, teachers and businesses which can be downloaded in leaflet format).
Diploma support for teachers/advisers...
In autumn 2010, government ministers announced plans to review arrangements for the Diploma, to bring it into line with other qualifications. An update on the diploma can be found here.
The Diploma support programme website which includes case studies, on-line communities, a resource library and planning tools can be found at www.diploma-support.org