Careers And Guidance

Support & Guidance

Each course has its own entry requirements. See the course web page for details. These depend on the level of the course, the type of course, your qualifications and previous experience.

A guide to entry requirements

Qualifications offered Entry Requirements Next Steps
Entry level courses
  • BTEC Skills for Working Life
  • ESOL Skills for Life

None - just an interest in the subject

Level 1 - introductory courses

Level 1 - introductor courses
  • BTEC Level 1 Award or Certificate
  • NVQ or VRQ Level 1
  • City and Guilds/IMI Level 1
  • Destinations
  • 14-19 Foundation Diploma.

You will be given an initial assessment to ensure that this is the right course for you.

  • Level 1 or Level 2 course
  • an apprenticeship
  • employment
Level 2 - intermediate courses
  • BTEC Level 2 Certificate or Diploma
  • NVQ or VRQ Level 2
  • City and Guilds
  • IMI Level 2
  • 2 or more GCSEs at grade D or grade 3 or above
  • successful completion of a Level 1 qualification or relevant experience for mature applicants
  • Level 3 course
  • an apprenticeship
  • employment
Level 3 - advanced courses
  • BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma
  • NVQ Level 3
  • Access to Higher Education
  • minimum 4 GCSEs at grades A*-C or grade 9-5
  • a merit or distinction in a relevant Level 2 qualification
  • Higher Education at college or university
  • a degree apprenticeship
  • employment
Level 4-5 - Higher Education Year 1 and 2
  • BTEC Higher National Certificate or Diploma
  • Foundation Degrees
  • relevant Level 3 qualification, plus GCSE English and maths at grade C / grade 5 or above or the equivalent functional skills English and maths at Level 2
  • minimum one A Level
  • relevant Access to Higher Education course
  • A degree course or professional qualification
  • employment at senior level

For further help or advice, please call our advisers on 020 8326 2020, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are paid jobs with training. For all apprenticeship programmes you need to show good communication skills, timekeeping and the ability to work as part of a team.

Entry Requirements Next Steps
Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship

You should have Entry 3 Functional Skills in English and maths and/or GCSE English and maths at grade E / grade 2 or higher.

  • employment
  • Level 3 apprenticeship
Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

You should have Level 1 Functional Skills in English and maths and/or 4 GCSEs at grade A*-C / grade 9-5 including English and maths at grade C / grade 5 or higher.

You should also have relevant work experience and/or a Level 2 vocational qualification.

  • employment
  • Level 4 apprenticeship
Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship

You should have Level 2 Functional Skills in English and maths and/or 4 GCSEs at grade A*-C / grade 9-5 including English and maths at grade C / grade 5 or higher.

You should also have relevant work experience and/or a Level 3 vocational qualification.

  • employment at senior level
  • Level 5 apprenticeship
Level 5 Degree Apprenticeship

You should have A Levels or a Level 3 /Level 4 qualification or equivalent. Other prior experience will also be considered as an alternative.

You should also have achieved English and maths GCSEs at grade C / grade 5 or higher.

  • employment at senior level

Please note: Entry requirements for specific apprenticeships do vary. See the apprenticeship course web page for details.

Non Standard Qualifications

If you are not sure whether your qualifications, including overseas qualifications, meet the entry requirements, please contact the Careers Advice and Guidance Team.

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