Course Levels & Entry Requirements Explained
Making the right choice will depend on meeting the entry requirements, how you like to study and what you would like to do after your time with us
Please use the table below as a general guide to our entry requirements – click on a level to see study options, typical entry requirements and progression routes . Some courses may require further specific qualification grades due to the nature of their content. Acceptance on a course will also depend on a successful interview.
STUDY OPTIONS | TYPICAL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS | PROGRESSION |
---|---|---|
Entry Level qualifications | No formal qualifications are required for Foundation Level courses. | Next Entry Level or Level 1 course |
STUDY OPTIONS | TYPICAL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS | PROGRESSION |
---|---|---|
Level 1 qualifications, including Certificates and Diplomas. | Two or more GCSEs at grade 2 or above, or successful completion of Entry Level qualification. | Level 2 course, Apprenticeship or employment. |
STUDY OPTIONS | TYPICAL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS | PROGRESSION |
---|---|---|
Level 2 qualifications, including Diplomas and Apprenticeships. | Three or more GCSEs at grade 3 or above, or successful completion of a relevant Level 1 qualification. *see note below reference apprenticeships | Level 3 course, Apprenticeship or employment. |
STUDY OPTIONS | TYPICAL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS | PROGRESSION |
---|---|---|
Level 3 qualifications, including Diplomas, Apprenticeships and T levels. Note: Our programmes are delivered as two one year courses; Year 1 – Diploma, and Year 2 – Extended Diploma. | Four or more GCSEs at grade 4 or above including English and/or maths, or successful completion of a relevant Level 2 qualification. *see note below reference apprenticeships | University study, an Apprenticeship or employment. |
STUDY OPTIONS | TYPICAL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS | PROGRESSION |
---|---|---|
HNC/Higher Apprenticeship | 48 – 64 UCAS Tariff points from A-levels or a relevant full Level 3 qualification such as a BTEC Extended/ National Diploma/City & Guilds Advanced Technical Diploma/Access to HE Diploma with at least 45 credits at level 3 (all of the above to be in relevant subjects). Maths and English GCSE preferable or equivalent Functional Skills Level 2 | Further study at university, a Higher Apprenticeship or employment. |
STUDY OPTIONS | TYPICAL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS | PROGRESSION |
---|---|---|
HND/Foundation Degree. | 48 – 64 UCAS Tariff points from A-levels or a relevant full Level 3 qualification such as a BTEC Extended/ National Diploma/City & Guilds Advanced Technical Diploma/Access to HE Diploma with at least 45 credits at level 3 (all of the above to be in relevant subjects). Maths and English GCSE preferable or equivalent Functional Skills Level 2 | Further study at university, a Higher Apprenticeship or employment. |
STUDY OPTIONS | TYPICAL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS | PROGRESSION |
---|---|---|
Honours Degree/3rd year top-up Honours Degree/Level 6 only Honours degree. | 64 – 104 (depending on subject area) UCAS Tariff points from A levels or a relevant full Level 3 qualification such as a BTEC Extended/National Diploma/City & Guilds Advanced Technical Diploma/Access to HE Diploma with at least 45 credits at level 3 (all of the above to be in relevant subjects). Maths and English GCSE preferable or equivalent Functional Skills Level 2 | Further study at university or employment. |
STUDY OPTIONS | TYPICAL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS | PROGRESSION |
---|---|---|
Postgraduate Study (PGCE/MSc/MA)/ Higher Apprenticeship – Undergraduate Degree. | Undergraduate Degree. | Employment. |
T Levels are coming to The Cornwall College Group
A T Level qualification follows on from GCSEs and combines classroom theory, practical learning and a three-month industry placement to ensure students have the skills to thrive in the world of work.
Please note
• *For any applicants considering undertaking an apprenticeship, you will need an employer willing to take you on as an apprentice, which is a process that we can support you in. With regards to entry requirements, please note that prior to starting an apprenticeship you will need to complete an initial assessment in English and maths, so that we can establish the level you are currently working at. We will then run through a Skills Scan with you, in order to determine your current level of knowledge and skills in your chosen area of study. Both of these elements will then be used to determine the level of apprenticeship which is most suitable for you to start at, irrespective of grades awarded in previous qualifications.
• Some specialist courses may have extra entry requirements, please see website for details.
• If you do not achieve your expected grades please do not panic. Contact us and we will help you find an alternative course, normally in the same subject area of interest.
GCSE GRADES
GCSE GRADES UPDATE
In 2017 the grading system for GCSE English and maths changed significantly. Rather than being graded A* to G, a numerical system is now used. The grades now run from 1 to 9, with 9 being the highest. A grade 4 is now a ‘standard pass’, equivalent to a grade C, with a grade 5 being a ‘strong pass’.
GCSE ENGLISH AND MATHS
According to the Department for Education, gaining a grade 4 or higher in English and maths could potentially add £2,000 to your salary every year. If you have not yet gained a grade 4 in GCSE English and maths then you will carry on studying these subjects as part of your Study Programme at college. Our English and maths teams are committed to helping you succeed, and we offer a different and more personalised experience than school.
Our GCSE courses run from September until June, giving you the chance to gain your qualification in just one academic year.
Not quite ready for GCSEs yet? Don’t worry, we have a range of ‘stepping stone’ qualifications in English and maths meaning that you can improve your skills at your own pace. If you have already gained your GCSE English and maths at grade 4, we will continue to embed English and maths into your specialist course, as these skills are essential for your future employment.
When you join us, we will assess your current levels of English and maths, and use your existing qualifications to make sure that you are on the right course for you.