We know that finding the right course can be overwhelming, so here’s a quick guide to the qualifications that we offer, to make your decision a little easier. Don’t know if you’re ready to commit to a 3-year degree? Don’t worry! We have several one or two-year courses available that are standalone qualifications or can be used to build toward a degree!
Certificate/Diploma of Higher Education (CertHE/DipHE)
A CertHE is equivalent to the first year or level 4 of a degree programme, while a DipHE is equivalent to the first two years or levels 4 and 5 of a degree. Combining practical experience with theoretical knowledge makes these qualifications highly valued by employers. You can progress from a CertHE to a DipHE and from a DipHE to a top-up for a full BSc or BA Honours Degree.
Higher National Certificate (HNC) and Higher National Diploma (HND)
Similar to the CertHE and DipHE. The HNC is equivalent to the first year or level 4 of a degree programme and a HND is equivalent to the first two years or levels 4 and 5 of a degree programme. These programmes combine theory and practical experience and are highly valued by employers. You can progress from a HNC to a HND, and from a HND to a top-up degree such as a BA (Hons).
Foundation Degree (FdSc/FdA)
A foundation degree is also equivalent to the first two years or levels 4 and 5 of a degree. Foundation degrees focus on a particular job or profession and are intended to increase the professional and technical skills of current or potential staff within a profession. You can progress from a foundation degree onto a top-up for a full BSc Honours Degree.
Honours Degrees (BA, BSc, BEng)
We are proud to deliver BA Honours (Bachelor of Arts), BSc Honours (Bachelor of Science) and BEng Honours (Bachelor of Engineering) degrees in partnership with our awarding institutions. Depending on the subject you would like to study, there are a range of options available including standard three-year degrees or one-year top-up options if you already have a HND, Foundation degree, or DipHE.
We also offer degree apprenticeships where you study in college for one day a week and are employed in a role relevant to your studies for the rest of the week. After gaining an honours degree you could go on to study a master’s qualification at a university, consider the graduate teaching qualification at NPTC Group, or go into graduate employment.
Professional Certificate in Education/Professional Graduate Certificate in Education in Post Compulsory Education and Training (PCE/PGCE PCET)
Our PCE and PGCE PCET courses are designed to teach you how to teach! If you’re keen to start a career in teaching students ages 16+, then our PCE or PGCE PCET could be right for you.
Post-compulsory education includes all forms of education of students post 16. (I.e. anything that is not primary or secondary education. This includes colleges, universities, apprenticeships and work-based learning to name a few.)
During the course, you will have a placement, where you will get a first-hand, post-16 teaching experience.
If you have a degree in the subject you want to teach, then you can apply for our Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE PCET) course.
But if you don’t, that’s no problem! You can apply to our Professional Certificate in Education (PCE PCET) course with a level 3 (college-level) qualification in the subject area you’d like to teach.
