English and
maths

Entry level courses can help you build skills, increase your knowledge and boost your confidence. They are known as 'certificates' or 'awards', and are taken as a preliminary course before studying a recognised qualification. There are usually no entry requirements and are available at three sub-levels - 1, 2 and 3. Entry level 3 is the most difficult.

Progress onto: Further Education

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) is a 32-week qualification, designed to help you improve your English for further studies, everyday life or work. 

Progress onto: Work/ Further Education

Skills For Life courses are designed to help students with learning difficulties or disabilities build their independence and confidence. Students will undertake a Functional Skills qualification to develop their English and maths skills.

Progress onto: Work / Volunteering / Further Education

GCSEs are the main qualifications typically studied by 14-16 year olds at secondary school or an alternative education setting. English and maths GCSEs are available for adults who require these qualifications for work or study.

Progress onto: Work/ Further Education/ University

The Level 1 qualification is a one-year course, ideal if you’re just starting out or are new to the subject area, as it covers all the basic knowledge. It is equivalent to GCSE grades 3-1.

Progress onto: Level 2 Diploma/Certificate / Entry-level work

The Level 2 qualification is a one-year course, designed for students with a good level of knowledge or experience of their chosen area. It is equivalent to GCSE grades 9-4. Most students will use Level 2 as a stepping stone to progress to Level 3 qualifications, however in some occupational specific pathways students will step off to work or an apprenticeship.

Progress onto: Level 3 VTQ/ Work/ Apprenticeship/ T Level

Vocational technical qualifications (VTQs) are practical qualifications designed with the workplace in mind. VTQs can be one or two-year programmes and have different awarding bodies, such as BTEC, UAL, CACHE and more.
They're designed to develop the skills needed for a career, or progress to higher levels of education. VTQs are available in a range of subject areas and whilst most are usually 2-year qualifications, some Level 3 VTQs are one-year occupational pathways.  

 Progress onto: Higher Education/ University/ Work/ Degree Apprenticeships

A Levels are advanced theoretical and analytical qualifications focused on developing your research, critical thinking and evaluation skills. You have the option to study three A Level subjects over two years with the added benefits of college life.

Progress onto: University/ Work/ Degree Apprenticeships

T Levels are a new two-year qualification equivalent to studying three A Levels. These qualifications combine a mixture of classroom learning and industry placements and are based on the same frameworks as apprenticeships. This qualification is ideal for someone who wants to maximise their technical potential to get ready for their dream career.

Progress onto: University/ Work/ Degree Apprenticeships

Access to HE courses are a great way to prepare you for degree-level learning if you are over 19 and lack the formal qualifications you need for university. Most Access to HE courses can be completed in one year ready for you to progress.

Progress onto: University

The Foundation Diploma is a one-year course that offers the opportunity to explore different creative practices, in order to prepare you for specialist undergraduate degrees in art and design subjects.

Progress onto: University

A Higher National Diploma is a Level 5 industry-specific qualification. It is a two-year course that is equivalent to completing two-thirds of an undergraduate degree and focuses on getting graduates work-ready.

Progress onto: Work/ Apprenticeship / University

Foundation degrees are two-year courses, equivalent to a Level 5 qualification, it provides you with a stand-alone qualification, with the option to top-up to a Bachelor’s degree at University.

Progress onto: University/ Work

Our Extended Degree is a one-year course designed to equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge required to progress to the first year of a University of Bedfordshire undergraduate degree.

Progress onto: University

The Certificate in Education qualification is a Level 5 academic qualification specific to the teaching industry. These courses will give you the skills to become a teacher in the Further Education sector. 

Progress onto: Work/ PGCE

A Professional Graduate Certificate of Education is a Level 7 academic qualification specific to the teaching industry. It is the next step after completing a Bachelor's Degree.

Progress onto: Work

An apprenticeship combines learning and earning. You’ll have a real job with a great employer and be supported at college through a programme of learning. You'll be learning on the job for a minimum of 30 hours per week, gaining news skills and qualifications.

Progress onto: Work/ University

Leisure courses allow you to learn a new skill and enjoy some me-time, while becoming part of a tight-knit community. Our wide range of courses are available at a range of levels to cater to all types of experience.