Choosing The Right Level

Course Levels

Courses are organised by levels to show how advanced they are, the higher the level, the more complex the knowledge and skills you’ll gain. Each stage is designed to help you develop, progress, and reach your personal, academic, or career goals.

To make things easier to understand, at New City College we’ve grouped course levels into five clear categories:

• Skills – Entry Level, tasters, and introductory courses designed to build confidence and basic skills.

• Beginner – Level 1, ideal for those starting out in a subject or returning to learning.

• Intermediate – Level 2, roughly equivalent to GCSEs, building on your foundational knowledge.

• Advanced – Level 3, equivalent to A Levels or BTECs, preparing you for work, apprenticeships, or higher education.

• Expert – Levels 4 and above, including higher education qualifications such as diplomas, foundation degrees, and full honours degrees.

Awards, Certificates, and Diplomas

At New City College, we offer a range of qualifications to suit different goals, time commitments, and learning needs. Here’s what each type of course involves:

Awards

Awards are short courses that focus on specific skills or achievements. They require minimal study time and are perfect for those looking to quickly build confidence or gain a recognised skill in a particular area.

Certificates

Certificates involve a moderate level of study and offer a broader understanding of a subject. They often combine theory with practical skills, making them ideal for learners who want to develop professionally while balancing other commitments.

Diplomas

Diplomas are in-depth qualifications that usually take one to two years to complete. They provide a comprehensive understanding of a subject, combining academic knowledge with real-world application. Diplomas are ideal for those aiming for advanced roles or specialised careers.

Where do I start?

Each course at New City College has different entry requirements, depending on the level and subject. These help ensure you’re starting at the right point for your skills and experience.

Some courses may also ask you to complete an initial assessment, attend an interview, or demonstrate interest or experience in the subject area.

Skills Courses: Entry Level

These courses typically have no formal entry requirements and are ideal for anyone looking to build confidence, explore a new subject, or return to education.

If you have few or no qualifications, you can start with an introductory programme that includes personal development, and progress to a Level 1 course after one year.

Beginner Courses: Level 1

These courses usually have no formal entry requirements and are open to anyone looking to build confidence, try something new, or return to learning.

Who are they for?
If you have several GCSEs at grades E to G (or equivalent), these courses are a great starting point.

What can you study?

• BTEC Introductory Award, Certificate, or Diploma

• NVQ1 / VRQ1

• Foundation Diploma with personal development

• Functional Skills in English and Maths

Duration: 1 year

What’s next?
Progress to a Level 2 course, an apprenticeship, or entry-level employment.

Intermediate Courses: Level 2

Level 2 courses help you build on your existing knowledge and prepare for further study or employment. They often require basic qualifications such as GCSEs or completion of a Level 1 course.

Who are they for?
You may be eligible if you have:

• 4 or more GCSEs at grade D (or equivalent)

• A Level 1 BTEC Diploma at Pass

• NVQ1 / VRQ1

What can you study?

• Level 2 BTEC Diploma

• NVQ2 / VRQ2

• Higher Diploma

• Apprenticeship

• GCSE Maths and English (if needed)

Duration: 1 year

What’s next?
Progress to a Level 3 course, an advanced apprenticeship, or employment.

Advanced Courses: Level 3

Level 3 courses provide in-depth knowledge and skills, preparing you for university, higher-level apprenticeships, or employment. These courses typically require four or more GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, or a relevant Level 2 qualification.

Who are they for?
You may be eligible if you have:

• 5 or more GCSEs at grades A* to C (or 9–4)

• A Level 2 BTEC Diploma at Merit or Distinction

• NVQ2 / VRQ2

What can you study?

• A Levels

• Applied AS/A2

• Level 3 BTEC Diploma or Extended Diploma

• Advanced Apprenticeship

• NVQ3 / VRQ3

Duration: 2 years

What’s next?
Progress to university, a higher apprenticeship, or skilled employment.

Expert Courses: Level 4+

Expert-level courses are higher education programmes designed to deepen your professional knowledge and prepare you for advanced careers or further academic study. These typically require a Level 3 qualification, relevant work experience, or successful completion of a related course.

Who are they for?
You may be eligible if you have:

• A Levels or a Level 3 BTEC Diploma

• NVQ3 / VRQ3

• Relevant industry experience

• Completion of an Access to Higher Education course

What can you study?

• Level 4/5 Diplomas

• Higher National Certificates (HNC) and Diplomas (HND)

• Foundation Degrees

• Professional qualifications

• Degree top-up courses

Duration: 1 to 2 years (depending on the programme)

What’s next?
Progress to a full honours degree, a postgraduate course, or move into senior or specialist roles in your chosen career.