levels explained

  • Entry Level

    Entry level courses give you access to Level 1 qualifications and employment. This is usually your first step if you have no GSCEs or formal qualifications.

  • Level 1

    Level 1 courses are generally pre-GCSE level and/or professional skills based qualifications. Courses at this level usually work on building core skills, knowledge, and confidence. The large majority of level 1 graduates step up to a Level 2 qualification, enter the workplace, or move onto an apperenticeship pathway.

  • Level 2

    Level 2 courses are generally GSCE level qualifications. If you have mainly 3 (D) grades at GCSE or have successfully completed your Level 1 course then this level is for you.

    Level 2 vocational or academic programmes are generally one-year courses which focus on developing your core theoretical and practical skills, at STCG we offer a wide range of Level 2 qualifications for you to choose from to enable you to thrive. 

  • Level 3

    Level 3 is equivalent to A-levels and will give you access to Higher Education courses within STCG or at another University provider, a higher apprenticeship, or straight into skilled employment.  Qualifications include vocational qualifications, A-levels, Access to Higher Education Diplomas, and advanced apprenticeships.  

    To be at this level you will usually need a minimum of 4 GSCE’s at 9-4 (A*-C) or Merit Grades on your level 2 course.  

  • Level 4-6

    These are University-level (higher education) qualifications. At STCG University Centre we run a wide range of high quality, flexible, Higher Education level courses and pathways.  These courses are generally suitable for students with a Level 3 qualification or mature students with significant prior experience.  

    A full 3 year Bachelor Degree pathway is a level 4 – 6 pathway. You will complete your course with a fully validated Degree qualification and high level skills to secure your future success in the jobs market.

    Higher National Certificates (HNC’s) are full-time, one-year Level 4 qualifications. An HNC can either be topped up to a level 5 Higher National Diploma (HND) with a further year of study, or you can progress straight into employment. HND’s can also be topped up to a full Bachelor’s Degree or you can step out into your chosen career.

    Foundation Degrees (FdA/FdSC) are usually full-time, two year level 4-5 qualifications which can be topped up to a full Bachelor’s Degree or you can progress straight into your chosen career.