There are three options of study at HNC
A Level
We offer and extensive range of A Level courses here at HNC. Students studying at the College can opt to study a full time A Level programme.
Applied
Our Applied qualifications are offered as 1, 2 or 3 A Level equivalents, so you can opt to study them as a full time study programme, or as part of a blended programme. On successful completion of these qualifications, students are ready to progress to Higher Education or employment.
Applied |
Assessment |
Value after one year of study |
Value after two years of study |
Applied Certificate/ Extended Certificate |
By coursework, controlled assessment and examination |
Certificate: 0.5 A Level |
Extended Certificate: 1 A Level |
Applied Extended Certificate/Foundation Diploma |
By coursework, controlled assessment and examination |
Extended Certificate: 1 A Level |
Foundation Diploma: 2 A levels |
Applied Diploma/Extended Diploma |
By coursework, controlled assessment and examination |
Diploma: 1.5 A Levels |
Extended Diploma: 3 A Levels |
Pre-Applied - (previously known as Level 2)
Pre-Applied courses are Intermediate Level study, equivalent to GCSEs. These access courses are full time, one year long study programmes, which will prepare you for your next steps- though for some students, you may also re-sit your GCSE Maths and/or GCSE English Language qualifications alongside this course. On successful completion, most students studying a Pre-Applied course at HNC are ready to progress to one of our Applied courses.
Pre-Applied |
Assessment |
Value after one year of study |
GCSE |
Mostly by examination |
1 GCSE |
Extended Certificate |
Mostly by coursework/some examination |
Up to 3 GCSEs (when applying for an Applied programme) |
CHOOSING THE RIGHT COMBINATION OF COURSES FOR YOU
Below you can see how you can build the perfect study programme for you.
A Level
On this Pathway you will choose three A Levels. A Levels are traditional academic qualifications assessed largely by exams at the end of the two year period.
What you need
To enrol on this as a minimum you will require 5 GCSEs at grade 5. One of the grade 5s must be GCSE English Language. You'll also need GCSE Maths at grade 4 or above.
How can I build my study programme?
1 A Level + 1 A Level + 1 A Level
Will it suit me?
The A Level Pathway is best suited to those who are looking for a more traditional academic route, and those who are happy to be assessed mainly by exams at the end of their course.
*To pursue a 4 A Level programme, please speak to a member of admissions
Applied
If you opt for the Applied Pathway your study programme will be made up entirely of Applied options.
What you need
As a minimum you will need 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above including English Language, and GCSE Maths at grade 3 or above. If you studied a BTEC or vocational qualification at school, you can include one subject with a pass or above as one of the 5 GCSEs.
How can I build my study programme?
1 Applied Extended Diploma
1 Applied Diploma + 1 Applied Certificate
Will it suit me?
The full time Pathway allows you to combine academic study with the application of theory in a real life context. These are assessed by a combination of course and exams.
All our Applied courses lead to a BTEC qualification, awarded by Pearson
Blended - Option 1
If you opt for the Blended Pathway you'll study a mix of A Level and Applied qualifications.
What you need
To enrol on this as a minimum you will require 3 GCSEs at grade 5 and 2 GCSEs at grade 4. One of the grades 5s must be in GCSE English Language.
How can I build my study programme?
1 A Level + 1 A Level + 1 Applied Certificate
Will it suit me?
This Pathway is best suited to those who want to experience choice, and want a mix of assessment - a key benefit is that assessment is ongoing and some is by coursework, so it doesn't all happen at the end of your two years.
Blended - Option 2
If you opt for the Blended Pathway Option 2 you'll study a mix of qualifications.
What you need
To enrol on this as a minimum you will require 2 GCSEs at grade 5 and 3 GCSEs at grade 4. One of the grade 5s must be GCSE English Language. You'll also need GCSE Maths at a grade 4 or above.
How can I build my study programme?
1 A Level + 1 Applied Certificate + 1 Applied Certificate
1 A Level + 1 Applied Diploma
1 Applied Certificate + 1 Applied Certificate + 1 Applied Certificate
Will it suit me?
This Pathway is best suited to those who want to experience choice, and want a mix of assessment - a key beneift is the assessment is ongoing and some is by coursework, so it doesn't all happen at the end of your two years.
All our Applied courses lead to a BTEC qualification, awarded by Pearson
Pre-Applied
If you opt for the Pre-Applied Pathway you will study a year long course.
What you need
As a minimum you will need a GCSE Grade 3 in English Language and at least a Grade 2 in Maths. Plus 1 GCSE vocational equivalent at Grade 4 plus 2 GCSE at Grade 3.
How can I build my study programme?
This is a year long course. You can opt for Business, Health and Social Care or Sport.
Will it suit me?
The Pre-Applied Pathway is a year long study programme that if successfully completed can offer you can access to further study at Level 3 or provide a route to employment.
All our Applied courses lead to a BTEC qualification, awarded by Pearson