Level 1
National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ 1) and Diplomas
These are foundation level hands-on qualifications providing an introduction to an industry of interest. The Diploma is studied full time at Petroc and the NVQ Level 1 can be done whilst at work. It may also be possible to study the NVQ Level 1 full time, like the Diploma, at Petroc using the college’s vocational facilities.
Foundation Learning Tier
Petroc offers several entry level programmes designed for school leavers and adults who need basic key skills or individually designed programmes to aid progression to a Level 1 course or employment.
Level 2
GCSEs
Petroc offers GCSE courses in a range of subjects as additional qualifications for students following academic and vocational programmes. Most employers and many of our programmes at Level 3 and above require a GCSE grade C or higher in both English and Maths, so re-takes or full courses are available if you need them.
Certificates and Diplomas
These are one year courses equivalent to four GCSEs at grade C or above. Students are introduced to a particular area of employment and complete projects and assignments that are based on realistic workplace situations.
National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ 2)
The NVQ Level 2 is a competence based qualification to ensure you have the required knowledge to work in a particular industry. NVQs are highly valued by employers because they demonstrate that you have the hands-on practical skills and knowledge they want. They are designed to help you gain qualifications through training and assessment at work.
Apprenticeships
Apprentices develop their prospects and career while they work. Level 2 Apprentices take an NVQ Level 2 through Petroc.
Level 3
A Levels
These two year academic courses are split into AS Level (year one) and A2 Level (year two) units. AS Levels can be studied as the first half of an A Level or as a qualification in their own right. Most students choose four subjects to study in their first year (AS Level) and then drop one subject to concentrate on three subjects in their second year (A2 Level), achieving three A Levels and an AS Level. At Petroc, we recommend that you have achieved at least five GCSEs at grade C or above to study A Levels.
BTEC Subsidiary and Extended Diplomas
These are two year vocational qualifications which blend practical, career focused skills and academic study to prepare you for direct entry into employment or enable you to move on to higher education. They have been set up so that you can study for a Subsidiary Diploma in year one and then continue on to the Extended Diploma in year two. It is possible to mix some of them alongside A Levels, depending on the amount of work you choose to take on. A Subsidiary Diploma is equivalent to studying one A Level and an Extended Diploma is equivalent to studying three A Levels.
Access
For adult learners (aged 19 and over) who wish to take a university level course, but who lack the normal entrance requirements for higher education.
National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ Level 3)
Applicants must have an NVQ Level 2 or equivalent in order to gain entry to the NVQ Level 3. NVQs are highly valued by employers because they demonstrate that you have the hands-on practical skills and knowledge they want. Level 3 NVQs are designed to help you gain qualifications through training and assessment at work.
Advanced Apprenticeships
These work based training programmes give you the skills, knowledge and competencies needed to progress in your chosen career or industry. Advanced Apprentices work for an employer and earn a salary, as well as taking an NVQ Level 3 through Petroc, attending college part time.
Level 4
Higher Education
Petroc offers Higher Education opportunities in a range of subjects for students with Level 3 qualifications. A Bachelor Degree (BA/BSc) is usually a three year course, while a Foundation Degree (FdA/FdSc) normally takes two years and is a qualification in its own right.
Petroc’s Foundation Degree courses are run in partnership with Plymouth University. Foundation Degree graduates can top up their studies to Bachelor Degree level by spending a further year at Plymouth University or through one of the BA Honours programmes at Petroc.