Course Levels Explained
Level 4 - 7 courses are classed as Higher Education.
Visit the Higher Education homepage for links and information especially for students wishing to embark on Higher Level courses
Level 0 - 3 courses
Level 0 - 3 courses are classed as Further Education
Course Level 7 (Masters Level)
- Masters Degrees, Postgraduate Certificates and Diplomas
Course Level 6 (Honours Level)
- Bachelor Degrees - BA (Hons), Graduate Certificates and Diplomas
Course Level 5 (Intermediate Level)
- Foundation Degrees
- BTEC Higher National Diploma
- NVQ Level 5
- Professional Development Diploma
Course Level 4 (Certificate Level)
- Certificate of Higher Education
- NVQ Level 4
- Certificate in Early Years Practice
Course Level 3 (Advanced)
- NVQ Level 3
- National Certificate/National Diploma
- Access Main Course
- GCE A Levels (AS and A2)
- CACHE Diploma
- Advanced Modern Apprenticeships
Course Level 2 (grades A*-C) (Intermediate)
- NVQ Level 2
- First Diploma
- GNVQ Intermediate
- GCSEs (Grades A-C)
- CACHE Certificate
- Access to Planning/Return to Study
- Access to Further Education
Course Level 1 (Foundation)
- NVQ Level 1
- Introductory Certificate
- Foundation NVQ
- GNVQ Foundation
- GCSEs (Grades D-G)
Course Level 0 (Pre-Foundation)*
*Pre-Foundation options are for students who need support to progress with their learning
What is Vocational?
When exploring this website, you will see many references to vocational courses. Vocational is defined as “of or relating to an occupation or employment” and “directed at a particular occupation and its skills”. Here at Colchester Institute our focus is on courses designed to equip you with the skills needed to succeed in the modern workplace. These relate to many industries and job types.
