A Levels (Level 3)

If you’re looking for an excellent academic foundation to take you onto University study, A Levels may suit you.

A Level courses last for two years and entry requirements are usually at least 5 GCSEs at Grade 5 or above in a good range of subjects, including English and Mathematics. In certain subjects you may be asked to show examples of your previous work.

Vocational Study (Level 1-3)

Vocational study offers more coursework-based learning, a range of hands-on activities and few exams.

Advanced Vocational courses are accepted by most Universities as an excellent route into degree-level study and employers across the country recognise the benefits of learning via a Vocational route.

T Levels (Level 3)

T Levels are qualifications that combine academic excellence with significant workplace experience.

T Level studies will ensure you have a thorough grounding in the core principles of your subject, taught in our laboratories, workshops and learning spaces. You will gain in-depth professional skills training and additional career-specific learning in your chosen specialism and a placement in a relevant workplace for 315 hours, where you will put your skills and knowledge into practice.

T Levels can open the door to university study as they are a Level 3 qualification; a Higher Level Apprenticeship or a successful career.

T Levels take two years to complete and entry requirements are dependent upon your chosen subject.

Non-Accredited Courses & Classes

Usually aimed at complete beginners, non-accredited courses and classes give you time to master the fundamentals over the course duration.

They can be a fun way to meet new people and grow a skill, or may be a useful boost for your cv depending on the course.

ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Language)

This qualification is for those who do not speak English as their first language and could benefit from additional speaking, writing, listening and reading skills in English to improve their communication.

Entry Level

These are qualifications designed to give you a foundation in your chosen pathway or subject. There are no formal qualifications needed to access this course but you will be interviewed and assessed to make sure it is the right course for you.

You can use your Entry Level qualification to help you progress to a Level 1 qualification, other training routes or into the workplace.

 

GCSE and Functional Skills (Entry Level – Level 2)

Mathematics, English & Biology
These can be vital qualifications which many employers require for you to secure employment; gain promotion and Maths and English vital if you want to start university-level study.

We offer support to help you achieve the grades you need in these key subjects to progress and to overcome any learning barriers you may have faced previously.

Specialist Mathematics and English classes are scheduled at times which fit in with your existing commitments and can also run alongside any other studies you are completing. Classes are led by our approachable and understanding Tutors, who use the latest teaching methods to make these subjects attainable and fun.

Your study programme – either GCSE or Functional Skills – will be determined on your current qualification level. Functional Skills study prepares learners for life and work while creating a stepping stone for further study: it takes a real-life approach to learning, with problem-solving questions, activities and scenarios.

Themis Apprenticeships (Level 2 – 6)

Apprenticeships allow you to combine work and study through on-the-job training with an employer and  College training.

You are a part of your employer’s workforce, earn a salary and are released on a predetermined basis to complete your College studies – that may be for ‘block release’ where you are in College for several weeks/months and then return to the workplace or attend College for a day each week. The length of your Apprenticeship can range from one year to four years depending on the industry and role.

An Apprenticeship can provide you with the qualifications to progress to University-level study. 

Entry requirements are generally:

Intermediate Apprenticeship (Level 2)

At least 2 GCSEs at Grade 5 or above, including Mathematics and English.

Advanced Apprenticeship (Level 3)

At least 5 GCSEs at Grade 5 or above, including Mathematics and English. Completion of a relevant Intermediate Apprenticeship. Your Advanced Apprenticeship could open the door for you to apply for university-level qualifications as a Higher Level Apprentice.

Higher Level Apprenticeship (Level 4/5 – HNC/HND)

As an Adult Apprentice, your relevant work experience could also enable you to progress to a Higher Level Apprenticeship.

Degree Apprenticeship – (Level 6 – University Study)

Successful completion of a Higher Level Apprenticeship in your chosen sector or a relevant qualification at Level 5.

Access to University Courses (Level 3)

Access to University courses provide you with the skills, knowledge and behaviours you will need to be a successful university student. They are an ideal route if you are returning to education after a break and, on successful completion, give you the opportunity to progress to a Foundation Degree or a full degree in your chosen subject.

Learners should have a GCSE in English and ideally Mathematics (or Functional Skills Level 2) however there may be a possibility to study for these qualifications while on the Access course.

Burnley College also offers Pre-Access Courses which offer you a grounding in the skills and knowledge needed to progress in your chosen subject. They are an ideal way to return to learning, building your confidence and study skills and can also be taken alongside Mathematics and English qualifications if required. You can progress from one of these courses to an Access to University course to take your skills to the next level or you can start your chosen degree at a Foundation Entry Level.

Learners should have two GCSEs at Grade 3 or above (or equivalent) or evidence of previous successful study.

Higher National Certificate – HNC (Level 4)

A Higher National Certificate is a university-level qualification (generally equivalent to the first year at university) which is designed to give you the skills and knowledge suitable for a specific career. 

Unlike many degrees, a HNC is vocationally focussed and can lead straight on to a career: it can also be a stepping stone to a higher qualification, such as a HND and then on to a full degree. 

A full-time HNC takes a year to complete (longer if studied part-time) and requires a relevant Level 3 qualification to enrol (this could be an Advanced Apprenticeship, Advanced Vocational qualification, T Levels or A Levels) and Mathematics and English qualifications. Those with extensive relevant work experience can also be considered for this course.

Higher National Diploma – HND (Level 5)

A Higher National Diploma is a university-level qualification designed to give you additional, enhanced skills and knowledge suitable for a specific career, following HNC study.

A HND is vocationally focussed and can also be a stepping stone to a higher qualification, such as a full degree in a related subject.

A full time HND takes a year to complete (longer if studied part-time) and requires a relevant HNC qualification to enrol on this course.

Foundation Entry

A Foundation Entry year is the opportunity to build your skills, knowledge and confidence before progressing to your Foundation Degree or full degree studies in your chosen subject. 

During the year you will gain a thorough understanding of the core skills and knowledge which will underpin your future university-level studies and learn the study skills which will help you to achieve your goals.

Prior qualifications, industry experience or evidence of previous learning are needed to enrol on a Foundation Entry degree study programme, including Mathematics and English qualifications. There may, however, be the opportunity to study for these vital qualifications alongside these Foundation Entry studies.

Foundation Degree (Level 5)

A Foundation Degree is issued by a university and is two-thirds of a full honours degree. Once you have completed your Foundation Degree you have a university-level qualification that can open doors to careers or to further study through a Top-Up degree in your chosen subject (to achieve your BSc Hons, BA Hons or BEng status).

A Foundation Degree gives you an in-depth understanding of your chosen subject. It will normally last two years full time and longer through part time study

To be accepted onto a Foundation Degree you must have relevant qualifications, including Mathematics and English; a Foundation Entry degree qualification, a relevant A Level, T Level or Advanced Vocational qualification or an Access to Higher Education qualification.

Degree (BSc Hons, BA Hons, BEng) (Level 6)

A Degree is a university qualification in your chosen field, showing you have an in-depth knowledge of your subject and the ability to carry out research and analysis. 

A degree is essential when entering many professions at a managerial level or to practice in the healthcare or education sector in certain positions (including teaching and nursing).

Study for a full Degree usually takes three years when completed full time and longer when completed part-time.

To be accepted on to a Degree programme you must have relevant qualifications, including Mathematics and English; a Foundation Entry degree qualification, a relevant A Level, T Level or Advanced Vocational qualification or an Access to Higher Education qualification. 

Following successful completion of your Degree studies, you can progress to post-graduate study which include specific teaching qualifications, a Masters Degree and Doctorate.

Top-Up Degree (Level 6)

A Top-Up degree can be taken following a Foundation Degree to raise the qualification to a full degree level (BA Hons, BSc Hons, BEng). The Top-Up degree does not have to be in the same subject as the Foundation Degree but must have close relevance to the previous qualification. 

A Top-Up degree allows you to acquire a still deeper understanding and appreciation of your chosen subject and carry out research and analysis.

The course will usually last one year when studied full time and longer when studied on a part-time basis.

Post-Graduate Degree (Level 7)

On successful completion of your degree at a suitable level, you can continue your studies to post-graduate level and become an expert in your chosen field.

A common post-graduate route is to attain a PGCE (Post-Graduate Certificate in Education) where you learn the skills and knowledge needed to become a teacher. This is usually a year-long course when studied full-time and involved classroom experience to build your confidence.

Through further study a Masters qualification takes your subject-specific learning to the next level, with a further Doctorate the highest qualification you can achieve in your chosen area. Both can be either taught or research-based.

Masters Degree (Level 7)

A Master’s degree typically follows a degree and involves rigorous coursework, research, or a combination of both in a specific field.

Earning a Master’s degree can significantly enhance career prospects. The degree can lead to increased earning potential, as employers recognise the value of specialised education and advanced competencies.

A Masters qualification takes your subject-specific learning to the next level, with a further Doctorate the highest qualification you can achieve in your chosen area.

Industry-Certified Courses

Burnley College offers a range of courses which are accredited, certified and validated by professional industry bodies and are recognised nationally. These are qualifications which can help you to progress up the career ladder in your chosen industry; ensure your skills and knowledge are recognised in the workplace. Some are essential industry qualifications to ensure you have a full knowledge of the latest developments and legislation in your sector and are needed to allow you to continue working. 

Industry-certified courses cover a range of disciplines, including Accountancy, Health and Safety, Management, Electrical Installation. Welding and CIS (Construction Industry Scheme).