You can study at Level 1, 2 or 3 after school. The Level you study at depends on
your school results. You can move your way up through the levels until you have
completed level 3, then you can go on to higher education at college or university.
The table below gives an idea of what level you may be looking at:
Specific entry requirements for each course can be found on the course factsheets,
using the course search.
There are lots of different types of courses available. Click on the links below
for more details of the most common course types. If you have questions about the
types of courses, you can contact our College Advisers
A Levels are ideal if you enjoyed your GCSEs and are ready to move up to the next
level. Most students choose 3-5 subjects in the first year (AS Level) and then continue
with 3 or 4 into the second year (A2 Level). There are exams and coursework throughout
the course. Exeter College offers over 30 A Level subjects in traditional GCSE subjects
like Maths, Biology, English and History as well as new subjects like Psychology,
Law and Film Studies.
The IB is an internationally recognised qualification made up of six subjects including
English, Maths, Science, a modern foreign language and an Art and Humanities subject.
You also get involved in community projects and write a research-based essay. The
course is equivalent to studying a full A Level course and involves exams and coursework.
Click here to view our IB video
Click here for more information
BTECs are well known vocational courses that can be studied at Level 1, 2 or 3.
They are coursework based and give a balance of practical work and theory.
BTEC Level 1 and Level 2 courses take one year and you can usually progress from
these on to a BTEC at the next level.
BTEC Level 3 courses are equivalent to A Levels and can prepare you for work or
university. You can take them on their own (a BTEC Extended Diploma takes 2 years
and is equivalent to 3 A Levels) or you can combine them with A Levels (a BTEC Subsidiary
Diploma/Certificate is equivalent to 1 A2/AS Level and can be studied alongside
A Levels to make a full-time programme).
Other vocational courses may be called NVQ or VRQ and are practical courses preparing
you for the workplace, you can progress from a Level 2 NVQ on to a Level 3 NVQ.
Apprenticeships give you practical work experience alongside studying and can be
studied up to age 24. You need to find a job with an employer who will offer you
an apprenticeship, then you will be assessed at work and spend one day per week
studying at college. Apprenticeships start at either Level 2 or 3, depending upon
your qualifications, in subjects such as motor vehicle maintenance, hairdressing,
catering, engineering or customer service. For more detailed information about Apprenticeships,
download our Apprenticeship Guide
For students with no formal qualifications, we offer entry-level qualifications
to help you to progress on to a Level 1 course or develop your skills for independent
living, supported employment, skilled work or an Apprenticeship.
We work closely with local organisations such as Careers South West, to ensure that
students who are no longer in education, employment or training, can pick up new
skills to return to study or find a job. These courses are often short (8-12 weeks)
and may include work experience, one-to-one support and confidence-building activities.
Find out more about them below:
Positive Pathways
Prince's Trust
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