Course Types & Levels

QUALIFICATIONS EXPLAINED

Qualifications Explained

Sometimes it can be difficult to understand what level of course you should be looking for.

The information below is designed to give you an overview and help you to understand the different levels of study you can apply for.

Professional & Technical Courses

  • Professional and Technical courses at East Sussex College range from entry level, to Level 1, 2 and 3
  • Vocational subjects remain a popular choice in various fields, including art, design and media, business and travel, care and early years, construction, engineering and motor vehicle, hair and beauty, hospitality and catering, IT and digital, performing arts and music, sport and public services
  • Assessments are usually based on coursework, exams and practical assessments (dependent on course) and we use a range of awarding bodies including BTEC, UAL (University of Arts London), City and Guilds, and other industry focused qualifications
  • Students normally achieve a Level 3 qualification over 2-3 years, depending on the level of study you start on
  • Students typically progress onto apprenticeships, employment and university (Higher Education)

Entry Requirements:

  • Students are likely to begin professional and technical courses at Level 2. To start at Level 2 you must achieve at least four GCSEs grade D/3 or above in different subjects, including English Language and/or Maths, at least D/3 or an equivalent Level 1 vocational qualification*
  • Some courses require students to start at Level 1 where no prior experience has been undertaken
  • To start a Level 3 course you must achieve at least five GCSEs grade A*/9 - C/4 in different subjects, including English Language and/or Maths, to at least grade C/4 or an equivalent Level 2 vocational qualification*.

*In addition to these requirements subject specific entry criteria may apply

Foundation Learning

Our Foundation Learning programmes are designed for students to study from Entry Level to Level 1, and help learners progress to a Level 2 qualification.

Entry Requirements:

  • No formal qualifications needed

A-Levels

  • A-Levels are two-year academic courses at Level 3
  • Grades are based on end-of-course exams
  • Students generally choose to study three A-Level subjects
  • Three A-Levels are the normal requirement for entry to university (Higher Education)
  • A-Level students typically progress to university, others go on to apprenticeships and employment

Entry Requirements:

  • To study three A-Level subjects, you must achieve 5 GCSES grade 4-9 including English Language and/or Maths at grade 5*.
  • In exceptional circumstances you may be able to study four A-Levels. For this you must achieve at least six GCSEs grade A*/9 - A/7 in five or more different subjects, with English Language and Maths to at least grade B/6*

*In addition to these requirements subject specific entry criteria may apply

Functional Skills

Our Functional Skills programmes teach students the practical skills in English, Maths and ICT, and help learners gain the most out of work, education and everyday life

Entry Requirements:

  • No formal qualifications needed

GCSE

General Certificates of Secondary Education (GCSE) are typical qualifications for school leavers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Students who do not achieve a 4/C in English language and mathematics GCSE will be required to take them (or an appropriate level qualification) as part of their programme. At East Sussex College we also offer a small programme of GCSE subjects in our ‘A Level Pathway’ course.

Entry Requirements:

  • No formal qualifications needed

Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship is a job with an accompanying 'skills development programme' designed by employers in the sector. They allow for learners to gain technical knowledge and real practical experience, along with functional and personal skills, required for their immediate job and future career. Throughout the progamme apprentices are paid a wage. Apprenticeships can be studied at various levels; Intermediate, Advanced and Higher.

Entry Requirements:

  • Entry requirements differ depending on the level of study and sector

BTEC Programmes

BTECs are designed as specialist work-related qualifications, that teaches the skills required for working life. BTECs can be studied at a range of levels, and are usually taken as an alternative to A-Level subjects. They are typically assessed by a combination of coursework, practical projects and some exams.

Entry Requirements:

  • Entry requirements differ depending on the level of study you start on

Access to HE Courses

An intensive course of study for adults without academic qualifications at level 3 that enables them to apply for Higher Education (university equivalent qualifications).

Foundation Degrees

Foundation degrees are usually two year courses, and are intended to give a basic knowledge in a subject area. On completion of a Foundation Degree graduates can progress to further study to achieve a full Honours degree or apply for junior positions within their chosen industry. At East Sussex College Foundation Degrees are validated by the University of Brighton.

Higher Education

Higher education, or degree level courses, are level 4, 5 and 6 programmes. They are usually two or three years long, with attendance being two or three days a week. Here at East Sussex College we work with the University of Brighton and Pearson to offer Degrees and Higher National Certificates/Diplomas.

More students are studying locally through full and part-times courses to achieve their degree level courses. All of our foundation and top-up degrees are validated by the University of Brighton, meaning all degrees gained with us will have the quality and reputation associated with the University of Brighton. Our HNC/Ds are validated by Pearson and in all cases we offer the expertise and vocational specialism required for this level of study. Studying for university level qualifications at college can be more affordable, often with smaller groups, individual attention and good working relationships between students and tutors.

For further information and advice:

We have staff at each campus who can assist you with any queries you may have about applying for a course and about the financial help that you may be able to receive while you are at college.

Tel: 030 300 39699
Opening Times:
9am - 4pm Monday, Tuesday and Thursday
9am - 3pm Wednesday and Friday
Email:
Eastbourne: Eastbourne.Admissions@escg.ac.uk
Hastings: Hastings.Admissions@escg.ac.uk
Lewes: Lewes.Admissions@escg.ac.uk
Newhaven: Newhaven.Admissions@escg.ac.uk
Financial Assistance:
Eastbourne/Lewes/Newhaven Financial Assistance: Ebnlewes.Bursary@escg.ac.uk
Hastings Financial Assistance: Hastings.Bursary@escg.ac.uk