Putting Your Study Programme Together

You will find there are lots of options open to you. The guide below will give you information on the different study options and entrance requirements. This will be discussed further at your interview.

Diplomas

Diplomas are new qualifications which combine elements of academic subjects and practical skills in a way that reflects modern industry practice and the demands of degree courses. At SDC diplomas are available in: Engineering, Creative & Media; Information Technology; Business Administration & Finance: and Hospitality & Catering. Diploma students will develop their skills in English, Numeracy and ICT and have the opportunity to do structured work experience.

    The THREE Diploma Levels
  • A Foundation Diploma is a Level 1 qualification.
    It is equivalent to five GCSEs grade D-G.
  • A Higher Diploma is a Level 2 qualification.
    It is equivalent to seven GCSEs grade A*-C.
  • An Advanced Diploma is a Level 3 qualification.
    It is equivalent to three to five A Levels grade A*-E.
BTECs (Business and Technology Education Council)

BTEC qualifications are practical career related courses which give you the skills you need for your chosen career path. They offer a clear route into employment or higher education.

    You can combine:
  • a BTEC First Diploma with Maths and/or English GCSE re-sit
  • a BTEC National Award with two to three AS/A2 Levels
  • a BTEC National Certificate/Diploma with one AS/A2 Level
NVQs (National Vocational Qualification)

If you wish to study on a very practical course with regular relevant work experience you should consider an NVQ. NVQ’s can be combined with GCSE English and/or Maths re-sits but no other formal qualifications.

A Levels

The full A Level is split into two one-year courses - AS is your first year and A2 is your second year. At the end of your first year you will take your AS qualification - this can then be carried forward to a full A Level qualification in Year 2 or it can stand as an AS Level qualification in its own right. Generally students combine three to four A Levels or alternatively two to three A Levels and a BTEC Award.

Depending on what subjects and type of course are interested in, we will create a study programme for you. The majority of your week at South Downs will be spent in lectures for your course-an average of about 18 hours. As well as this you will spend one hour a week in a tutorial group and be encouraged to take up enrichment activities which could include anything from sport and first aid training to languages, drama and rock climbing! Whatever course you decide to take you will also need to spend time at home or in your free time around classes doing private study. There will also be plenty of time to meet friends and relax in College too when you have free time. The examples here will give you an idea of how your programme could fit together based on whether you choose A Level or vocational study, although your programme will be tailored to suit you once you decide on your course choice.