The Diploma is a new programme which will be in Sandwell from 2009. Diplomas are design to help learners develop the skills, knowledge and personal qualities required for success in the world of work and how to get there.

The facts

• It’s a new qualification for 14-19 year olds
• You can pick from up to 10 Diploma subjects in September 2009
• They teach you about an area of work you’re interested in
• Its different to GCSEs and A levels
• You get a mix of class work and hands on experience
• And choose subject options that you want to do.

Why would you do one

• It’s usually a 2 year course, whatever level you study at
• You’ll learn in the classroom
• And you might also spend time at another school or college in your area
• You’ll do practical stuff like projects and work experience
• And learn life skills that are important for work, study and the future
• You can use what you learn to tackle real life situations

What levels are there?

You can study a Diploma at three levels: Foundation, Higher and Advanced.

• The Foundation Diploma is the same as 5 GCSEs at grades D to G
• The Higher Diploma is the same as 7 GCSEs at grades A* to C
• The Advanced Diploma is the same as 3.5 A levels.

Diplomas in Sandwell

From September 2009 six diplomas will be available in Sandwell. These are:

Business, Administration & Finance - The Diploma in Business, Administration and Finance has been developed to provide a solid grounding in business skills for young people who are interested in any kind of business career or hope to run their own business. You’ll get the opportunity to set up and run your own business, selling a product that you have created. You will learn to cope with change, how to remain competitive, and discover how outside factors such as new technologies, consumer trends, environmental issues or globalisation can affect a business.

Click here for more information about Business, Administration & Finance diplomas

Construction & The Built Environment - The Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment gives you a chance to learn in different settings. You’ll learn how the built environment was designed and constructed, how it is used, and how it affects people and communities. But you’ll also be doing lots of practical activities such as getting involved in site visits and the planning and building of prestigious projects. You’ll then be able to apply everything you’ve learnt when working on your own projects.

Click here for more information about Construction & The Built Environment diplomas

Creative & Media - The Diploma in Creative and Media allows you to learn valuable skills in different situations. You’ll learn about the key themes in creativity and how to think and work creatively. This includes seeing a project through from start to finish, identifying an audience and their needs and learning about the business side of the creative and media industries.

Click here for more information about Creative & Media diplomas

Engineering - The Diploma in Engineering opens up the ideas and concepts behind engineering, and how they impact the modern world. You’ll be introduced to key engineering principles such as design, materials, electronic systems, maintenance and manufacturing. You’ll also get lots of practical experience and study what makes innovations succeed, how new materials contribute to design and how to develop and launch new ideas.

Click here for more information about Engineering diplomas

Hair & Beauty - The Diploma in Hair and Beauty Studies will introduce you to a whole new world. You will take a trip into the past, where you’ll study how hair and beauty played its part in ancient cultures and explore what has influenced hair and beauty in society today. You’ll then travel into the present where you’ll see the science and technology that goes into hair and beauty product research, design and development that is driving the sector forward into the future.

Click here for more information about Hair & Beauty diplomas

IT - The Diploma in Information Technology gives you a chance to learn in different settings. It lets you explore technology and see, first hand, the role that it plays in organisations, for individuals and in society as a whole. You will also learn how to manage and deliver successful IT projects, and be able to apply what you’ve learnt when working on your own projects.

Click here for more information about IT diplomas

Guaranteed Places in Higher Education for Sandwell Learners

For Sandwell learners on the Level 3 Hair and Beauty Studies Diploma which starts in September 2009 and Level 3 Sport and Active Leisure Diploma which has a provisional start date September 2010 have been guaranteed a place in Higher Education at University College birmingham upon the successful completion of their Diploma course.

The Progression Agreement between Sandwell Local Authority and UCB means that students who have completed their Diploma course will automatically gain access to any Foundation Degree or Bachelors programme offered by UCB.

The agreement further signposts UCB programmes which may be of interest to students on these Diploma courses.

For students with a Hair and Beauty Studies Diploma these include:
BA Hons/FdA Salon Management (180 UCAS points)
BA Hons /FdA Spa Management with Hospitality (180 UCAS points)
FdA Salon Management (100 UCAS points)
FdA Spa Management with Hospitality (100 UCAS points)

For students with a Sport and Active Leisure Diploma these include:
BA Hons/FdA Sport Management (100 UCAS points)
BA Hons/FdA Events Management (200 UCAS points)
BSc Hons/FdSc Sports Therapy (200 UCAS points)
BA Hons/FdA Adventure Tourism Management (180 UCAS points)
BA Hons FdA Entertainment Management (180 UCAS points)
FdA Sports Management (100 UCAS points)
FdA Events Management (120 UCAS points)
FdSc Sports therapy (100 UCAS points)
FdA Adventure Tourism Management (100 UCAS points)
FdA Entertainment Management (100 UCAS points)

Next steps after Diploma

After you’ve finished your Diploma, you could go on to do:

• A higher level Diploma in the same subject
• A Diploma in a different subject area
• A levels
• An Apprenticeship, or another job involving training
• A college course.

There will be clear progression routes from Diplomas. The progression maps are designed to give an indication of the opportunites with providers in Sandwell and our local partner higher education providers - University College, Birmingham and the University of Wolverhampton that will be possible. These opportunities will develop as diplomas become established.

Progression maps for the following Diplomas :

Sandwell Business and Finance Diploma Progression Map

Sandwell Construction and the Built Environment Diploma Progression Map (CBE)

Sandwell Hair and Beauty Diploma Progression Map

Sandwell Information Technology Diploma (IT) Progression Map

Creative and Media - Map will be available shortly

Engineering - Map will be available shortly

For more information about Diplomas please visit the Direct.Gov website