The Diploma arrived in Sandwell from September 2009 in a number of delivery hub and feeder schools. The Diploma in Sandwell provides a flexible and balanced curriculum which will enable students to gain a real understanding of six different lines of learning: Creative & Media, IT, Construction & The Built Environment, Hair & Beauty Studies, Business, Administration & Finance and Engineering. The emphasis on employer involvement in delivering learning and in quality work experience will ensure that students develop skills which employers are looking for. Diploma students will also study functional skills in English, maths and ICT alongside their chosen Diploma subject. Diplomas will be offered at 3 levels:

• Foundation - Level 1 qualification equivalent to 5 GCSEs at grades D - G


• Higher - Level 2 qualification equivalent to 7 GCSEs at grades A* - C


• Advanced - Level 3 qualification equivalent to 3.5 A levels grade A* - EA


• Progression Diploma at Level 3 is also available for those not wishing to complete a full Advanced Diploma. This is equivalent to 2.5 A levels.

Guaranteed Places in Higher Education for Sandwell Learners

For Sandwell learners on the Level 3 Hair & 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 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

Diplomas in 2010

The Diploma in Sandwell is set to expand in September 2010 when students will have the opportunity to study five additional lines of learning including: Public Services, Retail, Sport & Active Leisure, Travel & Tourism and Society, Health & Development.