What is a diploma? 

An exciting qualification combining subject based classroom learning with practical hands-on experience. Designed to help you make decisions about your future, whether that's further study or a job, whilst keeping all your options open.

Diplomas provide an additional option alongside other qualifications such as GCSEs, A Levels and apprenticeships, helping you progress towards a skilled job, further education and/or university. The diploma route will enable you to develop academic skills within an applied context.

Normally a two-year full-time course, the diploma contains a mix of compulsory and optional subjects. Compulsory elements will cover the main things you'll need to know in your chosen subject. It will also include team working, problem solving, analytical and research skills - things that employers and universities really value.

In addition, you can make your course broader by selecting from a range of optional subjects - the 'additional and specialist learning' element of your diploma.

All diploma students need to achieve a minimum standard in English, maths and ICT. You will also have the opportunity to spend at least 10 days working with an employer, experiencing the world of work.

Diplomas will be available across all the major sectors of the economy and are designed to offer different ways of learning and alternative routes into higher education or employment.

Find out more diploma key facts