Qualifications Explained

(Entry Level 1, 2, 3 and Level 1 and 2 available)

Essential Skills are intended to provide people with a set of core skills desired by employers, the three Essential Skills areas are:

• Numeracy
• Literacy
• Information Communication Technology
• Essential Skills therefore assist personal and social development and improve opportunities for employment.

All students who enrol in the College who do not have GCSE English and/or Maths at Grade A-C or equivalent must complete Essential Skills qualifications.

(Level 2 Qualifications - Equivalent to 4 GCSEs Grades A-C)

A BTEC First Diploma provides good preparation both for employment and more advanced courses such as a BTEC National Award, Certificate or Diploma. First Diplomas are practical, work-related courses where you learn by completing projects and assignments that are based on realistic workplace situations, activities and demands. They are one-year full-time programmes of study.
 

Course & Duration	Entry Requirements (UK)	Entry Requirements (ROI)	Progression
			SWC	UNI	JOBS
1 year A qualification worth 4 GCSEs, as well as practical skills, to allow you to move onto a Level 3 course.	Attempted 4 GCSEs, achieved 2 Grades (D-F)	Leaving Cert Applied - Pass	Yes

(Level 2 and 3 Qualifications available)

These qualifications are industry and employment based and involves trainees undertaking a programme of study that will have a work placement component.
 

Course & Duration	Entry Requirements (UK)	Entry Requirements (ROI)	Progression
			SWC	UNI	JOBS
(Level 2 to Level 4) 1 or 2 years TfS (NVQ L1 & L2) Undertake practical, work-related tasks designed to help you develop the skills and knowledge to do a particular job effectively.	NVQ Levels 2 to 4: Previous NVQ Level or equivalent	NVQ Levels 2 to 4: Previous NVQ Level or equivalent	Yes (L2 - L4)	Yes (L3 & L4)	Yes (L2 - L4)

(Level 3 Qualifications - Equivalent to 3 GCE A Levels)

This is a route to both Higher Education and Employment and provides both a broad foundation and a firm basis for specialism in a selected route. They are normally offered in specific vocational areas. BTEC Extended Diplomas are two year full-time programmes of study. They are accredited through the National Award/Certificate which are 6 and 12 unit qualifications respectively, and the Extended Diploma which is an 18 unit qualification.
 

Course & Duration	Entry Requirements (UK)	Entry Requirements (ROI)	Progression
			SWC	UNI	JOBS
2 years A qualification related to your chosen career, equal to 3 A levels. The practical work experience and skills will prepare you for work or higher level study.	4 GCSE passes (C or above) Level 2 Diploma (Merit) NVQ Level 2 OCR Qualification City & Guilds Qualification	4 Ordinary Passes (D1 or above) Leaving Certificate Applied (Merit/Distinction)	Yes (HND/C or Found Degree)	Yes	Yes

(Adult Learning - 1 year Full-time or 2 Years Part-time)
 

Course & Duration	Entry Requirements (UK)	Entry Requirements (ROI)	Progression
			SWC	UNI	JOBS
1 year This course is a bridge to higher education. It is designed for adult learners who wish to enhance their qualifications in preparation for higher level study.	Aged 18 & over* Interview	Aged 18 & over* Interview	Yes	Yes	Yes

(Level 4 Qualifications - Equivalent to...)
 

Course & Duration	Entry Requirements (UK)	Entry Requirements (ROI)	Progression
			SWC	UNI	JOBS
2 years You will combine practical skills, work experience and academic study to gain a vocational qualification that leads to employment or 2nd/ 3rd year at university.	See entry points below	See entry points below		Yes	Yes

(Level 5 Qualifications – 2 years Full-time, 3 Years Part-time or 2 Years Part-time fast track – includes 3 summer semesters)
 

Course & Duration	Entry Requirements (UK)	Entry Requirements (ROI)	Progression
			SWC	UNI	JOBS
2 years A third level qualification which combines college study with a 15 week block work-based learning placement to give you relevant knowledge, understanding and skills for your career.	See entry points below	See entry points below	Yes (for some courses)	Yes	Yes

(Level 5 Qualifications – 2 years Full-time, 3 Years Part-time or 2 Years Part-time fast track – includes 3 summer
semesters)

UK Qualifications

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma		BTEC L3 Diploma		Access Diploma		A Levels
Grade Profile	UCAS Tariff Points	Grade Profile	UCAS Tariff Points	% Pass Grade	UCAS Tariff Points	Grade	UCAS Tariff Points
D* D* D*	168	D* D*	112			A*	56
D* D* D	160	D* D	104	75	168	A	48
D*DD	152	D D	96	70	136-120	B	40
DDD	144	DM	80	65	112-104	C	32
DDM	128	MM	64	60	96-88	D	24
DMM	112	PM	48			E	16
MMM	96	PP
MMP	80
MPP	64
PPP	48

ROI Qualifications

Irish Leaving Certificate - Higher and Ordinary				FETAC Award
Higher Grade	UCAS Tariff Points	Ordinary Grade	UCAS Tariff Points	Entry to HND / C Full 8 subject Level 5 Major Award with five subjects at Merit Level and the remainder (three) at pass level.
A1	36	A1	12
A2	30	A2	10
B1	30	B1	10
B2	24	B2	8
B3	24	B3	8
C1	18	Foundation Maths: Foundation Mathematics at A2 and ILC D1 Ordinary will be accapted as subsidiary entry qualifications. However, for progression to degree programmes, it is advised that GCSE mathematics is undertaken by those students holding an A2 in Foundation Mathematics.
C2	18
C3	12
D1	12
D2	9
D3	9

For full details on UCAS Tariffs please download the UCAS Tariff Leaflet

Entry Requirements
What qualifications do I need to gain entry to my chosen course?
 

	Standard Requirements	Duration
Level	1	0-5 points
1 Year Full-Time Level 2	6 points	1 Year full-time (Check individual courses for any specific entry requirements)
Level 3	Minimum 4 GCSEs Grade A*- C Or First Diploma or equivalent The points system may be used for enhancement	2 Year full-time (Check individual courses for any specific entry requirements)

Points System for Entry to Level 1 & Level 2 Courses

GCSE Grade	Points
A*	6
A	5
B	4
C	3
D	2
E - G	1

Essential Skills in Numeracy, Literacy & ICT at Level 1 and 2 are considered by the College for entry purposes.

Enhanced Criteria
Where courses are oversubscribed, the College reserves the right to enhance the criteria for entry. South West College particularly welcomes applications from mature students. Standard admission requirements may not be applicable to applicants with alternative qualifications or experience. Further information is available from the Careers and Information Officers at each campus.

English Language Requirements
The language of instruction for College courses is English and it is strongly advisable that students who wish to benefit fully from a College course should be suitably proficient in English (ESOL Level 1). South West College aims to fully support students who require additional help with their English and courses in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) are provided by the College. For further information about ESOL courses, Contact Student Services/Admissions.