Diploma

What is a Diploma?

Barnsley is amongst the first areas in the country to have the choice to take up the Government’s new flagship qualification – The Diploma. Whether you’ve got a career in mind, hope to go to university or just want to see what’s out there, the Diploma is the perfect way to explore your options. It’s a new qualification for 14 - 19 year olds and offers a mix of classroom learning and hands-on experience - all designed to prepare you for wherever you want to go in life.

Launched in Barnsley from September 2008, the Diploma is one of a number of Government reforms aimed at widening the options available to students aged between 14 and 19.

You need a whole range of skills in life, as well as academic achievement. The Diploma helps you to develop the skills and experience employers and universities are looking for, and really value. You can do this without committing yourself to a career in a particular work area. Studying for a Diploma will be different to the normal college day that you’re used to.

As well as learning in the classroom, you can also spend time in an environment more like a workplace, such as a workshop, and do work experience with an employer.

It's possible that you might spend time outside college, perhaps attending another training advisor in your area.

You’ll develop skills that include creative thinking and teamwork, alongside compulsory subjects like English, Maths and ICT. When you’ve completed your Diploma course, you can choose to do further study at college or university; or into a job and training.

Many students need a different style of learning that can help them make the most of their talents, interests and motivations and give them the potential to progress into college, university or work.

Life Skills
A Diploma helps you develop personal, learning and thinking skills, such as team working and communication which are vital for both life and work.

Levels of Learning
A Diploma can be studied at three different levels. This includes Foundation, Higher and Advanced, as well as a Progression Diploma for those who can’t complete a whole Advanced course.

Functional Skills
As well as work-relevant learning, you will also study English, Maths and ICT as part of your Diploma.

Will it enable me to go to University?
Taking a Diploma can be the first step towards college or university.
If you do an Advanced Diploma, universities will regard it as broadly equivalent to three A levels.

Will it help me get a good job?
The Diploma was developed with employers to help you get the skills and knowledge you need to do well in any job.

Can I get financial help?
If you’re staying on in learning after 16 and are worried about being short of cash, the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) can help you.