Which course is right for me?
We offer a wide range of adult courses, from GCSEs and Access to HE qualifications to degrees and hobby courses. Each qualification is assigned a level based on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), starting from entry level and progressing from one to eight.
The right level for you will depend on your prior qualifications and experience. At Barnsley College and Barnsley College University Centre, we’re here to help you start at the level that suits you best.
The table below outlines the different qualifications available at each stage.
| Level | Qualifications |
| Entry | No prior qualifications are needed. They include Entry Level awards, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and Entry Level functional skills courses. |
| Level 1 | GCSEs at grade 3,2, or 1 (D, E, F or G), or Level 1 certificates. |
| Level 2 | GCSEs at grades 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4 (A*, A, B, C), Level 2 vocational qualifications, apprenticeships, or Pre-Access courses. O Levels at grade A, B or C are also Level 2 qualifications. |
| Level 3 | A Levels, T Levels, Level 3 vocational qualifications, Access to HE Diplomas or advanced apprenticeships. |
| Level 4 | These are Higher Education courses and could be higher apprenticeships or Higher National Certificates (HNC). You would be eligible to graduate after successfully completing a Level 4 qualification or above. |
| Level 5 | Higher National Diplomas (HND), Foundation Degrees or Level 5 awards, certificates or diplomas. |
| Level 6 | Degree apprenticeships, degrees with honours (e.g. BA Hons or BSC Hons) or graduate certificates and diplomas. |
| Level 7 | Master’s level (e.g. MA, MEng or MSc), Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) or a Level 7 award, certificate or diploma. |
| Level 8 | Doctorate level (e.g. PhD). |
Need Help Choosing the Right Course? Our Information Team is Here to Help!
If you need help deciding which course is right for you, please get in touch with our friendly Information Team who will be happy to advise you. Call us on 01226 216123 or email info@barnsley.ac.uk
If you want to join us, but can’t commit to studying on campus, we offer a range of courses that can be studied online and at your own pace. Take a look at the full list of courses that are available to study in the comfort of your own home.
This page was last updated on: 26th March 2025 3:46pm
