Diploma

What is it?

The Diploma is a new qualification that combines theoretical study with practical experience. This qualification provides students with an integrated programme of study made up of different courses and awards. A Diploma can be taken alongside other qualifications such as GCSE’s or A-Levels.

The Diploma is designed for 14 – 19 year olds and offers high quality, credible, work-related learning opportunities.

The Diploma is available at 3 levels; Foundation (Level 1), Higher (Level 2) and Advanced (Level 3)

Diplomas are taught through a mix of classroom learning, practical projects, local community involvement and work-related learning. Students receive input from a range of different people, including teachers, college lecturers, local business people and industry practitioners.

Course Content:

The Diploma in Hospitality will give you a taste of the huge range of opportunities, jobs and careers offered by the industry. You may discover a passion for travel, enjoy exotic food, or even become a top chef or hotel and restaurant owner. The Diploma in Hospitality focuses on four main themes:

• The hospitality industry
• People in hospitaltiy
• Hospitality operations
• Business & finance in hospitality

The Diploma will also give you the opportunity to do a minimum of 10 days work experience to enable you to put into practice what you have learnt in the classroom.

Duration:

Foundation

A Foundation Diploma can be completed in one year if taken on its own or 2 years if taken alongside other qualifications. A Foundation Diploma is the equivalent to five GCSE’s in terms of average length of study.

Higher:

A Higher Diploma can be completed in one or two years if taken on its own or two years if taken alongside another qualification. A Higher Diploma is the equivalent in terms of length of study to seven GCSE’s

Advanced:

An Advanced Diploma can be completed as a full time two year programme. An advanced Diploma is the equivalent to three and a half A-Levels.

A typical student at Foundation and Higher levels would spend two days a week on Diploma study (in and out of the classroom) with the rest of the timetable available for GCSEs and National Curriculum studies. An Advanced student timetable might include practical workshops or master classes, work experience, classroom-based learning and learning off-site.

Entry Requirements:

Achievement at one level of the Diploma will allow you to progress onto the next level. It is also possible to opt to do a Higher or Advanced level diploma without first having completed the Foundation level.

Industry Related Diplomas:

Diploma in Hospitality
Diploma in Travel & Tourism (from 2010)