Line of learning criteria for new Diplomas

Awarding organisations will now begin to develop qualifications in line with these criteria. Those qualifications that meet the required criteria will be accredited in July 2009, for first teaching in September 2010.

Diplomas in the first five lines of learning that have already been accredited, will begin to be taught in schools and colleges across the country from this September, with a further five lines of learning being available from September 2009.

Notes to editors

1. Criteria for the Diploma Phase 3 lines of learning can be accessed fromthis page

2. Ofqual in its interim form is a part of the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA).
On 2 April 2008 Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, announced that the government intended to legislate to make Ofqual a separate statutory authority reporting directly to Parliament.

3. Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families and John Denham, Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, announced the appointment of Kathleen Tattersall as Chair of Ofqual on 2 April 2008. Prior to legislation being passed to establish Ofqual on a statutory basis, Kathleen Tattersall is a QCA Board member and Chair of its Ofqual committee.

4. More information on Diplomas can be found at http://www.ofqual.gov.uk/100.aspx

5. The development and introduction of a total of 17 Diploma lines of learning (each available at three levels) is being phased over four years:

For first teach from September 2008 ("phase 1")

• Construction and the built environment
• Creative and media
• Engineering
• IT
• Society, health and development
   

For first teach from September 2009 ("phase 2")

• Business, administration and finance
• Environment and land-based studies
• Hair and beauty studies
• Hospitality
• Manufacturing and product design
  

For first teach from September 2010 ("phase 3")

• Public services
• Retail business
• Sport and active leisure
• Travel and tourism
  

For first teach from September 2011 ("phase 4")

• Humanities
• Languages
• Science