The Diploma

Friday, 26 February 2010 00:34

Background and overview

The Diploma is a composite qualification for 14-19 year olds made up of three parts: Principal learning, generic learning and Additional and specialist learning.

These can be taken at three levels: Foundation, which is a Level 1 qualification; Higher, which is a Level 2 qualification; and Advanced and Progression, which are Level 3 qualifications. The Diploma has been designed with input from employers and is available in industry sector-related 'lines of learning'.

The Diploma was introduced in September 2008, and each of the three types of learning represent a stand-alone qualification:

• Principal learning is a single qualification in the subject matter of the Diploma;
• Generic learning includes Functional Skills qualifications in English, mathematics and ICT and a project qualification; learners are also expected to complete a minimum of 10 days’ work experience and achieve six personal, learning and thinking skills;
• The additional and specialist learning element gives the student some choice about the extra qualifications that make up their Diploma from a list of approved options.

Learners must complete all three elements to gain their Diploma.

Diploma – the official student guide to the system explains how the Diploma works and what lines of learning are available. The Diploma awarding timeline (to be updated for 2012 awarding) sets out when results can be expected.

Post 2013 arrangements

Changes will be made to the way the Diploma is regulated because of the government’s intention to treat the Diploma the same way as other qualifications, without special support. This will lead to the closure of the government operated Diploma Aggregation Service (DAS) in 2013. DAS is the system which is currently used to bring together all of the component qualifications needed to get a Diploma.

These changes will come into effect for learners who are starting new courses in September 2012. Under the changes, regulations will no longer require Diploma Awarding Bodies to use DAS, and instead allow them to put in place suitable arrangements of their own to aggregate the different component qualifications.

As a result of these changes, awarding organisations which offer Diplomas are reviewing the lines of learning they will offer in the future, and at which levels.

Centres are advised to liaise directly with their Diploma awarding organisations for more information. Learners wishing to study for a Diploma in 2012 and beyond should contact their awarding organisation.

Until then, the arrangements for the Diploma will remain the same, with provisions put in place for re-sits in 2014.

Last Updated on Wednesday, 23 November 2011 11:32 Tags: additional and specialist learning, Advanced Diploma, ASL, Diploma, English, Foundation Diploma, Functional Skills, generic learning, Higher Diploma, ICT, information and communication technology, mathematics, principal learning, qualifications