Course structure and Qualifications
Dunstable College offers many vocational and academic qualifications in a wide range of subjects, at different levels to suit the individual learner. Depending on your career choice, previous qualifications and subject choice, you will be able to gain qualifications to suit your needs. This can often include studying for both academic and vocational courses simultaneously.As the table below shows a BTEC National Diploma Level 3 is the equivalent to 3 A Levels, and is recognised by employers and all educational providers including universities. So you can gain the same level of qualification by studying for a vocational course as if you had chosen to follow a more traditional route by studying A Levels.
Also see The qualifications explained
| Level | Key & Basic Skills | Academic Qualifications | Specialist Edexcel Vocational Qualifications | Work-Related Vocational Qualifications |
| 8 | Doctorates | No BTEC qualifications currently | ||
| 7 | Masters Degrees, Post Graduate Certificates and Diplomas | BTEC Advanced Diplomas, Certificates and Awards | ||
| 6 | Bachelors Degrees, Graduates Certificates and Diplomas | BTEC Professional Diplomas, Certificates and Awards | ||
| 5 | Diploma of Higher Education Foundation Degrees | BTEC Higher National Diplomas and Certificates | NVQ Level 5 | |
| 4 | Certificates of Higher Education | BTEC Professional Diplomas, Certificates and Awards | NVQ Level 4 | |
| 3 | Key Skills Level 3 | A2/AS Levels | BTEC National Diplomas and Certificates and Awards BTEC National Diploma in Foundation Studies (Art and Design) | NVQ Level 3 |
| 2 | Key Skills Level 2 | GCSEs (grades A-C) | BTEC First Diplomas and Certificates | NVQ Level 2 |
| 1 | Key Skills Level 1 | GCSEs (grades D-G) | BTEC Introductory Diplomas and Certificates | NVQ Level 1 |
| Entry | Basic Skills | Entry Level BTEC Certificates in Skills for Working Life and Life Skills |