Manchester College of Higher Education & Media Technology

Qualification comparisons

Not sure what a level 3 really means? Want to know how many GCSEs are equal to a level 2? Our quick look comparison guide gives you the low down.

City & Guilds

Academic

Other

Entry Level

Entry level vocational awards

Scottish intermediate
Scottish Access 1-2

Level 1

SVQ / NVQ level 1
Level 1 vocational awards
IVQ certificate
Level 1 International Introductory Awards*

GCSE grades D - G
3 / Foundations S Grade
Scottish Access 1-2

Foundation GNVQ

Level 2

SVQ / NVQ level 2
Level 2 vocational awards
IVQ Technician certificate
IVQ Diploma
Level 2 International awards*

GCSE grades A* - C
Scottish intermediate 2/Credit S Grade

Intermediate GNVQ
BTEC first certificate

Level 3

SVQ / NVQ level 3
Level 3 vocational awards
IVQ Technician Diploma
IVQ Advanced Diploma
Level 3 International Awards*

A level
Scottish higher

AVCE
BTEC National
Certificate / Diploma
Vocational A Levels

Level 4

Licenciateship (LCGI)
Higher Professional Diploma
SVQ / NVQ level 4
Level 4 vocational awards

Undergraduate

Full technical certificate
BTEC HND / HNC

Level 5

Diploma SVQ / NVQ level 5
Level 5 vocational awards
IVQ Advanced Technician Diploma

Undergraduate

NEW QCF

EDEXCEL

B-TEC

HND/HNC

Level 6

Graduateship (GCGI)
Associateship (ACGI)

Graduate

Level 7

Membership(MCGI)
Master Professional
Diploma

Post graduate

Level 8

Fellowship (FCGI)

Doctoral

* Nearest comparable level (by City & Guilds)

The government and other agencies offer support for UK students those undertaking training, more details can be found here on funding help page.

Career Development Loan - www.lifelonglearning.dfes.gov.uk/cdl/

A deferred repayment commercial bank loan designed to help pay for vocational education or learning. The Department for Education and Skills operates the programme in partnership with four high street banks: Barclays, The Co-Op, Clydesdale and The Royal Bank of Scotland. Tel 0800 585 505.

Modern Apprenticeships - www.apprenticeships.org.uk/

Modern Apprenticeships allow you to undertake training while in paid employment. Funding may be open to young people aged between 16 and 25, irrespective of gender, ethnic origin or disability.

Learn Direct - www.learndirect-advice.co.uk

It's a great place to start if you want more information about learning, courses or funding. Ask about the Adult Information Advice and Guidance Partnership (IAG). For more information call 0800 100 900.

Jobcentre

Talk to a personal adviser to find out about the financial help that's available under New Deal or Work-based Learning for Adults programmes. Your Jobcentre will be listed in your telephone directory under Employment Service.

Student awards or welfare officer

Speak to the awards or welfare officer at your chosen college. If you've already enrolled on a course they'll be able to tell you whether you qualify for help from Access and Childcare Support Funds - and they'll know about other funding for costs such as travel.

Education Maintenance Allowance - www.dfes.gov.uk/financialhelp/ema/

Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is a weekly allowance of up to £30, which is intended to help 16-19 year olds stay on in education after they reach school-leaving age.Tel 0808 1016219.

Learner Support Funds

Learner Support Funds are available in colleges to help with the cost of courses. They can be paid in addition to Education Maintenance Allowance and are usually for younger or disadvantaged or challenged students. For more information call Learn Direct Helpline: 0800 100 900.

16-19 Transport Support - www.dfes.gov.uk/financialhelp/16-19transport

If you are aged 16-18 or continuing on a course that you started before your 19th birthday and need help with transport costs. You will find a range of useful information from the DFES website about what transport support is offered locally.

Care-to-learn

If you are under 20 and want to start or return to learning, Care to learn may be able to pay for your childcare and travel costs. Call the helpline on 0845 600 2809.

Social Security Benefits

If you are aged between 16 and 19, you may be eligible for financial support from Jobcentre Plus. Some benefits depend on particular circumstances, for example if you are disabled, not well enough to work or are a parent.

Work-based learning for adults

This is a programme is for the disadvantaged aged 25 and over and includes work placements and employability training. More information is available at a local your local Jobcentre.

For Homeless Students - email: federation@foyer.net

The Government's bursary scheme for homeless students provides bursaries of £1,000 each year. Call the Foyer Federation on 020 7430 2212.

Trust funds

There are various local and national Trust Funds and other Charitable Trusts, which may be able to offer you some financial assistance. You could also approach the Educational Grants Advisory Service on 0207 249 6636.