Making the right choice of course for you
Think about what you love doing and how you like to study. If you enjoy being creative or performing; if you are practical and enjoy learning by doing; if you like numbers or experimenting with science! You can think about the type of course that might suit you, whether it is a course work based qualification with no exams like a BTEC National Diploma, or a more academic course like an AS or A Level.
Having a career route in mind can help to direct your learning and careers advisors in your school, college or town centre can help you to think about the options and what you will need to take you onto Higher Education or into work.
Use the quick links, or view the full course guide to find out more.
Going onto Higher Education or Work?
AS/ A Levels
National Diplomas / Certificates
NVQs
Access to HE
New to Study - thinking about your options?
Want to Work and earn while you learn?
Apprenticeships
Part-Time Study
Lifelong learning
Full Course Guide
AS / A Levels - Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced Levels
AS and A Level courses are academic courses, similar to those you have done in school, but at a higher level and these are often used as a route to Higher Education. You will be assessed by a mixture of course project work & examinations.
The AS Level is usually taken over one year and is sometimes described as a ‘stepping stone’ between GCSEs and A Level. Most students will study either 3 or 4 AS Levels in Year 1. In year two, most students will take 3 or 4 subjects at full A Level standard and possibly pick up another AS Level alongside.
BTEC National Diplomas and Certificates
These are programmes of individual work-related education for those who already know the broad area in which they want to work. They are practically based, offering placements and continuous assessment and can be used as a route into Higher Education.
Higher National Diploma (HND) & Higher National Certificate (HNC)
Vocational qualifications at a higher (degree) level run in conjunction with a Higher Education college or university. At Yale these are run in conjunction with NEWI. Assessment is mainly by assignment and project work. The HNC is usually studied on a part-time basis.
- National Diploma - equivalent to 3 A levels and usually studied full-time over two years
- National Certificate - equivalent to 2 A Levels and may be studied full or part-time over 2 years. These are recognised for entry into Higher Education.
- National Award - equivalent to 1 A Level and may be studied full or part-time over 2 years
- First Diploma - equivalent to 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades A-C level or a GNVQ at Intermediate level, and usually studied full-time in one year.
- Introductory Diploma - equivalent to NVQ Level 1 and usually studied full-time over one year.
Welsh Baccalaureate
This valuable qualification may be studied alongside the courses listed above. It gives greater breadth to students’ learning, providing the skills and personal qualities that employers and higher education institutions are looking for. To achieve this qualification students work towards a core certificate, including key skills and work experience, alongside their chosen course of study.
GCSEs - General Certificate of Secondary Education
A limited number of GCSE subjects is offered at Yale. Most entry requirements for higher levels of study require a Grade C or above in English and / or Maths.
NVQs and Work-Based Training
National Vocational Qualifications are available in specific work-related subjects at 5 different levels. They are based on the skills you might be expected to develop when you learn in your place of work. They are offered full-time here at College or are available through apprenticeship schemes while you work. They can be used as a route onto higher level study as well as for work.
Access to Higher Education
These are courses for those over 19 years who do not have the qualifications for entry to Higher Education and degree courses. The courses are full-time over one year or part-time over two years and successful completion gains the student the necessary entry requirement for Higher Education.
Apprenticeship Training - Work and Learn
An exciting and realistic alternative to full-time education, these programmes help you to gain a qualification whilst employed. Apprenticeships are available for employed people, of any age, with the aim of helping them to become technical experts, supervisors and managers to NVQ Level 3 or higher.
Lifelong Learning
Yale College promotes the concept of Lifelong Learning and offers a huge number of part-time courses ranging from those which offer professional qualifications to those which are primarily for leisure and special interests. You can view the full range on our website: www.yale-wrexham.ac.uk or contact the College for our part-time brochures.
Welsh Baccalaureate
This valuable qualification may be studied alongside the courses listed above. It gives greater breadth to students’ learning, providing the skills and personal qualities that employers and higher education institutions are looking for. To achieve this qualification students work towards a core certificate, including key skills and work experience, alongside their chosen course of study.
GCSEs - General Certificate of Secondary Education
A limited number of GCSE subjects is offered at Yale. Most entry requirements for higher levels of study require a Grade C or above in English and / or Maths.
NVQs and Work-Based Training
National Vocational Qualifications are available in specific work-related subjects at 5 different levels. They are based on the skills you might be expected to develop when you learn in your place of work. They are offered full-time here at College or are available through apprenticeship schemes while you work. They can be used as a route onto higher level study as well as for work.
Access to Higher Education
These are courses for those over 19 years who do not have the qualifications for entry to Higher Education and degree courses. The courses are full-time over one year or part-time over two years and successful completion gains the student the necessary entry requirement for Higher Education.
Apprenticeship Training - Work and Learn
An exciting and realistic alternative to full-time education, these programmes help you to gain a qualification whilst employed. Apprenticeships are available for employed people, of any age, with the aim of helping them to become technical experts, supervisors and managers to NVQ Level 3 or higher.
The Prince's Trust Team Programme
This unique personal development programme enables young people to develop the skills and confidence to help them through life into work. Bringing together unemployed and employed 16-25 year olds from a variety of backgrounds, abilities and circumstances, this programme helps them develop valuable skills such as working with others and taking responsibility, alongside gaining nationally recognised qualifications. The North Wales Office is based at Yale College. There are no specific entry requirements.
Lifelong Learning
Yale College promotes the concept of Lifelong Learning and offers a huge number of part-time courses ranging from those which offer professional qualifications to those which are primarily for leisure and special interests. You can view the full range on our website: www.yale-wrexham.ac.uk or contact the College for our part-time brochures.
