We offer several different options for studying at a higher level, the courses we offer are listed below.
Higher National Certificate (HNC)
An HNC is a work-related course which takes one year of full-time study, or two years of part-time study. These qualifications can lead onto a Higher National Diploma. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, a HNC is Level 4 on the National Qualifications Framework.
Higher National Diploma (HND)
An HND is a work-related course, which takes two years of full-time study, or three to four years part-time. Generally, a HND is equivalent to the second year of university. A HND can be converted into an Honours degree with additional study. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, a HND is Level 5 on the National Qualifications Framework.
Foundation Degree (FD)
A Foundation Degree is a work-based degree and can be undertaken part-time or full-time in a range of vocational areas. Foundation degrees have a substantial amount of work-based learning and assessment. They offer a guaranteed progression route to a named Honours degree at our partner university - Staffordshire University or you can progress to other HE providers. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, a Foundation Degree is Level 5 on the National Qualifications Framework.
Cert Ed in Post Compulsory Education and Training
A Cert Ed in Post Compulsory Education and Training allows those with a Level 3 qualification to develop professional knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes to become teachers, tutors and/or trainers in further education and the broader post-compulsory sector. This award is the nationally endorsed qualification for the sector and takes two years to complete part-time. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, a Higher Diploma is Level 4 on the National Qualifications Framework.
PGCE - Certificate in Post Compulsory Education and Training
A PGCE provides graduates the chance to develop professional knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes to become teachers, tutors and/or trainers in further education and the broader post-compulsory sector. This award is the nationally endorsed qualification for the sector and takes two years to complete part-time. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, a PGCE is Level 7 on the National Qualifications Framework.
Certificates and Diplomas
At Shrewsbury Colleges Group, we offer Certificates and Diplomas at a higher level accredited through CACHE (Council for Awards in Care, Health and Education), City & Guilds, AQA (formerly known as Assessment and Qualifications Alliance) CPCAB (Counselling) and AAT (The Association of Accounting Technicians) (Accountancy). The Levels range from 4 to 6 on the National Qualifications Framework.
