photo of two students conducting a science test

Qualifications explained

Deciding what to study can be based on various factors including future aspirations (university, employment or an apprenticeship), the level you’re currently studying at or course length.

Course types for under 19s

GCSEs
Level 2
Course length: 1-2 years

GCSEs are usually the main qualification taken by 14-to-16-year-olds but are also available to anyone over the age of 14.
T Levels
Level 3
Course length: 2 years

Equivalent to three A Levels, T Levels are a full-time qualification that can be taken after GCSEs and include a 45-day placement with a reputable employer within a chosen industry.
A Levels
Level 3
Course length: 2 years

A Levels are academic qualifications taken after GCSEs. Each A Level focuses on a specific subject area, students normally take three to four or two with a vocational option depending on career goals. At West Notts, we offer 22 different A Level subjects.
Vocational courses
Entry Level - Level 3
Course length: 1-2 years

Designed to help you learn in a practical way about a specific job area. They can help you get the skills you need to start a job, progress in a career or go into higher education. Vocational courses are a good option if you know what job or job sector you want to go into.
Apprenticeships
Level 2 - Level 7

An apprenticeship is a way to gain a nationally recognised qualification whilst gaining on-the-job work experience in a specific area. Students will learn practical skills at work, might go to college on day release and earn a weekly wage. There are three apprenticeship levels – intermediate, advanced and higher.

Course levels and entry requirements

At college, you can choose between a wide-range of courses that start at different levels. Each course will have different entry requirements based on GCSE grades and potentially your experience. Take a look at what qualifications are available at different levels and their common entry requirements.

Level	Overview	Common entry requirements*
Entry Level	Ideal if you don’t have any existing qualifications and want to develop basic skills and knowledge. Functional Skills Certificate of Achievement.	No formal qualifications required
Level 1	An ideal introduction to a specific subject area. GCSEs and Functional skills BTEC Level 1 Award, Certificate or Diploma Supported Internship NVQ Level 1.	GCSE English Language and Maths at grade 2-9
Level 2	Ideal to build on a foundation of subject specific knowledge and skills. Functional Skills Intermediate Apprenticeship Supported Internship BTEC First Diploma BTEC Level 2 NVQ Level 2.	GCSE English Language and Maths at grade 3-9 OR Successful completion of a relevant Level 1 course.
Level 3	Ideal to refine your specialist skills and knowledge to prepare for higher-level study or employment. A Levels T Levels Advanced Apprenticeship BTEC Extended Diploma	Five GCSEs at grade 4-9 including English Language and Maths OR Successful completion of a relevant Level 2 course.
Level 4	Equivalent to a foundation degree, and the first, second and third year of a ‘traditional’ undergraduate degree. If university isn’t right for you, you can opt to study a Higher National Certificate, Higher National Diploma or higher apprenticeships as alternatives. Whilst this isn’t something you need to pick now, our Derby Road campus is home to Nottingham Trent University in Mansfield which means you can progress onto higher-level qualifications without having to go far.	Specific to the individual university and/or course

*Please view the courses online for specific entry requirements

UCAS points

The below table displays what UCAS points you are awarded with, depending on the grade achieved and the type of qualification you complete.

UCAS Points	A Level Grades	BTEC Grades	T Level Grades
168	A* A* A*	D* D* D*	D*
160	A* A* A	D* D* D	-
152	A* A A	D* D D	-
144	A A A	D D D	D
136	A A B	-	-
128	A B B	D D M	-
120	B B B	-	M
112	B B C	D M M	-
104	B C C	-	-
96	C C C	M M M	P (A* - C)
88	C C D	-	-
80	C D D	M M P	-
72	D D D	-	P (D or E)
64	D D E	M P P	-
56	D E E	-	-
48	E E E	P P P	-