The Diploma - career development and university

The main advantage of the Diploma is it will help your son or daughter to develop work-relevant skills, including functional skills in English, mathematics and ICT, in a creative and enjoyable way while retaining the flexibility to choose various career options

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Employers and education professionals were responsible for developing the Diploma, working together to include skills valuable to both education and the world of work

For instance, if your child completes the Higher level Diploma, (which is equivalent to seven GCSEs at grades A* to C), your child can go to college and enrol on an NVQ or BTEC course, or do A Levels that relate to the subject studied in the Diploma, or move to the next level of the Diploma (Advanced), and maintain the academic thrust in his or her studies. For more information about what your child may gain from a Diploma please visit: www.direct.gov.uk

Alternatively, your child may opt to leave education and enroll on an apprenticeship or go into a job with training.

As part of the Diploma, your child would have completed a work experience assignment, meaning that he or she will enter the job market with a better practical understanding of that area of work. To find out more details about the work experience on offer please visit: www.direct.gov.uk

Transferable skills such as creative thinking and teamwork, as well as proficiency gained in problem-solving during the course of the Diploma will provide a springboard to help your child succeed in the work environment regardless of what job he or she chooses to do.

The Diploma at Foundation or Higher level is also tailor-made for entry into an apprenticeship. It is advised that your child chooses a job that builds on the skills already acquired, such as an apprenticeship with planned training that leads to a nationally recognised qualification. In this instance, your child can earn while he or she learns.

Employers and universities were involved in creating the Diploma so that the skills which students gain match the skills, knowledge and experience required for entry to college or university.

In some cases, an Advanced Diploma holder can access undergraduate courses at university. Indeed, 80 per cent of undergraduate courses can be accessed with the right grades in the relevant Diploma.

The Diploma is purposely designed to encourage your child to meet his or her full potential and support their next move, whether that's further study at school or college, work-related training, going on to university or a job with training.

For general information about the different options available after a student successfully obtains a Diploma qualification please visit: www.direct.gov.uk