The Diploma is a new and innovative qualification for young people between the ages of 14 and 19. It is part of a national programme to widen the choice of courses for young people and to motivate them to continue learning for longer. The Diploma is a qualification based around an employment sector, combining academic study, creative thinking and practical experience and has been created to provide a real alternative to more traditional education and qualifications.

The number of Diplomas offered in Hartlepool will be steadily expanded and, by 2013, a total of 17 subjects will be available providing an entitlement for all young people aged 14-19 to study any of them an appropriate level:

IT/ Society, Health and Development / Engineering / Creative and Media / Construction and the Built Environment/ Environmental and Land-based Studies/ Manufacturing / Hair and Beauty Studies / Business Administration and Finance / Hospitality / Public Services / Sport and Active Leisure / Retail Business/ Travel and Tourism / Science / Humanities and Social Sciences/Languages and International Communication.

Diplomas will give young people a fully rounded qualification, which combines theoretical and practical learning, including functional English, Maths and ICT, and equip them with the skills, knowledge and understanding they need for further or higher education and long-term employability.

The Diploma is not replacing existing programmes such as A Levels, GCSEs, BTEC National/First Diplomas, NVQs or Apprenticeships. It is another option for you to consider. You can do a Diploma instead of the other qualifications or you can incorporate some of them into your Diploma. There are three levels of Diploma available - Foundation, Higher and Advanced.

Diplomas in the following curriculum areas will be available from September 2010 here at Hartlepool College:

Engineering / Hair and Beauty Studies / Creative and Media / Hospitality / ICT / Society, Health and Development / Construction and the Built Environment / Sport and Active Leisure

We can offer a range of vocational courses, including the new Diplomas, in the following curriculum areas:

Engineering	Construction and the Built Environment
Hospitality and Catering	Travel and Tourism
Hair and Beauty Studies	Sport and Active Leisure
Creative and Media	Information Technology
Society, Health and Development

Diplomas are also available in: Motor Vehicle Engineering, ChildCare and Health & Social Care.

Related Links:

14-19 Diploma Information