Progression Routes
Levels of Apprenticeship
Name Level Length Equivalent
educational level
5 GCSE passes at grades A* to C
Intermediate 2 12 – 18 months NVQ Level 2
2 A level passes
Advanced 3 18 – 48 months NVQ Level 3
National Certificate/Diploma
Higher National Certificate (HNC)
4 Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE)
NVQ Level 4
Higher
Higher National Diploma (HND)
5 Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE)
Foundation Degree
Bachelor’s Degree with Honours (e.g.
24 months + BA Hons, BSc Hons)
6
Graduate Certificate/Diploma
Ordinary Degree (without Honours)
Degree Master’s Degree
Postgraduate Certificate/Diploma
7 Master’s Degree (e.g. MA, MSc, MBA,
MPhil)
Integrated Master’s Degree (e.g. MEng)
4 Tala Youssef
Always get advice on the best qualifications to suit you and your future plans.