Diploma in IT FAQs
Your questions answered
14-19 Diplomas
What are 14-19 Diplomas?
The Diploma is an exciting and innovative new qualification for 14-19 year olds in England.
Developed in partnership with employers and universities, each Diploma blends general education and applied learning to provide a motivating and challenging programme of study.
Diplomas are being developed in fourteen lines of learning, relating to fourteen broad economic sectors. Each will be available at level 1 (equivalent to 4-5 GCSEs), level 2 (equivalent to 5-6 GCSEs) and level 3 (equivalent to 3½ A levels and up to 420 UCAS points).
The Diploma in IT is one of the first five Diplomas, with first teaching in September 2008. Find out more about timescales.
All Diplomas incorporate:
- Principal Learning - this will develop knowledge, understanding and skills relevant to a broad economic sector, using realistic contexts and leading-edge sector relevant materials.
- Generic Learning - this will ensure that all Diplomas include common generic skills which are relevant to successful learning and future employment. This includes Personal, Learning and Thinking Skills, an extended project and Maths, English and ICT user skills. All Diplomas will also include work experience and Planning and Review.
- Additional/Specialist Learning - this will allow learners to tailor their programme according to their interests and aspirations. This may include further specialisation, or complementary studies such as GCSEs or A-levels.
Last modified: 13 May 2008
Caroline Cryer, IS Learning and Development Manager, Centrica
"There is a real need for a qualification such as the IT Diploma. With its emphasis on education set in the context of a key business sector, the Diploma will help to prepare young people with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in today’s fiercely competitive global employment market."
If you would like to be kept updated on developments in the Diploma in IT, please register here (ticking the Diploma in IT box).