Diplomas are new qualifications for 14 - 19 year olds, which help prepare them in an innovative and exciting way for university or employment.

All Diploma students study English, Maths and ICT alongside their chosen discipline. They do an extended project, specialist learning in a related subject and at least ten days work experience.

These qualifications have been developed by employers, so practical, work-related learning is at the heart of the qualification.

Diplomas are available at three levels...

• Foundation (equivalent to five GCSEs)
• Higher (equivalent to seven GCSEs)
• Advanced (equivalent to three and a half A Levels).

...In the following disciplines

From September 2008

• Construction and the Built Environment
• Creative and Media
• Engineering
• Information Technology
• Society, Health and Development

From September 2009

• Business, Administration and Finance
• Environmental and Land-Based Studies
• Hair and Beauty Studies
• Hospitality
• Manufacturing and Project Design

From September 2010

• Public Services
• Retail
• Sport and Leisure
• Travel and Tourism

From September 2011

• Science
• Languages
• Humanities

The information above are extracts from a leaflet produced by the Department for Children, Schools and Families called - 'The Diploma' what employers need to know. If you would like further details please visit their website:

www.teachernet.gov.uk/publications Search using DCSF-00956-2007