Certificates are Level 3 vocational qualifications designed for students who prefer a practical approach to learning. Unlike traditional A Levels, which are often purely theoretical, Certificates focus on real-world application and hands-on experience in a specific subject area.
A Level 3 Certificate is equivalent to one A Level. They carry UCAS points just like A Levels do, making them a recognised pathway for further education.
We offer a range of subjects for our certificates including Criminology, Applied Law, Applied Psychology, Health and Social Care, Human Biology, Applied Science and Business.
To study Level 3 qualification at Central Saint Michael’s, you typically need a minimum of five GCSEs a grade 4 or above, including English and Maths. Some specific subject areas may require a Grade 5 in a related GCSE subject area.
The main difference is the size and A Level value of the qualification. A Certificate is equivalent to one A Level and is designed to be studied alongside two other subjects. Whereas, a Diploma is equivalent to two A Levels, and an Extended Diploma is equivalent to three, which allows you to focus more on a single specialist area.
Yes. Our Certificates are designed to bridge the gap between education and the workplace. Students often have access to work placement coordinators and the ‘Young Professionals Academy’, which offers one-to-one interview preparation and opportunities for career-relevant internships with leading employers.
Absolutely. Certificates are widely accepted by universities. Many students combine a Certificate with A Levels or Diplomas to build a study programme that meets UCAS point requirements for their chosen degree.
Certificates are designed to prepare you for a number of routes:
Certificates are Level 3 qualifications, meaning they are academically at the same level of difficulty as A Levels. However, many students find them more manageable if they prefer coursework, practical assessments, and modular exams rather than the high pressure final exams associated with A Levels.
At Central Saint Michael’s Sixth Form, students benefit from expert teaching, personal tutors, career guidance, wellbeing services, and financial support. You’ll be supported throughout your course and progression.
Begin your career journey at Central Saint Michael’s Sixth Form. Our courses will give you the skills and experience you need to succeed in your chosen career.
We can offer first class guidance and support to help you on your journey.
Our Open Days are a great opportunity for you to find out more about our inspirational facilities and talk to our knowledgeable tutors about the courses you like best.
We want to ensure the right level and type of support is in place for every one of our learners to be successful and treated as an individual. We believe that each student should be individually supported to grow and develop personally and professionally.
When you join us you’ll have access to a network of mentors and online 24/7 confidential counselling services for your emotional wellbeing, as well as a dedicated safeguarding team of staff, student-to-student safeguarding champions and your own personal tutor.
We are a university-style sixth form college based in the centre of West Bromwich, easily accessible from Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Sandwell, Dudley, Halesowen, Sutton Coldfield & Great Barr.