Diplomas are Level 3 vocational qualifications that offer a more in-depth specialist focus on a particular career sector. They are designed for students who prefer a practical, hands-on learning style and wish to concentrate more of their study time on a specific subject area.
At Central Saint Michael’s, a National Diploma is equivalent to two A Levels, while a National Extended Diploma is equivalent to three A Levels. Both carry full UCAS points and are highly regarded for university entry and higher apprenticeships.
Diplomas are part of our specialist pathways. We offer Diplomas in applied Psychology, Applied Science, Business, Applied Science (Forensic and Medical) and Business with Law.
To study a Level 3 Diploma, you typically need a minimum of five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including English and Maths. Some subjects may require a Grade 5 in a relevant GCSE to ensure you are prepared for the advanced content.
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. Diplomas are highly industry-focused. As a Diploma student, you will have access to the ‘Young Professional Academy’, which provides tailored work placements, industry-specific workshops, and one-to-one interview preparation to help bridge the gap between college and your career.
Absolutely. Diplomas are a very popular route to university. Because they provide a deep dive into a specific field, they are excellent preparation for a degree-level study in subjects like Business, Law, and Science.
Diplomas prepare you for three main destinations:
Diplomas are Level 3 qualifications, meaning they are academically on par with A Levels, While they aren’t ‘easier’, the assessment is different. You will focus on coursework, practical projects, and modular assessments throughout the year, rather than sitting all your exams at the very end of the two years.
At Central Saint Michael’s Sixth Form, students benefit from a personal tutor to monitor your progress, specialist career guidance, and access to ‘The MEGA Deal’, which includes financial support and bus travel passes to ensure you can focus entirely on your studies.
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.
