What is a level 2 qualification?
If you’ve completed a level 1 course in a particular subject area, you’ll find that studying it at level 2 builds on the basic knowledge you’ve already gained. However, you don’t necessarily need any previous knowledge to take a level 2 course.
In terms of difficulty, taking a level 2 qualification is equal to studying at GCSE level. Your course will combine theory with hands-on learning and you’ll gain a sound understanding of the industry you want to work in.
What kind of subjects can I study?
Plenty of subjects are available at this level, from accounting to English as a Foreign Language (ESOL). Popular subjects include:
- Information advice and guidance
- Accounting
- Health and social care
- Bookkeeping
- IT
- Horticulture
- Food safety and hygiene
- Business
- Electrical installation
- English
- Childcare
- Hair and Beauty
- Skills for life
How long does a level 2 qualification take to complete?
While all level 2 qualifications are equal in terms of difficulty, their size and content vary according to the number of credits they’re worth. Each credit is worth 10 hours of study time, so it’s always best to check out the number of credits before you sign up to a particular programme.
Interested in an award, diploma or certificate? Then you need to know that awards are worth 1-12 credits (10-120 hours), certificates 13-36 credits (130-360 hours) and diplomas over 37 credits (370 hours).
Qualifications available at level 2
- GCSE grades 9-4 (previously GCSE grades A-C)
- Level 2 Award
- Level 2 Certificate
- Level 2 Diploma
- Level 2 ESOL
- Level 2 Essential Skills/Functional Skills
- Level 2 NVQ
- Level 2 BTEC First Diploma
- Music grades 4 and 5
- Intermediate apprenticeship
How can I fund my level 2 qualification?
Are you 19 or over? Then it may be possible to claim full funding from the Skills Funding Agency if your chosen qualification is eligible. You’ll also need to meet the following criteria:
- You’re taking your first full level 2 vocational qualification
- You don’t have GCSEs, A levels or equivalent qualifications.
- You live in the UK and you’ve lived in the EU for at least three years.
Even if you don’t meet the criteria, you may still receive free tuition if you’re unemployed or earning a low wage. It’s always worth asking your learning provider whether you’re eligible for financial support.
What is an Intermediate Apprenticeship?
Level 2 apprenticeships offer an alternative route to developing new skills. Equivalent to 5 GCSE passes, they take 12 months to complete and combine on-the-job training with classroom study. Choose this option and you’ll be taking a work-based level 2 qualification such as an NVQ, or a BTEC.
When your apprenticeship finishes, you have a couple of choices. If you want to enter employment, you could continue working for the company which has trained you or apply for a job that’s related to the qualification you’ve gained. Alternatively, you might prefer to move on to an advanced apprenticeship. These are available in over 170 industries including accounting, fashion, digital marketing, plumbing and carpentry. There’s no upper age limit either, so it’s never too late!
What can I do after my level 2 qualification?
With your level 2 qualification under your belt, you might feel that you’re ready to use your skills in the workplace. However, you could also use your knowledge to access a level 3 qualification, such as a BTEC National. This will involve studying your subject in more detail.
Continuing to study is a great choice if you’re keen to fulfil your academic potential, as a level 3 qualification could open the door to a range of higher education options, including:
- A Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE)
- A Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE)
- A Higher National Certificate (HNC)
- A Higher National Diploma (HND)
- A Foundation Degree
- A Bachelor’s Degree,
- A Higher Apprenticeship
- A Degree Apprenticeship
