Choosing the right course after your GCSEs is an exciting step towards your future. At QMC, we offer a variety of Level 3 qualifications designed to suit your interests, learning style, and career goals.
Whether you prefer academic study or practical, hands-on learning, all our Level 3 courses lead to excellent progression routes, from university and higher apprenticeships to skilled employment.
A Levels (Advanced Level qualifications) are academic courses usually studied over two years. You’ll typically choose three subjects that interest you most, and explore them in depth.
A Levels are mainly exam-based, with final assessments taken at the end of your second year. Some subjects include coursework or practical elements.
Find out more about A Levels.
Vocational qualifications, such as BTECs, Cambridge Technicals, and UAL Diplomas, offer a more hands-on, career focused approach to learning. They are perfect if you prefer applying your knowledge through projects, coursework, and practical assessments rather than being assessed mainly through exams.
You’ll develop real-world skills, work on industry related assignments, and gain valuable experience.
Vocational courses are assessed through a blend of coursework projects, practical assessments, and exams taken throughout the duration of the course, rather than one set of final exams.
Explore our Vocational Courses
If you want to study a Level 3 programme you will need 5 or more GCSEs graded 4/5 or above, including English Language, and ideally, Maths.
Please note that some subjects may have specific GCSE grade requirements for entry, as outlined in each course description. BTEC equivalent qualifications cannot be counted towards the five GCSE standard entry requirement.
The Transition to Level 3 Programme is a one-year pathway designed for students who have narrowly missed the entry requirements for a Level 3 course. It provides an excellent opportunity to build confidence, strengthen academic skills, and prepare for higher level study.
If you’re motivated to progress but need an additional year to reach your goals, this programme will give you the essential foundation for success at Level 3 and beyond.
You’ll follow a tailored study package that helps you gain the skills and qualifications needed for Level 3 progression. The programme includes:
By successfully completing the Transition to Level 3 Programme, you’ll be fully prepared to move onto:
Read more about Transition to Level 3
Our Foundation Learning programmes are designed to help you gain confidence, develop essential life and work skills, and progress to higher level study or employment.
Each programme lasts one year and is personalised to your starting point, interests, and future goals.
A one-year programme focusing on building employability skills, independent living skills, and wellbeing. You’ll study a range of accredited units as part of the BTEC Entry Level qualifications, alongside English and Maths.
This one-year programme offers a taster of different vocational subjects to help you discover your interests and strengths.
You’ll study BTEC Vocational Studies at Level 1, alongside English and Maths at an appropriate level.
You’ll also complete a work experience portfolio, helping you gain practical insight into real workplaces and to build employability skills for the future.
Our Pathways Course provides a supported route for students developing their confidence and workplace skills.
Over the year, you’ll study AQA Award Certificates focused on employability and life skills. You’ll also continue with English and Maths, and take part in a regular work experience placement to help you prepare for the next step.
This course builds on the Progression course, helping students develop their skills, confidence, and portfolio through accredited Level 1 Diploma units. Study subjects like Media, Art and Design, Business, Sport, and Performing Arts, alongside tailored English and Maths support and work experience preparation to progress to Level 2 study, employment, or internships.
Read more about Foundation Courses
