Learners entering programmes leading to awards at Level 5 or 6 have usually completed a programme of study at the preceding level. Some programmes may have a specific prerequisite qualification requirement. Entry requirements for all programmes are detailed on the course pages.

Where a learner has not completed a formal qualification at the preceding level and where the entry requirements state that relevant life or work experience may be used, they may submit a CV for review which will be assessed to determine if they have, through their life and / or work experience, achieved the required level of skill to access the programme. The criteria against which this is reviewed and considered is outlined below. These criteria also consider the technical skills required to undertake a programme of study via tutor supported blended learning.

The aim of the assessment is to determine, where possible, that a learner has the necessary skills and competence required to complete the required assessment work, and successfully participate and complete the programme. In the event a learner is unable to evidence this, an alternative programme at a lower level may be suggested to facilitate the learner in gaining the necessary skills.

Level 6

Criteria 1: Ability to fluently read, draft, prepare and understand complex information including quantitative information that is personally relevant and reflects a broad knowledge base.

• Learners may have previous or current work experience which includes the drafting and preparation of documentation.
• Learners may have specific work experience in the field of study they wish to pursue, which demonstrates a broad knowledge base of information specifically pertinent to the programme.
• Learners may have had a specific life experience which involved an informal study and learning process on the subject they are now formally pursuing a qualification at level 6 in. (e.g., own personal medical experience, voluntary work / special interest in specific field etc.)
• The CV submitted by the learner is well presented, and the language used is indicative of having the required written English skill to study and complete assessment work at level 6.
• The CV contains sufficient detail to be able to determine if the learner’s life / work experience meets one or more of these criteria.

Criteria 2: Learners will be required to read, interpret and apply course concepts and theories practically and reflect on a number of areas including their own application of course concepts, current practices or areas for further development.

• Learners may have previous specific work experience in their target field which demonstrates they were able to apply relevant policies, guidelines and practices, acquiring knowledge practically to fulfil the role. This may have been on a voluntary basis.
• Learners may have experience where they implemented or carried out a project either in a working or voluntary capacity that demonstrates an ability to research and apply theoretical knowledge practically.

Criteria 3: A basic working knowledge of computers and access to a computer with internet access is required to do the course.

• Learners may have previous life or work experience which demonstrates their competence with computers. The ability to furnish a CV completed using a word processing package and sent by email is further evidence of meeting this criteria.

Level 5

Criteria 1: Proficient at reading, drafting, preparing and understanding information across a broad range of topics, including quantitative information.

Learners may have specific work experience in the field of study they wish to pursue, which demonstrates a broad knowledge base of information specifically pertinent to the programme.

• Learners may have previous or current work experience which includes the drafting and preparation of documentation.
• Learners may have specific work experience in the field of study they wish to pursue, which demonstrates a broad knowledge base of information specifically pertinent to the programme.
• The CV submitted by the learner is well presented, and the language used is indicative of having the required written English skill to study and complete assessment work at level 5.
• The CV contains sufficient detail to be able to determine if the learner’s life / work experience meets one or more of these criteria.

Criteria 2: A basic working knowledge of computers and access to a computer with internet access is required to do the course.

• Learners may have previous life or work experience which demonstrates their competence with computers. The ability to furnish a CV completed using a word processing package and sent by email is further evidence of meeting this criteria.