About Diplomas
As part of the Governments 14-19 reform programme, the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF), the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA), the Skills for Business Network (SfBN), sector skills councils and awarding organisations are developing the new Diplomas.
This new qualification offers high quality, credible, industry relevant learning by combining practical skills development with theoretical and technical knowledge and understanding.
The Diploma, designed principally for 14-19 year olds, recognises achievements at levels 1, 2 and 3 and will be available in 17 broad areas which include:
Phase 1 Diplomas for first teaching from September 2008:
- creative and media
- construction and the built environment
- engineering
- IT
- society, health and development
Phase 2 Diplomas for first teaching from September 2009:
- business, administration and finance
- environmental and land-based studies
- hair and beauty studies
- hospitality
- manufacturing and product design
Phase 3 Diplomas for first teaching from September 2010:
- public services
- retail business
- sport and active leisure
- travel and tourism
Phase 4 Diplomas for first teaching from September 2011:
- humanities and social sciences
- languages and international communication
- science
The Diplomas will be offered at 3 levels, Foundation, Higher and Advanced.
Foundation/Level 1 - will provide a broad understanding of the travel and tourism industries, an appreciation of the importance of customer service to the sector and an introduction to the financial and environmental aspects of travel and tourism.
Higher/Level 2 - will provide an opportunity to develop the knowledge and understanding of the nature, extent and role of the travel and tourism sector, and those who work within it, the diversity of the sector, and the importance of finance and legislation in the sector.
Advanced/Level 3 - will provide opportunities to analyse, evaluate and explore principles and practice relating to the travel and tourism sector in business, planning and management; legislation, development and sustainability; sales and marketing; customer service and career opportunities in the travel and tourism sector.
The Diplomas have three components:
- principle learning
- generic learning
- additional and Specialist learning
All levels include a minimum of ten days work experience.