Opinions on diplomas

Now that diplomas are a year old, TheSite.org gets the lowdown from students, employers, universities and schools. Find out what this new qualification is all about and decide if it's right for you.

So what do employers think of the diplomas?

TheSite.org asks Bruce Boughton, Training and Development Manager at Lovell Partnerships Ltd what they mean for businesses.

"Diplomas develop generic skills that are useful to all employers, whatever the business, like problem solving, creative thinking, decision making, and working as a team as well as independently. Although as a diploma student, you won't be 'job ready'', you will have an overall understanding of your chosen industry that companies can build on with further training.

"As a construction company, we're looking for more than just academic qualifications from our staff. We want passion and commitment, whether it's for an apprenticeship or a management trainee programme. If you have chosen to do a diploma in construction, we know you are enthusiastic about our industry, which will be an advantage during our recruitment process.

"The work experience and projects you'll do on the diplomas will bring the curriculum to life and give us a better chance of recruiting talented people with the skills to do the job."

But if I study a diploma, can I still go on to higher education? TheSite.org talks to universities to find out.

OK, so diplomas are good for work, but what about going to university? Well, since universities have been involved in their development, diplomas teach you a lot of the thinking, organisational and research skills that you'll need for studying a degree. "You can also take another qualification like an NVQ, GCSE or A-level as part of your diploma, giving you the best of both worlds," says Janice Kay, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Exeter University.

There might be some degrees though, that a diploma won't give you enough subject knowledge to study, so it's best to look on the UCAS website first, recommends Angela Milln, Director of Student Recruitment at Bristol University. "Students should check if universities are happy to accept diplomas on their programmes and if they require a specific A-level as part of it," she says. "If you want to study a degree which isn't directly related to your diploma, it's also best to check with the universities first, so you can make your choices with confidence."

Students Ann-Marie Ramsey and Kitty Grew tell TheSite.org why they decided to study the Creative and Media diploma in September.

"The diploma packs a lot of things I want to study into one course," says Kitty. "I want to work in the media and I'm looking forward to doing work experience, hopefully with a company that designs clothes for sets. I'm planning to go to university, so it's good that it keeps my options open."

For Ann-Marie it was about her love of design and drama. "The Creative and Media diploma covers both of these subjects," she says. "It's important to like what you're studying and we've already done one workshop task I enjoyed, where I used a computer program to try different outfits on a photo of myself.

"The thing I really like about the diploma is that you're not reading books all the time, but go on trips and learn in a more practical way." 

So diplomas can lead to either work or uni, but what kind of stuff will you actually be studying?

If being stuck in a classroom all day doesn't exactly float your boat, you'll be happy to hear diplomas are taught in a range of environments. "If you're studying a Creative and Media diploma", says Mark Malcolm, Deputy Headteacher at Stoke Newington School, "you could be studying in design and technology labs, ICT rooms, dance studios and workshops." You'll even get more opportunity to escape from the school premises by doing work experience with local businesses and visiting work-related environments.

So, if you like getting 'hands on' practical experience, the diploma could be a good choice. "Our school will be teaching the 'Construction and the Built Environment diploma" says Dr Steve Geraghty, Vice-Principal of Serlby Park School. "Students will experiment with 3D imaging and look at architectural design. They may even get the opportunity to consult professionals, like town planners, for advice on their projects."

"Every diploma has an extended project which will bring together all the skills you've learned over the course," says Ian Ashman, Principal of Hackney Community College. "For example, if you're studying an advanced Creative and Media diploma, your extended project could involve putting together a promotional video for a local organisation.

"The advanced diploma won't be a walk in the park, as it's the equivalent of 3 A-levels," says Ian. "But if you have a clear idea of the sector you want to work in and also want the flexibility to go on to employment or university, then it might be for you."

Written by Marcella Carnevale

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