Vocational qualifications are either work-related qualifications designed to enable students to gain the skills required to perform a particular job, or qualifications that may be taken as part of a wider study programme or an apprenticeship.
Schools and colleges may offer qualifications that are not included in the DfE performance tables, if approved for teaching to 16-19 year olds by the Secretary of State for Education in England under Section 96, where this is in the best interests of individual students.
The LRN Level 3 Diploma In Pre-U Foundation Studies is designed to help students develop their understanding and knowledge in a specific area of study. The areas are split into pathways which are set at higher education level. The qualification is recognised by Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre (MQRIC) and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai.
The LRN Level 3 Diploma in Pre-U Foundation Studies provides students with an alternative route into higher education if they do not have traditional qualifications, or are unable to meet the normal entry requirements for an undergraduate degree.
The overall qualification is graded as either Distinction, Merit, Pass, or Fail.
Mandatory units:
These are assessed through assignments which are externally set, internally marked, and moderated by LRN. LRN provides centres with mark schemes, assessment guides, and other notes to ensure a consistent approach is applied to their marking. Internally marked assignments are also randomly moderated, in line with the risk profile set by LRN,for the centre.
Optional units:
These are assessed through assignments which are externally set and marked by LRN.
LRN carries out standardisation to ensure the assessment carried out by LRN examiners, and that of its centres, is done consistently and in line with its mark scheme.
There are a number of key considerations for HEPs when reviewing vocational qualifications that are not listed on the DfE 16 – 19 Performance Tables for England:
- Some of these qualifications are occupational, and may not be designed specifically for progression to HE.
- Applicants holding these qualifications may be school or college leavers, however, some may be more mature students who are likely to have other relevant experience alongside these qualifications.
- These qualifications may have been taken as part of a wider study programme or an apprenticeship.
- If they are presented for admission to HE it is likely to be in conjunction with other qualifications.
Higher education providers can expect to receive applications from UK and overseas applicants holding the LRN Level 3 Diploma In Pre-U in Foundation Studies.
Qualification specification: LRN Level 3 Diploma in Pre-U Foundation Studies.