The purpose of this document is to record a full set of criteria for level 3 principal learning qualifications for the Advanced Diploma in science. It also sets out the overall aims of the Diplomas in science.1
This document should be read in conjunction with the Ofqual document Criteria for accreditation of Foundation, Higher and Advanced Diploma qualifications (Ofqual/08/3990) at www.ofqual.gov.uk/files/OAC_diplomas_v2.pdf, which defines the overarching criteria for all Diplomas at Foundation, Higher and Advanced levels, and the Line of learning statement in science produced by the Diploma development partnership (DDP) representing the industries covered.
All references to guided learning hours (GLH) within this document are for the purposes of ensuring that at each level there is sufficient content specified to enable the design of qualifications. GLH are not intended to indicate final unit sizes or design.
The purpose of the line of learning criteria is twofold:
- to provide the regulatory tools (alongside the overarching criteria) that the regulators will use to accredit qualifications that are developed for the Diploma and to admit qualifications and/or units of accredited qualifications into the Diploma catalogue
- to specify the requirements against which awarding organisations will develop their principal learning qualifications for the Diploma.
- Principal learning is taken at level 1 for Foundation Diplomas, level 2 for Higher Diplomas and level 3 for Advanced Diplomas. [↩]
