Levels / UCAS Points Explained

When you study at our University Centre, you’ll be undertaking a nationally recognised qualification in Higher Education. No matter which course you choose, the experience has the potential to lead to a much larger amount of employment and education opportunities.

Entry criteria explained

You’ll generally need to have completed a Level 3 qualification (such as a BTEC, T-Level, A-Levels or Access course) to be accepted onto your chosen pathway, with some courses specifying a certain number of UCAS points for entry.

For instance, D*D*D* at BTEC will provide you with 168 points, whereas three A*s at A-Level will give you the same amount.

Depending on your chosen course, you might be able to apply direct through our website. This is typically for part-time courses. However, for full-time courses you’ll need to apply through UCAS.

Levels explained

A Higher Education course is any pathway that provides you with a qualification that’s Level 4 or higher. At Hopwood, you can earn a coveted Level 4, 5 or 6 qualification.

Level 4 qualifications

A Level 4 qualification takes one year to complete full-time or two years part-time and is indicative of a high level of learning as it advances on Further Education.

This includes a HNC qualification, which upon completion can usually allow progress onto a Higher National Diploma (HND) in the same field.

Level 5 qualifications

A Level 5 qualification advances on from a Level 4. It is the equivalent to the second year of study at degree level and usually lasts between one and three years depending on if you’re studying full-time or part-time.

HND courses and Foundation Degree pathways are both Level 5 qualifications. In addition, a Foundation Degree is designed to enable students to the gain the formal qualifications needed to enrol onto a degree level programme.