The College offers a range of both academic and vocational courses at a wide range of levels. All College qualifications and awards are validated by the major UK and regional Awarding Bodies. Students therefore achieve nationally recognised qualifications which facilitate progression to employment or further study.

Courses are described according to their equivalent level on the National Qualifications Framework. The College offers courses at levels entry to 7.

• Entry
  Learning at this level involves building basic knowledge and skills under direct guidance or supervision. It is not geared towards specific occupations.
  
  
• Level 1
  Level 1 qualifications (e.g. BTEC Introductory Certificate/Diploma) develop basic knowledge and skills and the ability to apply learning with guidance or supervision. They may be linked to a particular job.
  
  
• Level 2
  Qualifications at level 2 (e.g. BTEC First Certificate/Diploma) involve knowledge and understanding of an area of work or a subject area and recognise the ability to perform varied tasks with some guidance or supervision. They may be generally appropriate for many job roles.
  
  
• Level 3
  Level 3 qualifications (e.g. A Levels or a BTEC National) develop detailed knowledge and skills. They are appropriate for people wishing to go to university, people working independently, or in some areas supervising and training others in their field of work.
  
  
• Level 4
  Qualifications at level 4 (e.g. NVQ 4) involve specialist learning and are appropriate for people working or wishing to work in technical and professional jobs, and/or managing and developing others.
  
  
• Level 5
  At this level, qualifications (e.g. BTEC HNC/HND) involve high levels of knowledge and skills and are appropriate for people working or wishing to work as higher grade technicians, professionals or managers.
  
  
• Level 6
  Level 6 qualifications (e.g. Bachelors Degree) involve the achievement of a high level of specialist professional knowledge in an area of work or study. They are appropriate for people working as knowledge-based professionals or in professional management positions.
  
  
• Level 7
  Qualifications at level 7 (e.g. Post Graduate Certificate/Diploma) require highly developed and complex levels of knowledge which enable the development of in-depth and original responses to complicated and unpredictable problems and situations. Learning at this level is appropriate for senior professionals and managers.
  
  
• Level 8
  At level 8, qualifications (e.g. Doctorate) recognise leading experts or practitioners in a particular field. Learning at this level involves the development of new and creative approaches that extend or redefine existing knowledge or professional practice.