No, a Level 3 diploma does not count as a degree. A degree is a higher level of qualification.
Diploma qualifications can be used to advance to degree programmes: 1) Completing a Level 3 Diploma means you'll be studying at an A-Level standard and earning a qualification that can help you get into a 3 Year Undergraduate Degree programme (360 credits).
Higher Education is any course or training which is at Level 4 or above, with Level 6 being equivalent to a degree. You can see all qualifications and levels in a grid by following this link to Careerpilot but, for comparison, Level 2 is GCSEs 4-9, Level 3 is A levels/Level 3 BTECs and T Levels.
Level 3 qualifications are equivalent to an A Level. Level 4 qualifications are equivalent to a BTEC Professional Diploma level. Level 5 qualifications are equivalent to HND or foundation degree level. Level 6 qualifications are equivalent to Bachelor's Degree level.
A bachelor's degree is generally considered a higher level of education compared to a diploma. It involves a more in-depth study of a subject, while a diploma focuses more on practical skills. Bachelor's degrees typically take three to four years of full-time study, while diplomas can be completed in a shorter period.
As a rule of thumb, a grade 9 (formally an A*) at GCSE equals to a level 2 diploma qualification, while A levels are comparable to level 3 diplomas. In terms of higher education, a level 6 diploma qualification or above is equivalent to a degree with honours, such as a BA or BSc.
A diploma offers hands-on skills, along wtih a respected qualification, that is valued by employers. Diplomas are flexible, adaptable, practical and kept up-to-date with strict guidelines. In fact, there are many ways that a diploma comes out on top when compared to university courses.
Level 3 diplomas are equivalent to 3 A-Levels, and worth up to 168 UCAS points. If you successfully complete a Level 3 diploma with us and achieve a merit or above, you'll automatically qualify for a place on one of our accelerated undergraduate degrees!
While it is possible to get onto some university courses having successfully completed a Level 3 Diploma, the usual progression onto a university course is from a Level 4 or 5 diploma.
The amount of A-levels a BTEC National is equivalent to depends on how many modules you study. A BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate is worth one A-level, while a Level 3 National Diploma is worth two A-levels. The BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma is worth three A-levels.
What are the benefits of Accredited Level 3 Diplomas?
College degrees in order from lowest to highest:
An academic degree is a qualification awarded to a student upon successful completion of a course of study in higher education. Academic degrees are commonly structured in levels, most often categorized as undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Your main options after you have finished your level-3 studies are to: apply for a university course. take a gap year. look for a job.
With some courses and universities, you can even just do a Top-up Degree of one year to convert your Diploma qualification into a full Bachelor's Degree.
A degree is typically more prestigious than a diploma and may lead to more rewarding and lucrative career options, but diplomas are usually easier to obtain and are shorter in length. When deciding on which path to choose, it's important to consider your budget, future goals and career aspirations.
The Level 3 UAL Extended Diploma is a full time two-year course of study which will develop specialist knowledge, practical skills and understanding within the creative industries vocational area and will give you a qualification that is the equivalent to three A Levels.
UCAS Points For A Personal Training Diploma
However, our previous section is only in reference to the Level 3 personal trainer qualification. If you opt for the personal training diploma you can earn 32 UCAS points.
A diploma provides you with hands-on experience in a shorter time whereas a degree is geared towards focused, theoretical experience in a subject, usually in a university setting. Diplomas may also be used when bridging a gap in your education, for example between a bachelor's degree and master's degree or PhD.
Yes! Many adults take Level 3 qualifications to switch careers, improve skills, or prepare for further study. Some may qualify for funding or free courses.
Disadvantages of a Diploma
Limited career advancement: A diploma might limit career advancement opportunities compared to a degree, especially for higher-level positions. Many employers prefer candidates with degrees for management and leadership roles.
Is a diploma enough for a job? Yes. A diploma gives you the practical skills and knowledge needed for many entry-level roles.
The "3-month rule" in a job refers to the common probationary period where employers assess a new hire's performance, skills, and cultural fit, while the employee learns the role and decides if the job is right for them; it's a crucial time for observation, feedback, and proving value, often with potential limitations on benefits until the period ends. It's also advice for new hires to "hang in there" for three months to get acclimated and evaluate the job before making big decisions.
Typical earnings for bachelor's degree holders are $40,500 or 86 percent higher than those whose highest degree is a high school diploma. 87% of bachelor's degree holders report financial wellbeing, 20 percentage points higher than groups with any other level of education.