Vocational
Vocational courses are career-focused and designed to blend theoretical knowledge with hands-on practical experience.
These courses not only provide an opportunity for individuals to pursue their passions, but also allow them to specialise in their chosen subjects, gaining valuable expertise and skills which are finely tuned to meet the specific needs of various industries.
At Gower College Swansea, we take pride in offering a diverse array of vocational courses ranging from entry level to advanced, covering a multitude of subjects. We offer BTEC, NVQ and City & Guilds qualifications.
Understanding vocational course levels
When enrolled in a vocational course, you will be placed on a specific level course based on your academic background and/or work experience.
Upon completion of a level and achieving the qualification you can progress to a higher level.
- Equivalent to three or four GCSEs graded D to G
- Suitable for individuals who did not pass their GCSEs or did not achieve the expected grades.
- Equivalent to four or five GCSEs graded A* to C
- Typically, the starting level for those who obtained four GCSEs at grade D or above, or equivalent qualifications at pass level, with specific grade requirements in Maths and English for certain courses.
- Equivalent to two or three A Levels
- Generally accessible to individuals who have passed four/five or more GCSEs at grade C or above, or equivalent qualifications at pass level, often with grade prerequisites in Maths and/or English.
- Equivalent to a Higher National Certificate (HNC), Higher Apprenticeship or Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE).
- Equivalent to a Foundation Degree, Higher National Diploma (HND) or Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE).
- Equivalent to a Bachelor's Degree with honours (eg. BA or BSc), a Degree Apprenticeship, Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma.
- Equivalent to a Master’s Degree (eg. MEng, MA or MSc), Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma.
- Equivalent to a Doctorate (eg. PhD or DPhil).
More information on qualificationswales.org.
Vocational course
Health and Social Care Level 1 - Introductory Diploma
Level 1 BTEC Certificate
Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Level 3 - Extended Diploma
Level 3 Pearson
Advanced Manufacturing Engineering: Motorsport Level 3 - Diploma
Level 3 BTEC Subsidiary Diploma / Diploma
Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
Level 3 Welsh Bac
Advanced Tourism Level 3 - Diploma
Level 3 BTEC Diploma
Applied Science Level 2 - First Diploma
Level 2 BTEC Diploma
Applied Science: Analytical and Forensic Science or Biomedical Science Level 3 - Extended Diploma
Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma
Art and Design Level 1 - Diploma
Level 1 UAL
Art and Design Level 2 - Technical Diploma
Level 2 UAL
Art and Design Level 3 - Extended Diploma
Level 3 UAL
Art and Design Level 3 - Foundation Diploma
Level 3 WJEC
Beauty Specialist Techniques Level 2 - Diploma
Level 2 VTCT
Beauty Therapy Level 1 - Diploma
Level 1 VTCT
Beauty Therapy Treatments Level 3 - Diploma
Level 3 VTCT
Business and Administration Level 2 - Certificate
Level 2 BTEC Diploma
Business Express Level 3 - Diploma
Level 3 BTEC Diploma
Business Level 3 - Extended Diploma
Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma
Business with the Chartered Institute of Marketing - BTEC Diploma
Level 3 BTEC Diploma
Computing Level 3 - National Extended Diploma
Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma
Engineering Technologies (Multi Skills) Level 1 - Diploma
Level 1 Diploma
Entry into Further Education - Entry 3
Entry Level 3
Esports Level 2
Level 2 Diploma
Esports Level 3 – Events and Media
Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma
Hair and Media Make-up Level 2 - Diploma
Level 2 VTCT
Hairdressing Level 1 - NVQ
Level 1 NVQ
Hairdressing Level 2 - Diploma
Level 2 VRQ
Hairdressing Level 3 - Diploma
Level 3 VRQ
Information and Creative Technology - Level 2
Level 2 Diploma
Information Technology Level 1 - Diploma
Level 1 BTEC Diploma
Introduction to Hospitality and Catering Entry Level 3
Entry Level 3 AGORED
Introduction to Vehicle Systems Maintenance Level 1 - Diploma
Level 1 Diploma
Landscape Construction and Gardening Level 1 - Diploma
Level 1 Diploma
Performing Arts Level 2 - Diploma
Level 2 UAL
Performing Arts Level 3 - Extended Diploma
Level 3 UAL
Photography Level 2 - Technical Diploma
Level 2 UAL
Photography Level 3 - Extended Diploma
Level 3 UAL
Practical Horticulture Skills Level 2 - Diploma
Level 2 Diploma
Preparation for Public Services Level 2 - Certificate
Level 2 BTEC Certificate
Sport and Exercise Science Level 3 - Extended Diploma
Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma
Sport Level 2 - Diploma
Level 2 OCR
Sport Level 3 - Extended Diploma
Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma
Sport: Football Coaching and Performance (Pro:Direct) Level 3 - Diploma
Level 3 BTEC Diploma
Sporting Excellence and Performance (Rugby) Level 3 - Extended Diploma
Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma
Travel and Tourism Level 2 - Diploma
Level 2 Diploma
Uniformed Protective Services Level 3 - Diploma
Level 3 BTEC Diploma
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Level 1/Level 2 - Diploma
Level 1/2 Diploma
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Level 3 - Diploma
Level 3 Diploma