Guide to Courses

A level for everyone
The College offers a wide range of qualifications covering a broad spectrum of subjects. To help you decide on the right course for you, we have produced a simple guide to the various types of qualifications available at Merthyr Tydfil College. We have both full-time and part-time courses at the College with many of our full-time courses being delivered as a flexible part-time programme of study if this suits you’re needs. If you’re interested, call Freephone 0800 169 3825 or email for more information or to arrange an informal talk with one of our advisors.

Information on:
GCSE | A Level | BTEC | HNC/HND | Foundation Degree

Level 0, Entry Level, OCN Level 0.
These courses are mainly aimed at students with learning difficulties or disabilities. They give students a chance to develop a range of skills with plenty of individual support.

Level 1, BTEC Foundation Diploma, NVQ Level 1, OCN Level 1.
No formal qualifications are needed to get to this level of the course. Success at level 1 can lead to entry onto level 2 courses.

Level 2, BTEC First Diploma, GCSE, NVQ Level 2, OCN Level 2.
Level 2 qualification normally required for entry and you will need reasonable literacy and numeracy skills to succeed at this level. Success at level 2 will allow you to progress into employment or higher level courses.

Level 3, AS & A2 Levels, Access, BTEC National Certificate, BTEC National Diploma, NVQ Level 3, OCN Level 3.
To get on to a level 3 course you will normally need to have succeeded at level 2. Mature students may enrol directly on to this level depending on an interview with the relevant course tutor. Level 3 courses can lead directly to enntry in to University.

Level 4, MSc, BA, HND / HNC, NVQ Level 4, OCN Level 4, PGCE, PGCM, Foundation Degree.
These are higher education courses and can form the first part of a degree course. All our level 4 courses are run in conjunction with the University of Glamorgan.