Overview
Overview
This Fast‑track GCSE course helps applicants build on their existing GCSE results.
About this course
We understand that receiving lower-than-expected GCSE results can be worrying, but we are here to support you in progressing to further study or employment. This one year fast-track GCSE course is academically intensive and requires full commitment, dedication, and hard work. Students can study a minimum of four and up to five GCSEs, while also developing employability and study skills. With good attendance, punctuality and consistent effort, we will help you achieve the qualifications you need.
The course is suitable for those applicants who:
• are aged 16–18 on or before 1 July 2026
• want to study fulltime to improve their existing GCSE grades
Course content
Offer holders will be given an enrolment appointment where the Curriculum Team will advise on and confirm subject choices. Students will study up to five GCSEs, including compulsory English and/or Maths.
Applicants can choose 2–3 subjects from: Business and Communications Systems, Digital Technologies, Learning for Life and Work, History, Psychology, or Sociology. (Subject availability may change.) Subject specific requirements exist for applicants wishing to study GCSE Psychology, History and Sociology.
The programme includes enrichment to support employability and academic skills.
Please check out the Powerpoint presentation below for more information on this course
· Aged 16 – 18 on or before 1st July 2026
AND
· Grades C-D in GCSE English (Level 2 Equivalent accepted e.g. Level 2 Essential Skills Literacy)
OR
· Grades C-D in GCSE Maths (Level 2 Equivalent accepted e.g. Level 2 Essential Skills Numeracy
In addition, see the subject specific requirements as shown in table below.
|
Subject Specific Requirements |
|
Accepted equivalency |
|
GCSE Psychology
|
Grade D English AND Grade D Maths OR Grade D Science; |
· Single Award Science OR · Double Award Science
No English or Maths equivalent accepted |
|
GCSE Sociology
|
Minimum Grade D English |
No English or Maths equivalent accepted |
|
GCSE History
|
Minimum Grade D English |
No English or Maths equivalent accepted |
For applicants wishing to undertake 5 GCSE subjects they must achieved a minimum of two GCSE pass grades A*-C.
Please check entry requirements before applying. If you are not likely to meet entry requirements before course start date, contact us at ace@belfastmet.ac.uk to discuss other options.
The College welcomes applications from students who do not have academic qualifications but who wish to apply by virtue of experience. For further information, please refer to the Accreditation of Prior Learning (RPL) process on our website at https://www.belfastmet.ac.uk/media/hfcicz0g/apl-guidance.docx.
Applicants who do not hold GCSE results may be given opportunity to take a Diagnostic Assessment in English and/or Maths to assess the level at which they are working and suitability for the course.
Essential Skills Numeracy or Literacy may be offered for applicants who do not meet the subject specific requirements for GCSE Maths or English (See Entry Criteria).
Careers
Employers and Universities really value skills in English and Maths. These subjects will help you prepare for your future career or further study. On successful completion, this course provides various progression routes to the next level of study (level 3), depending on grades. These may include A-levels and BTEC Pearson vocational courses.
Contact us
Tel: 028 9026 5096 or
Email: ACE@belfastmet.ac.uk
Course Coordinator - Gary Brammeld - GBrammeld@belfastmet.ac.uk
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