Minimum Entry Requirements (Level 1-3)
Entry Level
- Students must be at least 16 years of age on or before 1 July 2024.
- Students must have completed a programme of general education to Key Stage 4.
- Students must have achieved grade D-G (or equivalent) in GCSE English Language.
Applicants who have not achieved grade D-G (or equivalent) must provide evidence of English Language competency.
Level 1
- Students must be at least 16 years of age on or before 1 July 2024.
- Students must have completed a programme of general education to Key Stage 4.
- Students must have achieved grade D-G (or equivalent) in GCSE English Language.
Applicants who have not achieved grade D-G (or equivalent) must provide evidence of English Language competency.
Level 2
- Students must be at least 16 years of age on or before 1 July 2024.
- Students should have at least three points at Level 2. See tables opposite.
- Students must have completed a programme of general education to Key Stage 4.
- Students must have achieved grade D-G (or equivalent) in GCSE English Language.
Level 3 (Vocational)
- Students must be at least 16 years of age on or before 1 July 2024.
- Students must have completed a programme of general education to Key Stage.
- Normally students must have achieved grade C (or equivalent) in GCSE English Language. Please refer to individual course admission requirements on course web pages. Students who have not achieved a Grade C or Essential Skills Level 2 Communication will be required to undertake Essential Skills Communication as part of their programme of study. Applicants who do not have the above must provide evidence of English Language competency. Please refer to the course details page for specific details.
- Four GCSEs at Grade C or above (in some circumstances, applicants with a qualifications profile equating to 12 points with a minimum of three GCSEs at Grade C or above will be accepted).
- BTEC First Diploma or Certificate (with a qualification profile equivalent to 12 points or above). See table on page 13.
- NVQ Level 2 in a relevant subject area.
- Leaving Certificate (a profile equivalent to 12 points of which three subjects must be at Grade C3 or above at ordinary level).
Please note students admitted for Levels 1-3 without a Grade C or above in GCSE English Language, Mathematics or ICT will be required to undertake Essential Skills qualifications in Literacy, Numeracy or ICT.
Students undertaking a qualification in Digital Technology / ICT will be exempt from having to undertake ICT Essential Skills.
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 Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process on our website.
Enhanced Entry Requirements
Some courses may enhance the entry requirements above the minimum. Exceptions are noted within the ‘Requirements’ section under each individual course. In order to support learners in achieving their potential, progress reviews will be undertaken during their programme.
Where appropriate, the target qualification may be reviewed and amended in line with projected learner outcomes as an agreed result of the progress review process.
A Guide to Qualifications (Level 1-3)
| Level | Title | Equivalent to |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | Level 3 Extended Diploma OCF Level 3 NVQ Diploma Level 3 Diploma Level 3 (90-Credit) Diploma Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma |
Three GCE A-Levels Three GCE A-Levels Two GCE A-Levels 1.5 GCE A-Levels One GCE A-Level |
| 2 | Level 2 Diploma Level 2 Extended Certificate |
Four GCSEs A*-C Two GCSEs A*-C |
| 1 | Level 1 Certificate/Award | GCSE D-G |
Occupational Studies
| Grade | Belfast Met Points Tariff |
|---|---|
| Double Award Level 2 | 6 |
| Single Award Level 2 | 3 |
| Double Award Level 1 | 2 |
| Single Award Level 1 | 1 |
GCSE Points Tariff
| Grade | Grade (AQA) | Belfast Met Points Tariff |
|---|---|---|
| A* | 9 or 8 | 6 |
| A | 7 | 5 |
| B | 6 | 4 |
| C | 5 or 4 | 3 |
| D | 3 | 2 |
| E | 2 | 1 |
Leaving Cert Ordinary Level
| Grade | Belfast Met Points Tariff |
|---|---|
| A1 | 6 |
| A2 | 5 |
| B1_B3 | 4 |
| C1-C3 | 3 |
| D1-D3 | 2 |
Key Skills/Essential Skills
| Grade | Belfast Met Points Tariff |
|---|---|
| Level 2 | 3 |
| Level 1 | 2 |