Q. I’m worried that I’d be specialising too early. Can you reassure me that I’d still have a range of possibilities after I finished studying?
A. The Diploma gives you the skills, knowledge and experience you will need for college, university or work, you can tailor your course and keep your options open. If you wish, you will be able to choose a career or subject other than retail as the Diploma will give you what you need to be successful in a huge range of other businesses and further study.

Q. Will I be able to go to university on completing the Diploma in Retail Business?
A. Yes. Universities and colleges have been involved in creating Diplomas, and will recognise them alongside A level and GCSE results when they are assessing your application for a place. An Advanced Diploma gets the same number of UCAS points as 3.5 A levels. All universities have said that they will accept an Advanced Diploma for entry onto a degree course. But just as with other qualifications, you will need to make sure that you choose one that meets the particular entry requirements for the degree courses you are interested in. You may need to take an A level for your additional and specialist learning.

Q. Can I move from Diplomas to other qualifications?
A. Yes – the Diploma is really flexible so you can use it to move from school or college onto university, a job or further training. It’s another option for you to consider alongside GCSEs, A levels or Apprenticeships. In fact, you can take GCSEs or A levels alongside a Diploma, and probably will if you are in Years 10 and 11. And you can even choose to take a GCSE or A level as part of your Diploma course, or one of your optional courses.

All Diploma students need to achieve a minimum standard in English, maths and ICT. These are the same as what you will be covering anyway. But it also means that you will gain experience in how to apply these subjects to practical situations to help you achieve them.

Q. Will the Diploma in Retail Business open up the jobs market?
A. There is an enormous scope of careers in retail and its supply chain  - it isn’t just about jobs in shops: it offers careers in buying, merchandising, logistics, business management, marketing, accounting and IT, also running your  own business.  Some of the most successful business people are in this sector.

 Q. How will the Diploma in Retail Business course differ from more traditional ones?
A. The Diploma will be taught in an exciting new way combining practical experience and classroom learning. You will develop life skills such as teamwork, problem solving and creative thinking as well as covering maths and English. Your minimum 10 days of work experience with a local retailer or retailers will see you working alongside employers and encountering real life business situations to gain the knowledge and skills you will need for a successful career.

Q. Will I study in my own school or college?
A. Not necessarily. You may study at other schools or colleges. As well as learning in the classroom you might spend time in an environment more like a college or workplace, such as a workshop. You will also get the chance to do work experience with an employer. Very few schools or colleges will be able to teach the full range of Diploma courses. So, they are now working together to make sure you get the best facilities and teachers in your area.

Q. Will I get my functional skills through my GCSEs in English, ICT and Maths?
A. The answer is no. You will be separately assessed for your GCSE and then your functional skill as they are stand alone qualifications. To complete your Diploma you will need to pass all three functional skills qualifications:

level 1 for the Foundation Diploma
level 2 for the Higher and Advanced Diplomas

Q. How long does it take to do a Diploma?
A. The Foundation and Higher Diploma usually takes two years and will be studied alongside the core curriculum in schools. The Advanced Diploma takes two years when studied full-time. If you are doing a Foundation or Higher Diploma aged 16 or over, you should be able to complete it in less time. Alternatively, you can study for a Diploma part-time if you have a job or other commitments.

Q. I haven’t done a Foundation or Higher Diploma. Can I still do an Advanced Diploma?
A. Yes you can, you don’t need to have completed a Foundation Diploma or a Higher Diploma to do an Advanced Diploma.

Q. What is the difference between the Diploma and an Apprenticeship?
A. Apprenticeships are for those who already know which career they want to pursue as they provide training for specific jobs whilst in employment. The Diploma in Retail Business gives you an insight into retail but focuses on developing skills that will be useful in the retail industry or any other. The Diploma keeps your options open.

Q. What can I do if I am worried about affording further study?
A. If you are worried about being short of cash for your studies after 16, there is help. The Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) can help you finance your final years of learning. For more information visit the EMA website.

Q. Where can I get more Information?
A. To find out more about the Diploma, you can talk to your teachers, Careers Adviser or Connexions Personal Adviser or see ww.direct.gov.uk/diplomas

 

Questions and answers for parents:

Q. Will my child be specialising too soon by doing the Diploma in Retail Business and closing off the avenue of Higher Education?
A. The Diploma in Retail Business will equip your child with the skills needed to be successful, whether he or she plans to take a job immediately after leaving school or to go on to college or university. As well as learning core skills - English, maths and IT - and acquiring a broad understanding of the retail business students will learn to be team players who can manage themselves and their time effectively. The Diploma will also give students the flexibility to eventually move into careers other than retail, should they wish.

Q. Will universities accept the Diploma in Retail Business?
A. UK universities have stated that an Advanced Diploma holder can access undergraduate courses at their institution.  They are currently submitting 2010 course-level admissions information to UCAS in the usual way, and that will be published as soon as possible. Many courses, but by no means all, will require the Diploma holder to have taken specific ASL within the Diploma, such as an A level directly related to the course. The Diploma in Retail Business will prepare your child for the challenges of university life - they will have practiced their analytical, research, communication and mathematical skills and learnt how to plan their time and problem solve. Universities will particularly value the Extended Project that all Diploma learners have to do. This is excellent preparation for HE study and is not covered in A level courses.

Q. Why should my child study for the Diploma in Retail Business?
A. The Diploma in Retail Business will be taught in an exciting way: your child will learn in different environments, such as school, college and the workplace, with an emphasis on practical activities. Students will meet employers and business leaders and encounter real life situations while working in business. As well as increasing their understanding of retailers’ needs this experience will add to their personal growth. The Diploma in Retail Business will help develop a young person’s character and life-skills, encouraging them to communicate effectively, work in teams, take responsibility and show initiative to bring out their full potential, both personally and in business. They’ll be equipped to move into either work or higher education.

Q. Academically, what are the different levels of the Diploma in Retail Business worth?
A. The Foundation Diploma is equivalent in level and breadth to 5 GCSEs achieved at grades D-G. The Higher Diploma is equivalent to 7 GCSEs achieved at grades A*-C. The Advanced Diploma equates to 3.5 A levels (420 UCAS tariff points at the highest level of attainment). The Diploma will reward your child with an exciting and challenging course of study at whatever level he/she chooses to take it. Ultimately it will enable them to become proficient in core subjects and give the grounding for a wide range of business careers or further education choices.

Q. How does the Diploma fit into the existing curriculum?
A. The Diploma is another option for you to consider for your child. It does not replace existing qualifications like A levels, NVQs and Apprenticeships. Diplomas can be studied alongside GCSE’s and A levels. The Diploma includes study of compulsory subjects too and if your child is in Years 10 and 11 he/she will still do English, maths, science and PE.