Classification	Level 4
Course Mode	Full Time
Course Duration	One year
Awarding Body	City & Guilds
Subject Area	Foundation Course

About the Course

Certificate in higher Level Study Skills is a unique qualification which bridges the gap between Level 3 vocational qualification and HE programmes and/or professional training. It has specially designed for those students who have achieved Level 3 through vocational qualifications or work and who wishes to mange the demand of professional training or university degree programmes. It provides a sound basis for progression to Foundation and Honours Degrees and other professional qualifications. It also aims government initiatives to increase the numbers participating in higher level education and training and Lifelong learning.

Course Structure

Certificate in Higher Level Study Skills comprises of three units:

• Higher Level Study, Research and Analysis
• Interpersonal Communication and Presentation Skills
• Reflective Learning and Critical Thinking

These units are set out in generic terms to enable the programme to be given either an academic or vocational focus. In this way candidates can build on their work experience and knowledge of a particular sector or area of learning to provide a context within which the skills required for study at a higher level can be developed.

Unit 1: Higher Level Study, Research and Analysis
This unit develops a candidate’s ability to undertake self-directed study and research evaluate sources and organise information to inform a structured and logical argument supported by reference to reputable and appropriate sources, and present findings in a format appropriate to the situation.

Unit 2: Interpersonal Communication and Presentation Skills
This unit develops a candidate’s ability to communicate and work collectively with others, engage actively and lead others in debate and discussion of events, ideas and practices, record and present information, and use ICT to record, analyse and present information.

Unit 3: Reflective Learning and Critical Thinking
This unit develops a candidate’s ability to recognise how their own beliefs, values and attitudes affect their experiences of the world, use logical reasoning and structured reflection to make sense of experiences, seek and give feedback on their own and others’ performance.

Teaching and Assessment

Candidates may be assessed for each unit individually (whether seeking individual unit accreditation or the full Certificate) or they may undertake a single assessment covering all three units (for the full Certificate) depending upon circumstances. All assessment activities would be devised and assessed by the instructor subject to approval from external moderator.

Entry Requirements

Although there are no formal entry requirements but since the qualification is designed for candidates who want to progress to higher level learning and need to develop their knowledge and skills in preparation for working at that level, applicants are likely to have the following qualifications:

• NVQ Level 3 (in any occupation sector)
• Level 3 vocationally-related qualifications
• Higher Education Certificate awarded by an approved further education institution
• Alternatively, candidates will have extensive work experience, including non-accredited training equivalent to Level 3 or higher, sufficient to enable them to gain access to programmes preparing them to higher level qualifications.

(Mature learners may present a varied profile of achievement that is likely to include extensive work experience (paid and/or unpaid) and/or achievement of a range of professional qualifications in their work sector.) However, if your native language is not English, you must provide evidence of competence in the English Language. International students can provide IELTS Score (minimum 5.5) or TOFEL (minimum 550) or equivalent.

PROGRESSION AND ADVANTAGES

Since Certificate in Higher Learning Study Skills has been designed to conform to the descriptors for a qualification at level 4 in the QCA National Qualification Framework and QAA Certificate [C] level, it has two key progression pathways.

• Holders of this certificate can join the following City & Guild Level 4 Higher Professional Diplomas programmes.

HPD in Building Services
HPD in Business Administration
HPD in Construction
HPD in Counselling
HPD in Creative Arts
HPD in Engineering
HPD in Health & Well-being
HPD in Hospitality & Catering
HPD in Information Management using ICT
HPD in Inspecting Learning Disability Services
HPD for IT Practitioners
HPD in Land-based Management
HPD in Learning Disability Services
HPD in Photo Imaging
HPD in Retail Management
HPD/Certificate in Salon Management
HPD in Sport and Recreation Management
HPD in Travel & Tourism

• Holders of this certificate can also get access to Foundation or Honours Degrees and other professional qualifications.