Last updated: 16 Apr 2009

QCA has a major role in the development of qualifications for the Diploma, across all three components of the Diploma (principal learning, generic learning, and additional and specialist learning). The links to the left of this page contain further information about developments to qualifications that make up the Diploma.

 

Principal learning development

There are 17 Diploma Development Partnerships (DDPs) - one for each line of learning - developing content for each of the Diplomas. Each DDP consists of representatives from employer groups, further and higher education institutions, awarding bodies, schools and colleges.

As well as developing content for the Diplomas, DDPs also work with schools and colleges to support preparation for delivery.

DDPs work to three stages.

• Stage one: each DDP completes the line of learning statement for all three levels of the Diploma. 
• Stage two: QCA works with awarding bodies and DDPs to develop the line of learning criteria. 
• Stage three: QCA and DDPs work closely with awarding bodies as they develop qualifications from the line of learning criteria.

Line of learning statements are written and owned by Diploma development partnerships for particular lines of learning, following research with a wide range of employers, higher education, further education, schools and other interested groups. They outline the rationale, vision and content for the principal learning component in Diplomas at Foundation, Higher and Advanced level, and are intended to inform and guide the development of the line of learning criteria.

Timeline for the development of the Diplomas

The development of the 17 Diplomas has been organised into four phases. These phases will be introduced over a period of five years, from 2008-12.

First teaching began on the following 'phase 1' Diplomas in 2008:

• Construction and the built environment
• Creative and media
• Engineering
• Information technology
• Society, health and development

First teaching for the 'phase 2' Diplomas will begin in 2009:

• Business, administration and finance
• Environmental and land-based studies
• Hair and beauty studies
• Hospitality
• Manufacturing and product design

First teaching for the 'phase 3' Diplomas will begin in 2010:

• Public services
• Retail business
• Sport and active leisure
• Travel and tourism

First teaching for the 'phase 4' Diplomas will begin in 2011/2012:

• Humanities and social sciences
• Languages and international communication
• Science*

* The Advanced Diploma in science will be introduced in 2012; the Foundation and Higher Diplomas in science will be introduced in 2011.