Last updated: 19 Mar 2008

QCA has consulted widely on the development of the standards, assessment and grading for the Diploma.

The Diploma: an overview of the qualification, version 3

This document can be downloaded from the right-hand side of this page, and introduces the aims, structure and standards for the qualification. It provides information on:

• assessment and grading
• descriptions of the different components of the Diploma
• key elements such as work experience and the Diploma project
• progression between the three levels
• how functional skills and personal, learning and thinking skills (PLTS) will be included in the Diploma.

Version 3, released in March 2008, replaces the previous edition, released in July 2007. This version has been updated to reflect changes to:

• Diploma qualification titles
• the grading and reporting of results
• the withdrawal of the 25%/75% flexibility policy at level 1
• the Diploma catalogues
• the approach to additional and specialist learning and required guided learning hours for additional and specialist learning
• delivery approaches for Foundation and Higher Diplomas around co-learning
• the announcement of Diplomas in languages, science and the humanities and Extended Diplomas

This version also updates the sections on:

• functional skills
• passing the Diploma
• the glossary
• Diploma case studies.