Level 3 Applied Courses Explained

Level 3 Applied courses are two-year courses which combine practical learning with the study of theory. Although each subject is related to a general area of employment, the skills you develop can be transferred to a wide range of careers.

Level 3 Applied courses can be taken as:

  • an Extended Certificate = 1 course

  • a Diploma = 2 courses

  • an Extended Diploma = 3 courses

To create a full study programme you need to choose the equivalent of 3 courses; you can do this by combining Level 3 Applied courses with A Level's. 

Please click here to see a full list of Level 3 Applied courses currently on offer to our students.

Note: We regularly review our entry requirements. Please check our course pages for up-to-date course specific entry requirements. 

Combining A Levels & Level 3 Applied courses

At Long Road we give you the freedom to create your own academic study programme with unique combinations of both A Levels and Level 3 Applied courses.

All Level 3 study programmes consist of a learning aim equalling 3 parts:

  • A Levels equal 1 part.
  • Level 3 Applied courses equal 1, 2 or 3 parts.

You can combine these different elements to create your individual programme:

Select just A Levels...

  • A Levels x 3

... Or just Level 3 Applied courses...

  • Extended Diploma
  • Extended Certificate x 3
  • Diploma + Extended Certificate

... Or a mixture of both

  • A Level + Extended Certificate x 2
  • A Level + Diploma
  • Extended Certificate + A Level x 2

When you make your application we’ll invite you to an interview we can give you advice and guidance on the best combination of subjects to meet your progression aims.

Assessment

Level 3 Applied courses are assessed with a mixture of exam and non-exam assessment. See each course description for the breakdown. 

Minimum Entry Requirements

5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above. Grade 4 or above in relevant GCSE subjects, or, a Merit in the subject applied for if taken as an Applied Level 2 course. 

Courses will have specific entry requirements depending on the nature of the course. For example courses with a lot of extended writing will need higher grades in English GCSE. Please see course pages for details.

Your Future

You can use your Level 3 Applied courses to progress to university, an apprenticeship or employment.