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Vocational Studies – Entry Level 3

BTEC Entry Level 3

vocational studies student at a computer

Availability & Details

Vocational Studies - Entry 3 Certificate SFY-VOSTE3/C01

Venue
South Downs Campus

Type of study
Vocational

Dates
Academic Year 2026-27 (1 year)

Examination board
Pearson Education Ltd (Formerly EDEXCEL)

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Overview

Vocational Studies Entry Level 3 is for young people who wish to take a vocationally related qualification, but who are undecided on a specific subject to study. This course is also for young people who may not have achieved the GCSE results needed to get on to a Level 1/2 course or young people who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or previously received SEN support at school.

You will study core units in IT, Enterprise and Citizenship, together with a range of units to choose from that offer an experience of different vocational areas. These option units could include animal care, art & creative media, care, catering, engineering, hair & beauty, horticulture, practical skills and sport. If you have not yet achieved Level 2 in English and Mathematics, you will continue to develop your skills through Functional Skills or GCSEs, depending on grades already achieved in these subjects. Vocational Studies Entry Level 3 is structured to prepare you for personal progression, working life, social inclusion and to build confidence levels.

Entry Level 2 or equivalent qualifications and satisfactory English and Mathematics screening.

This course will give you the opportunity to develop your English and Maths skills and also participate in some in-house/external Work Experience.

Vocational Studies Entry Level 3 offers a structured timetable that allows you to experience a range of subjects that will help develop your independence skills, employability skills and confidence. Each of the following are timetabled termly on a rota:

  • Care/Citizenship
  • Sport/Enterprise
  • Art/Practical Skills
  • Independent Living/Healthy Lifestyles

Alongside your main course, you will have:

  • Employability sessions – facilitated by a Job Coach to help you produce a Vocational Profile and/or CV
  • Tutorial sessions to help guide and advise you in your journey at HSDC
  • Social Communication sessions

Teaching will take place in general classrooms, the Fitness Centre, our automotive workshop, art department, dependent on options chosen. Classes in Vocational Studies Entry Level 3 are smaller than a standard Level 1 or higher course, and in-class support is available for those that require it.

Assessments will be coursework-based, except for functional skills or GCSE English and Mathematics (if appropriate). Assessments will be undertaken in or out of class, as appropriate.

There may be some additional charges for trips or activities.

On completion of this course, you can go on to study Vocational Studies Level 1, or another vocational area of your choice at Entry Level 3 or Level 1. Some students with an EHCP may also progress onto the pre-internship or supported internship programme.


“HSDC provided me with the opportunity for autonomous study and the choice of subjects that I wanted to study, which helped me develop relevant knowledge as well as relevant skills for the workplace.”

Lucas Ratcliffe, A Level and CTEC student

My experience at the college was enjoyable and productive, with thoroughly helpful people surrounding you, an excellent experience. I wasn’t expecting it to be as good as it was, with the work shop time and experience I had, it was a great two years preparing me for the next stage.

Edward Smith, BTEC student

College is definitely worth all the effort you put in, you get to meet lots of different people and it’s amazing.

Ebony Puttock, A Level student