Issues in the transition from national vocational qualifications to higher national diploma study

Abstract

The paper is a case study focusing upon an English College's provision of National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) and the transferral of students from NVQ Level 3 to a programme of Higher National Diploma study. Drawing upon both questionnaire and interview method, the sample findings indicated that there was a paucity of information provided to current NVQ 3 students about opportunities for HE study and the nature of the HND. Current NVQ 2 students' perceptions, the HND students included ‘intelligent’, but ‘uncommunicative’ people who lacked ‘common sense’ and ‘technical skills’. Those NVQ 3 students who had transferred to the HND found the early stages daunting due to the differing teaching and assessment styles. These students, however, found that the technical skills they had accrued on the NVQ 3 helped improve their confidence and performance. The need for current NVQ 3 students to receive more structured information about HND study was recognised. Further, the ability of NVQ 3 students to adapt to HND study, along with the value of providing NVQs in a College environment, was acknowledged.