NCFE experiences please

[lifeturnsonadime]

Hi has anyone had good or bad experiences with this qualification as an alternative to A Levels with University Applications?

My daughter isn't suited to A Levels but doesn't want to rule out a sports science type degree.

Our local college and the one that she likes the feel of offers this Sport and Exercise course rather than a Sports Sciences BTEC. We have been told though that Universities do not like this qualification in spite it being equivalent to 3 A Levels.

Alternative colleges are upwards of 2 hours travel per day, she is also at elite level in her sport so these travel times would impact her training.

Have you looked at the Uni's that she's interested in to see if they accept the qualification?

Thanks for your response.

Yes and there is actually no information about this qualification on the admissions pages.

The college offering the course and the awarding body say it is 3 A Levels equivalent.

I think it might be a case of actually phoning or emailing individual admissions departments.

That's why I was wondering if anyone had any first hand experience of it.

Hi, I did an NCFE qualification but in a different field , is meant to be recognised as full qualification and no one likes it ot take it has qualification, so complete waste of my time and money

Oh that's not good.

I do wonder why the only college in our area that is feasible for DD is offering this rather than the BTEC.

That's such a shame. I have no idea why they offer courses that they know aren't accepted

Is it fully Accredited?

Yes it is, it just doesn't seem to be fully recognised.

I'm very concerned now about this course. My daughter has her heart set on it though.

NCFE is an awarding body like City and Guilds.

You need to be precise about what the qualification is.

This is the qualification -

https://www.ncfe.org.uk/qualification-search/qualification-detail/ncfe-level-3-extended-diploma-in-sport-and-physical-activity-sport-and-exercise--57

I feel as though I need to be an expert to work out it's value!

I suggest you find out more about the "nested" system. It may be that this course on its own is not recognised as 3 A level equivalent. Lots of different qualifications and certificates attract Ucas points.

Thanks, I'll look into it.

The college claim that it is worth 3 a - levels.

I just wish they offered the regular level 3 extended diploma B-Tech!

I work in HE and have never heard of NCFE, but it says it has a UCAS tariff so you should be fine for most universities which accept application by tariff not grade ie where they say '120 ucas points' rather than ABB.

It will earn her between 48 points - 168points depending on how well she does. Have a look and see how that compares to universities courses she might like, and if in doubt ask a few places to confirm they'd take it .

Hi
Don’t know if this is too late but my son completed this qualification and gained a distinction * overall and is now at Cardiff Met he had offers from all 5 choices. The vast majority of his year have gone on to study Sport and exercise science at different universities and the rest went straight into jobs.
My son is loving the degree picking options in biomechanics and doing his dissertation in strength and conditioning.

There was only Loughborough who didn’t accept the NCFE for sports science when he appplied but would accept it for some other sports courses.

that is really helpful, it may be an option still. I'll look into it.