For many learners, the journey toward university does not follow a single set route. While traditional A-levels remain a common choice, vocational qualifications also play an important role in helping learners build the skills, experience and confidence needed for higher education. At Focus Awards, our regulated qualifications are designed to provide meaningful progression opportunities. Whether learners aim to move into employment, further training, or ultimately a university degree.

Focus Awards qualifications sit on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), which means they carry recognised credit values and levels. For university entry, Level 3 qualifications are particularly important because they represent the level of study typically expected for higher-education applicants. While vocational Level 3 qualifications do not automatically guarantee entry, they demonstrate discipline, subject knowledge, and practical competence. All qualities that universities value when reviewing applications.

Many institutions now consider a wide range of evidence when assessing prospective students. Admissions teams often look for commitment to a chosen subject area, relevant experience, the ability to reflect on learning, and a strong personal statement. Learners who have completed a Level 3 Focus Awards qualification in areas such as health and social care, sport, fitness, or other vocational fields can use their experience as part of that evidence. Gaining real-world knowledge and applied skills can be particularly compelling, especially for degrees with practical elements such as sports science, health pathways, fitness management, wellbeing, coaching, and community-based disciplines.

Many Focus Awards Level 3 qualifications carry UCAS Tariff points, giving learners a valuable route into higher education alongside building practical vocational skills. Qualifications such as the Focus Awards Level 3 Diploma in Delivering Pilates Sessions,  Focus Awards Level 3 Diploma Practitioner in Personal Training and other Level 3 qualifications appear on the UCAS Tariff list, meaning learners can use the points they achieve when applying to university. To check how many points a qualification is worth, learners can use the UCAS Tariff Calculator at: https://www.ucas.com/applying/before-you-apply/what-and-where-to-study/entry-requirements/calculate-your-ucas-tariff-points. This tool helps applicants understand how their achievements translate into UCAS points and how these could support their university applications.

For centres, offering learners a vocational route that has the potential to contribute to university progression adds real value. It helps broaden the opportunities available to learners, especially those who may not have followed a traditional academic path and ensures they can pursue future goals with a clear and supported progression plan. For learners, this means greater flexibility: they can build employable skills while also keeping the door open to higher education.

At Focus Awards, we believe in providing qualifications that lead somewhere meaningful. Whether that next step is employment, further vocational study, or a long-term goal like university, our qualifications are designed to support learners in moving forward with confidence.

You can explore our full range of qualifications on our website at https://focusawards.org.uk/qualification/ or contact us directly at info@focusawards.org.uk or on 0333 3447 388.