Join DLD College London

General Certificates of Secondary Education (GCSE) represent the first stage on the path to study at a UK university. Many institutions will ask for at least 5 GCSE passes for entry.

In 2022 69% of GCSEs awarded to DLD College London students achived grades 9-6 (A** – B).

September 2023 GCSE study options at DLD College London

DLD College London offers students the following optional BTEC Awards as part of its Two Year GCSE programme: Business (Enterprise), Esports, Performing Arts, and Sport.

Why study GCSEs?

Depending on the duration of studies, GCSE students will take between 6-7 subjects. GCSEs provide a great ‘grounding’, offering students a wide breadth of subjects. time to familiarise themselves with the UK education system and improve their English (English Language is a compulsory GCSE subject). GCSEs also provide a natural pathway to A Levels, and students who have taken them tend to perform better in higher-level examinations.

How are they taught?   

GCSE course content is broken up into units, each unit is taught in a linear structure, with an emphasis on understanding the connection between topics within the wider context of the subject.

Assessment

GCSEs are assessed by an end-of-course exam. Some subjects will also by coursework or practical work.

ENQUIRE NOW

Advanced Level courses, commonly known as ‘A Levels’ are the most widely recognised qualification for entry to UK universities.

In 2022, 70% of A Levels awarded to DLD College London students achieved grades A* – B.

September 2023 A-Level study options at DLD College London

Why study A Levels?

Most students will take 4 or 3 A Level subjects over the duration of their studies. A Levels offer a good balance between subjects specialisation and choice, allowing students to focus on the subject that really interest them with the option of maintain breadth of subject choice. A Levels also offer progression the widest range of universities, and are the best options for students looking to join a top rated university.

 How are they taught?

Course content is divided into different sections, and students are encouraged to develop and understand the links between them. Learning is underpinned by the key concepts of the skills of the subject, with a strong focus on their practical real world application.

 Assessment

A Levels have a linear structure, which means that all exams take place at the end of the final year. Most A Level subjects are assessed by written examination unless the course has a large practical element (such as in Art of the sciences).

ENQUIRE NOW

Our International Foundation Programme (IFP) is an intensive year 13 academic programme that offers international students direct entry to a wide range of UK universities.

In 2022, DLD College London students achieved an average overall score of 69.5% on our foundation programme.

September 2023 International Foundation Programme Study options at DLD College London

Why study International Foundation Programme?

Unlike many foundation programmes, our destinations are limited to a choice of one or two partner universities. This means students are free to progress to a wide range of UK universities, including many top-ranked Russell Group institutions.

An exclusive agreement gives our Fashion Management and Art pathway students the option to progress on to study at the London, Milan or Paris schools of the Prestigious Istituto Marangoni.

How are they taught?

The programme offers a range of subject-related pathways, which give access to complementary subjects at university. Each pathway is made up of a number of modules, depending on which pathway you choose you might have a choice of modules, they may be all compulsory, or a mix of elective and compulsory modules.

Assessment

Each module is assessed individually, with three assessment points through each term. Students will achieve an average score.

ENQUIRE NOW

Business and Technology Education Council Diplomas, known as BTECs offer an alternative route to study at university. They provide a more practical, real-world approach to learning alongside delivering a key theoretical background.

September 2023 BTEC Study options at DLD College London

Why study BTECs?
In 2019, over a quarter of students accepted into UK university had studied BTECs. With their focus on work related learning and real world application, BTECs have grown in popularity because they allow students to develop practical skills related to the career they want to pursue, as well as understand the theory that underpins them.

DLD BTEC students have recently worked with Ticketmaster, the British Film Institue (BFI) and Harrods. Habving the opportunity to engage with real world employers is an element that separates BTEC courses from traditional study. They are recognised in more than 100 countries and in recent years DLD graduates have moved on to study at top UK universities, and also in Europe and North America.

How are they taught?
DLD offers BTEC qualifications that are the equivalent to taking three (two year programme) or one A Level (one year programme) subjects. BTECs are divided into units, which cover specific areas of knowledge, skills, and understanding required by the particular sector or industry. They are a flexible qualification and can be taken alongside A Level.

Assessment
BTECs offer students a variety of assessment methods which allows them to build on their strengths. Each course provides students with a mix of project based assessments which typically involve employer links,  as well as written tests, online assessments and examinations.

DLD College London BTEC Diploma Results 2022

ENQUIRE NOW

Our Academic Preparation Course is designed to raise students’ ability in general and subject specific English to enable them to join our academic programmes.

Dependent on the level of language and academic abilities, our Pre-Sessional Programme can be taught for one, two or three terms. As well as strengthening English language skills, we will prepare students to learn in a typical British classroom environment. This includes skill development in areas such as pair work, project work, independent reading, discussion work and team building. Physical Education (PE) and Personal Health and Social Education (PHSE) also form part of our pre-sessional curriculum.

ENQUIRE NOW