Advanced learner loans: other approval criteria
Criteria that qualifications in the advanced learner loans offer need to meet, alongside the common funding approval criteria.
This section of the manual sets out:
- the moratorium for non-Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) level 4 to level 6
- that level 4 to 5 Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) remain in scope of loans funding approval
- that level 3 qualifications remain in scope of loans funding approval
- the principles that only apply when we approve qualifications for the loans offer
- how you can ask us to approve a qualification for loans
- the information you need to send us for that review, and when you need to send it
These qualifications must also meet the common funding approval criteria.
In 2023 to 2024 we ran a process to enable level 4 to level 6 qualifications to transfer from Advanced Learner Loans funding to the Lifelong Learning Entitlement. We will update this section of the manual as necessary.
The moratorium on non-HTQ level 4 to level 6 qualifications entering the Advanced Learner Loans offer will continue to operate until further notice.
Level 4 to 5 HTQs
We will therefore only accept applications for a level 4 to level 5 qualification for loans funding approval if it has been both:
- recognised as an HTQ
- designated for loans-only or dual Higher Education Student Finance (HESF) and loans funding
You can ask us to consider adding an HTQ qualification to the Advanced Learner Loans offer. To do this, you must complete the level 4 to 6 notification form.
Level 3 qualifications
You can ask us to consider adding a level 3 qualification to the Advanced Learner Loans offer. To do this, you must complete the appropriate moratorium exemption form.
Advanced Learner Loans approval criteria
To be approved for the loans offer, a qualification must be at least 150 guided learning hours (GLH) in size, as shown in the regulated GLH value in Ofqual’s Register of Regulated Qualifications. We will consider some exceptions to this size threshold.
It must also be one of the following qualification types:
- Access to Higher Education (HE) diplomas
- GCE A levels and AS levels
- an Ofqual regulated qualification approved by IfATE as an HTQ and available for delivery from September 2022 and not funded through Higher Education Student Finance
- technical qualifications that support clear routes into and through employment, and progression to higher level skills
- Core Maths qualifications
During the moratorium, we will only approve a qualification at level 3 in the loans offer if it meets the criteria to be an exemption in the moratorium.
For loans, we define technical qualifications as those that support one of the following learning outcomes:
- progression to and through higher level technical skills in the context of skilled employment, by:
- having a clear focus on a particular occupational area
- being clear about how it supports progression into that occupational area through skilled employment, and progression to higher level skills
- direct entry to a specific job role
- continuing professional development in a specific occupation
- upskilling or reskilling in an occupational area
We have removed the facility to apply for loans funding approval for qualifications below 150 GLH (15 credits). This is because level 3 qualifications were not included in this exemption and HTQs are not expected to be smaller than 150 GLH (15 credits).
We will not ask for evidence that other organisations recognise or endorse the qualification. It will help students to see a clear reference to any organisations that support the qualification. You may want to make students aware if a qualification:
- will lead to professional body membership
- is endorsed by a major employer in that occupational area
- is recognised by an HE institution for progression purposes
The table below sets out the information you should include in published information for students.
| What to include | Value to student |
|---|---|
| The qualification’s content, structure and outcomes | They can see the knowledge, skills and behaviours they will develop and competences they will be able to demonstrate |
| The qualification’s assessment structure and approach | They can see what they will be assessed on, how they will be assessed and at what points they will be assessed |
| An explanation of how the qualification supports the identified outcomes | They can see the progression opportunities in the job roles or occupation, and/or the subjects, qualifications and apprenticeships they can go on to study at the next level |
| Comparison to similar qualifications you offer | They can decide which qualification is appropriate for them |
| Other ways to achieve the same outcome | They can decide which route would be best for them, for example a qualification by taking out a loan or an apprenticeship |
| Reference to organisations that support the qualification | They can see that the qualification will support their entry into HE, into employment or to gain membership status with professional bodies |
| The UCAS points tariff the qualification attracts if it has them | They can see how it will support a HE application |
Where you intend to submit the qualification at level 4 or 5 to the Institute for approval as an HTQ, you must tell us this in the level 4 to 6 notification form. You must also tell us in the form which application cycle you intend to submit the qualification in.