Just wondered if anyone could give me a rough idea of the difference between level 2 and level 3 VTCT courses?
I'm 33, and havent been in education for a long time, I successfully applied recently for a level 2 Complementary therapies course, but found out it'd been cancelled yesterday. Having looked around for alternatives, the only other part time courses locally are level 3, and I'm nervous about whether or not I'm up to that standard.
I've got my GCSEs (mostly A-C apart from an E in Art lol, but that was back in 93!), and did the competence tests for maths and English as part of my interview for the original course, came out at level 3 in English, and level 2 in maths (I've always struggled with maths).
Has anyone gone straight in at level 3 who hasn't been hugely academic or a member of MENSA? 😉
Is it worth looking into the level 3s or should I hold out for level 2s (which could mean waiting an extra year and trying again at the same college next year and hoping for better uptake)?
Hi LQ
If you wait around for a course that may or may not happen can lead to double disappointment.
Go for the level 3 qualification, and this is why:
1. VTCT level 3 may be challenging but isn't rocket science
2. 1000's of mature students every year, including mums, pass these qualifications with flying colours
3. Life experience is worth its weight in gold
4. Get an industry recognised qualification
5. Level 2 in complementary therapies is pants and is just a way of colleges to get extra funding!!!
6. Having said that in point 5, being a good therapist consists of more than a piece of paper, hard work and dedication develops good successful practice, quals are just the first run of the ladder
7. Your competence tests shows you can do it!!!!
Best Wishes
RP
I left school early didnt take my exams and i got a distinction in my exams- i was keen loved the courses looking to do a degree now !
Dont be put off, your clearly keen and if you enjoy your subject you will love learning -level 3 is the way to go.
Hi Lisa,
I haven't done any form of studying since 1993 and managed a distinction for my reflex level 3 diploma. It is totally manageable - I did mine shortly after having baby #2!
If you're passionate about your subject, that's most of the battle done 🙂
Go for it - you can do it! Good luck 🙂
Elaine x
Thanks everyone - I really do appreciate all the advice and support, both on this thread and my other. These are the courses available:
http://www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk/courses/course_view?id=y6acb
http://www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk/courses/course_view?id=y6ad4
The one I had been planning to do before it was cancelled was the VTCT level 2 Complementary Therapies. Am I right in thinking that had I been doing level 3 Complementary Therapies, the two above courses would have been two parts of the combined course, or are they more in depth in their own right? I know - I should have asked the college this, and I will when I speak to them next.
The other option is doing level 2 full time, but tbh I would struggle with the hours with the children, and while I know level 3 will mean more work, at least some of that will be home study if it's only one or two nights a week. So less hours, and yet getting into work sooner - sounds like the right plan to me.
Let's hope they accept me onto the level 3 course(s)!