Approved centres are responsible for assessing and determining whether an applicant is capable of successfully completing the learning programme and meeting the qualification’s requirements. The initial assessment conducted by the centre must take into account the support readily available or that can be arranged to accommodate individual learner needs, where appropriate.

The qualification has been designed to be accessible, free from unnecessary barriers that may limit entry. To enrol in this qualification, applicants must be at least 18 years of age.

For applicants whose first language is not English, an IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent) is required. International qualifications will be verified to ensure they meet the entry requirements for UK higher education postgraduate programmes, where relevant. Applicants are typically expected to provide two supporting references, at least one of which should ideally be academic.

In exceptional cases, applicants with significant relevant experience but no formal qualifications may be considered, subject to an interview and demonstration of their ability to meet the qualification’s demands.