Jargon buster

There's a whole new world of terminology, abbreviations and jargon that's specific to each individual sector. So we've put together this glossary to define as many of the terms that you're likely to come across as possible.

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

BA - Bachelor of Arts is a higher level qualification (level 6) in an arts related subject.
Basic Skills - See Key Skills
BEng - Bachelor of Engineering is a higher level qualification (level 6) in an engineering related subject.
BIIAB - Awards qualifications in the licensed retail sector.
BSc - Bachelor of Science is a higher level qualification (level 6) in a science related subject.
BTEC Higher Nationals - BTEC Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) and BTEC Higher National Certificates (HNCs) are specialist vocational courses which can lead directly into employment. You can also often go straight into the second or third year of a degree with a higher national. Higher nationals are level 5 qualifications.
BTEC Nationals - BTECs are vocational qualifications that are an alternative to A levels. Students can gain a BTEC National Award which is equivalent to 1 A level, a BTEC National certificate which is equivalent to 2 A levels or a BTEC National Diploma equivalent to 3 A Levels.