National N Diploma vs National Diploma
Friday, 21 July 2023
The whole process of choosing the major you are interested in and the college you want to attend is harsh. However, it is also essential to find the right level of education you wish to pursue. Find out what the differences between a national N diploma and a national diploma are and some characteristics to have in mind.
After finishing secondary education, you have to start thinking about what you want to be in the future. This is not an easy task. Some people have already decided what they like, but others have no idea about the future. Once you have decided what interests you, you should consider the different possibilities to study. Several levels of education differ from one another depending on your likes and dislikes. National diplomas and national n diplomas are some of the most popular levels in South Africa and, although they sound the same, they have their differences.
What is a National Diploma?
National diplomas are courses that adhere to the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) from level 5 to level 7 and are accredited by the Quality Council for Trade and Occupation (QCTO). The primary purpose of these diplomas is to give the students the tools necessary to grow their skills in a particular area and make them more employable.
National diplomas are focused on work-related training and teaching you the skills required to succeed in your chosen field. This will allow you to put yourself to work as soon as possible. Getting qualified will probably give you more employability.
What is a National N Diploma?
The South African Qualifications Authority explains that the purpose of a national n diploma is to “enable learners who are particularly interested and talented in an occupational/ vocational area to develop competencies in the chosen area, which will enable them either to study further or to be employed and be productive in the sector at entry level and/or second tier level. This qualification enables specific in-depth post foundational learning to be done without the learner having to also study other general, formative, academic subjects that are required of learners at this level who are studying in an academic environment.”
The most important point of these types of qualifications is to provide technical, theoretical, practical, and workplace knowledge in a specific occupational/vocational area. The students will progressively obtain qualifications in related N4, N5, and N6 level subjects. Once the three levels have been completed, 18 months of relevant workplace experience must be done. If the student does not complete these 18 months of workplace experience, the qualification cannot be awarded.
National N diplomas are not equivalent to national diplomas. Another characteristic of national N diplomas is that you need a matric certificate or a completed NATED level 3 qualification. They are focused on specific trades like engineering, hair care, financial management, and more. This trade is practised during apprenticeships. National N diplomas also require workplace experience, but they are different from apprenticeships.
If you want to know more about this and other degrees, you can read the following articles:
What is a B Tech Degree in South Africa?
What is the difference between a University and a TVET College?
Why South Africa needs more Computer Scientists?
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