If you are aged 14 to 19, you can study a diploma rather than GCSEs, A levels or an apprenticeship. It's a new qualification where you learn both in and out of the classroom, take part in work experience, meet local employers and do lots of team work.

You can study for a diploma in:

• Creative and media studies
• Information technology
• Society, health and development
• Construction and the built environment
• Engineering
• Hair and beauty studies
• Manufacturing and product design
• Business admin and finance
• Environmental and land-based studies
• Hospitality.

More diplomas are being added, and by 2013 there will be 17 subjects to choose from.

Find out where you can study by visiting our Colleges and universities page.

Here are some comments from diploma students at Ringmer Community College:

‘I really love the way we are in charge of our own work and planning what we are supposed to do each week.’

‘It gives me some freedom and independence as I get to leave Chailey on Wednesdays and half of Fridays.’

‘I like that we have whole day periods, you can get a lot more done and set different tasks to complete during the day.’

‘I like this course because I know that when I finish it I will get a lot of job opportunities.’

‘It is different in a good way. Lessons are more fun because we do more ‘hands on’ work.’

Find out more about diplomas at DirectGov: Diplomas – are they for me?

Or watch this video:

Are you on the diploma course? Or are you thinking of taking a diploma? Let us know