All diplomas will require a student to achieve a minimum standard in English, Maths and ICT, complete an extended project and undertake a minimum of 10 days work experience. They will be run in parallel with the traditional GCSE/A-Level and Apprenticeship routes so students can make their chosen course of study broader by taking additional subjects, such as a foreign language. Some courses such as PE may be compulsory.

Two diplomas are of particular interest to Higher Educational Institutions admitting students to degrees in Materials: the Engineering Diploma, and the Manufacturing Diplom