Open College Network West Midlands · RQF Level 2

Open College Network West Midlands Level 2 Diploma in Skills for Further Study

You don’t just earn this. You learn to use it, one-to-one, on your own real work.

  • LevelRQF Level 2
  • Total credits45
  • Guided learning360 hours
  • Units in this qualification42

Awarded by Open College Network West Midlands · on the Ofqual register

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What you’ll learn

What each unit actually teaches you to do

These are the units Open College Network West Midlands registers against this qualification. It is a catalogue, not a syllabus. Which of them you take depends on the combination the qualification requires, and that is set by the awarding body rather than by us. Every unit here is regulated, and every one you earn is yours to keep.

Action Planning for Own DevelopmentReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands

What you'll be able to do

  • Recognise own skills, knowledge and ability.
  • Match own skills, knowledge, ability and personal requirements with possible career paths.
  • Know routes available for own learning and development, in relation to possible career paths.
  • Plan own development.
  • Action own development.
CalculationsReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands

What you'll be able to do

  • Add, subtract, multiply and divide whole numbers of any size, and numbers with up to three decimal places.
  • Use fractions.
  • Use percentages.
  • Convert between fractions, decimals and percentages.
  • Calculate ratio and direct proportion.
  • Evaluate expressions and make whole number substitutions in given formulae to produce results.
  • Use a calculator to calculate with fractions, decimals and percentages.
  • Use strategies to check calculations.
Create, Fomat and Manage DocumentsReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands

What you'll be able to do

  • Create documents on a computer.
  • Use computing software tools to format documents.
  • Store and manage computer documents.
  • Use ICT applications to support own learning.
Critical ThinkingReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand the nature and importance of critical thinking.
  • Understand key terms relating to critical thinking.
  • Understand the nature of assumption, bias and stereotyping in argument and point of view.
  • Understand how structure and style impact on argument.
  • Form an argument.
  • Question an argument or point of view.
DatabasesReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands

What you'll be able to do

  • Create and modify non-relational database tables.
  • Enter, edit and organise structured information in a database.
  • Use database software tools to run queries and produce reports.
Equality and DiversityReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand the term ‘equality’.
  • Understand the term ‘diversity’.
  • Know organisations that work on equality issues.
  • Understand the importance of equality and diversity.
  • Understand equality and diversity legislation.
Essay WritingReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand an essay task.
  • Plan an essay.
  • Research information for the purpose of essay writing.
  • Present information in essay form.
  • Review and revise own essays.
Information LiteracyReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands

What you'll be able to do

  • Know about information sources.
  • Prepare for gathering information for a specific purpose.
  • Gather required information.
  • Communicate information according to purpose and audience.
Introduction to BusinessReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands

What you'll be able to do

  • Know the principles of business.
  • Understand how business is organised.
  • Understand how business may impact on the environment.
  • Know how business operates.
  • Understand how law and ethics relate to business.
  • Understand the roles played by people in business.
  • Know how computers are used in business.
Introduction to Computer StudiesReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands

What you'll be able to do

  • Know about the capability of a range of computer applications.
  • Solve problems using computing tools and techniques.
  • Know about the place of computing in society.
  • Integrate use of computers into own studies and interests.
  • Know about careers available in computer studies.
Introduction to EducationReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand definitions of education.
  • Understand what is studied in education.
  • Know careers available in education.
  • Know skills and qualities needed for careers in education.
  • Understand different approaches to education.
  • Understand principles of education.
  • Know how principles of education can be applied.
Introduction to EngineeringReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand what engineering is.
  • Understand the purpose of engineering.
  • Understand how engineering may impact on the environment.
  • Know methods engineers use to test designs prior to production.
  • Understand what is meant by safety factors in engineering.
  • Know how computers are used in engineering.
Introduction to Environmental and Land Based StudiesReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand what can be studied in environmental and land based studies.
  • Know the different industries in land based and environmental studies.
  • Know careers available in environmental and land based studies.
  • Access information on routes environmental and land based careers.
  • Access information on routes into environmental and land based careers.
  • Understand skills and knowledge required in a specific environmental or land based career.
  • Understand personal qualities required in a specific environmental or land based career.
Introduction to Health StudiesReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand what is studied in health studies.
  • Understand different perspectives in health studies.
  • Understand the purpose of health studies.
  • Know research methods used in health studies.
  • Know how health research findings may be applied.
  • Know careers available in health.
  • Know skills and qualities needed for careers in health.
Introduction to HumanitiesReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand what fields the study of humanities may include.
  • Understand historical and current debate in relation to the study of humanities.
  • Understand methods and approaches used in the study of humanities.
  • Understand how humanities study may impact on own life and work.
  • Understand how humanities study may impact on cultural and global issues.
  • Use methods and approaches to study an area of humanities.
Introduction to Law in the United KingdomReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand the structure and jurisdiction of courts in the U.K.
  • Understand the roles of personnel in the U.K. legal system.
  • Understand the sources and processes of legal advice in the U.K.
  • Understand key legal processes in the U.K.
  • Understand the alternatives to taking matters to court in the U.K.
  • Know about career progression routes relevant to U.K. legal and related professions.
Introduction to Life ScienceReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand what is meant by life science.
  • Know the fields within life science.
  • Understand the purpose of life science.
  • Understand approaches to research in life science.
  • Know applications of life science.
  • Know careers open to life scientists.
Introduction to LiteratureReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand what is studied in litreature.
  • Understand different litreary forms.
  • Understand research methods used in sociology.
  • Know applications for the study of litreature.
  • Understand litreature in a historical or cultural context.
Introduction to Physical ScienceReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand what is meant by physical science.
  • Know the fields within physical science.
  • Understand the purpose of physical science.
  • Understand approaches to research in physical science.
  • Know applications of physical science.
  • Know careers open to physical scientists.
Introduction to PsychologyReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand what is studied in psychology.
  • Understand different approaches in psychology.
  • Understand research methods used in psychology.
  • Know applications of psychology.
  • Know careers open to psychologists.
  • Understand ethical considerations in psychological research.
Introduction to Social WorkReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand what is studied in social work.
  • Understand the purpose of social work.
  • Understand principles of social work.
  • Understand how social work principles affect practice.
  • Know careers available in social work.
  • Know skills and qualities needed for careers in social work.
Introduction to SociologyReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand what is studied in sociology.
  • Understand different approaches in sociology.
  • Understand research methods used in sociology.
  • Know applications of sociology.
  • Know careers open to sociologists.
  • Understand ethical considerations in sociological research.
Introduction to Sports StudiesReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand what can be studied in sports studies.
  • Know careers available in sports studies.
  • Access information on routes into careers in the sports industry.
  • Access information on routes into careers in the sports industry.
  • Understand skills required in a specific career in sports.
  • Understand personal qualities required in a career in the sports industry.
Introduction to the Creative and Performing ArtsReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand what can be studied in the creative and performing arts.
  • Understand different approaches used for creative and performing arts study.
  • Know core skills needed for participation in creative and performing arts.
  • Know theories and contexts related to the creative and performing arts.
  • Know applications of the creative and performing arts.
  • Know careers open to creative and performing artists.
Introduction to the Scientific MethodReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand what science is.
  • Know the difference between a scientific hypothesis and a theory.
  • Understand the scientific method.
  • Use the scientific method to test hypotheses.
Measures and ShapeReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands

What you'll be able to do

  • Calculate, measure and record time.
  • Measure and compare temperature, including reading scales and conversion tables.
  • Estimate, measure and calculate with length, distance, weight and capacity.
  • Use scale and find dimensions from scale drawings.
  • Use compound measures and rate of exchange.
  • Recognise and use common 2D representations of 3D objects.
  • Find the perimetres of regular and composite 2D shapes, using a given formula.
  • Find areas of regular and composite shapes, using given formulae.
Note TakingReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand reasons for making notes.
  • Use note taking methods.
  • Store and retrieve own notes.
  • Use notes for specific purpose.
  • Review own note taking.
Oral Communication SkillsReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands

What you'll be able to do

  • Speak to an audience.
  • Respond to questions.
  • Engage in discussion.
  • Understand information presented orally.
  • Communicate orally in different contexts.
PlagiarismReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand definitions of plagiarism.
  • Understand how plagiarism may be used in different contexts.
  • Understand what constitutes plagiarism.
  • Understand terms used in relation to plagiarism and its avoidance.
  • Know how plagiarism can be avoided in own work.
  • Avoid plagiarism in own work.
Portfolio BuildingReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand what a portfolio is.
  • Know what a portfolio can be used for.
  • Build a portfolio suitable for own requirements and context.
  • Build a portfolio suitable for own needs and context.
Presentations and SlideshowsReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands

What you'll be able to do

  • Input and combine text and other information within presentation slides.
  • Store and retrieve files.
  • Use presentation software tools to structure, edit and format slides.
  • Prepare slides for presentation.
Punctuation and GrammarReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands

What you'll be able to do

  • Use punctuation to aid understanding.
  • Use grammar correctly.
Reading and UnderstandingReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands

What you'll be able to do

  • Interpret source material.
  • Extract information from source material for specific purposes.
Research ProjectReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand the objectives of a research project.
  • Identify and use secondary data for research.
  • Identify and use primary data for research.
  • Generate primary data.
  • Produce a research report.
  • Present research.
  • Review own research process.
Revision and Exam SkillsReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand the purposes of academic examinations.
  • Establish a study environment.
  • Plan own revision.
  • Use revision techniques.
  • Maintain personal health and well-being when undertaking academic revision and examination.
  • Use exam techniques.
  • Review own revision and exam skills.
Setting Learning GoalsReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand the purpose of own learning.
  • Make learning choices.
  • Set learning goals.
  • Review own progress and achievement.
  • Plan future learning and development.
SpellingReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands

What you'll be able to do

  • Know own spelling strengths and weaknesses.
  • Locate spellings.
  • Use spelling rules.
  • Use strategies to spell accurately.
SpreadsheetsReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands

What you'll be able to do

  • Know different uses for spreadsheets.
  • Use formatting techniques to enter data into a spreadsheet.
  • Use multiple worksheets within a spreadsheet.
  • Use formulae in a spreadsheet to calculate data.
  • Present data in graphical form.
  • Sort and manage data in a spreadsheet.
  • Print a spreadsheet.
Study ManagementReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand the nature and importance of study management.
  • Establish a study environment.
  • Manage own study.
  • Review own study management.
Word ProcessingReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands

What you'll be able to do

  • Enter, edit and combine text and other information in word processed documents.
  • Structure information within word processed documents.
  • Use word processing software tools to format and present documents to meet requirements.
Working in a GroupReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands

What you'll be able to do

  • Understand characteristics of groups.
  • Plan work with a group.
  • Work in a group.
  • Review own group working experience.
Working with Data and ProbabilityReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands

What you'll be able to do

  • Extract and interpret information from tables, charts diagrams and line graphs.
  • Understand the difference between discrete and continuous data.
  • Collect, organise and represent discrete and continuous data in tables, charts, diagrams and line graphs.
  • Find the mean, median and mode and use them as appropriate to compare two sets of data.
  • Find the range and use it to describe the spread within sets of data.
  • Understand probability.
  • Represent the outcomes of combined events using diagrams and tables.

The honest bit

You’ve started things before

Most courses were built for a room full of people who aren’t you. A cohort moves on whether or not your week allowed it, and by the third week the thing you’re behind on becomes the reason you stop opening it.

There’s no cohort here, and no timetable to fall behind. Before anything starts, Zavmo asks when you’re sharpest and how long you can realistically sit down for, then builds the sessions around those answers. A bad fortnight changes your pace. It doesn’t put you behind.

And you only pay once you start learning. Searching and planning are free, and you can cancel any time — so the cost of finding out is an afternoon, not a year.

Your passport

Every credit is a stamp you keep

Level 2 credits are regulated. They don’t vanish when a subscription ends or a website closes. They travel to any employer, and Zavmo keeps the map of what you’ve earned and what’s next.

Action Planning for Own DevelopmentCalculationsCreate, Fomat and Manage DocumentsCritical ThinkingDatabasesEquality and DiversityEssay WritingInformation Literacy

Each stamp is a real unit registered against this qualification.

Who’d teach you this

The Evidence Evaluator

Assessor

Helps you show what you can actually do, gathering the evidence that proves it as you learn.

Meet all twelve tutors

Where this connects

Where these credits take you

A qualification is never a dead end here. See the jobs its credits open, the national occupational standards its units map to, and the future skills they quietly build.

Where this can lead

Junior Head of Legal

Your journey as a Junior Head of Legal is just the beginning. We're committed to providing the opportunities and support for you to build a truly impactful and rewarding legal career, whether that's climbing the leadership ladder or becoming a deep subject matter expert.

See the whole journey →

Showing 6 roles, drawn from 16 job records mapped to this qualification.

How you’ll actually learn this

One-to-one, on your own real work

A qualification is usually something done to you: sit the class, sit the exam, hope it sticks. Here it’s the opposite. You learn it one-to-one with a companion, on your own real work, and you keep going until you can use it, not just recall it.

One-to-one, on your real workNo lectures, no past-papers. Every unit is practised on the actual tasks your job throws at you, a tutor beside you, not a video in front of you.
Taught to the top, not the testMost courses stop at remembering. Your companion keeps climbing: analysing, judging, creating. That’s the part a machine can’t do for you.
Credits you keep, a map that continuesEvery unit is regulated and yours for good. The day you finish, Zavmo already knows the next role your new credits open.
Action Planning for Own DevelopmentLevel 2

Applied to your work in any of these jobs

How the thinking builds
  1. Remember
  2. Understand
  3. Apply
  4. Analyse
  5. Evaluate
  6. Create
An illustration of a Zavmo lesson, built from this role’s own route. The unit, its objective and every criterion above are the awarding body’s own words, not an example.
Your PlanIllustration

Built for Open College Network West Midlands Level 2 Diploma in Skills for Further Study

42 units in this credential, in the order it lists them, awarded by Open College Network West Midlands.

  1. Action Planning for Own Development
  2. Calculations
  3. Create, Fomat and Manage Documents
  4. Critical Thinking
  5. Databases
  6. Equality and Diversity

and 36 more in the full unit list below.

These are the real units of this credential, in its own order. Nothing here is marked done, because this plan has not been started by anyone yet. Yours would fill in as you go.

One to one, not one to many

No two people run this the same way

A course is written once and handed to everyone. This is assembled around you, and keeps changing as it learns you. Five things it reads, and what each one changes.

  1. Your actual work Every unit is taught against a live piece of your own work, not a worked example from a textbook.
  2. What you already know The first conversation finds your starting point, so you skip what you can already do and spend the time on what you cannot.
  3. The conditions you learn under Not a learning-styles quiz. The evidence does not support those. The dimensions the research does back, read once and used to shape the plan.
  4. How far you got last time It picks up mid-thought. The tutor knows what you said, what you struggled with, and what it asked you to try.
  5. Which tutor suits the moment Twelve of them, each for a different kind of thinking. The one who walks you through a first idea is not the one who stress-tests it.

See how you learn, free. Eight questions, no sign-up. A directional taster; the diagnostic inside Zavmo goes deeper and keeps adapting.

Why it sticks

Most courses stop at remembering

There’s a well-known ladder of how deeply you learn something, called Bloom’s Taxonomy. Most courses get you up the first two rungs: you remember some facts, you pass a test, you forget it. Real skill lives at the top. Judging, deciding, creating. And this isn’t a generic ladder: every rung has a named Zavmo tutor who walks you up it.

  1. 6CreateThe Creative Catalyst
  2. 5EvaluateThe Evidence Evaluator
  3. 4AnalyseThe Analyst
  4. 3ApplyThe Coach
  5. 2UnderstandThe Connector
  6. 1RememberThe Builder

Where most courses leave you Where Zavmo takes you

Why this matters: AI can already remember and understand for you. What it can’t do is take your real problem and judge the right call. So the only learning worth paying for is the learning that takes you to the top. That’s exactly what a tutor doing it with you, on your real work, is for.

The value

Why the companion is worth £70 a month

You’re not paying for the units. They’re regulated, and the same wherever you earn them. You’re paying for the one thing that decides whether you actually get there: a companion that makes them stick, on your real work.

That is one-to-one on this qualification, every day, on the work you already do, for £70 a month. Your first module is free, so you can see the teaching before you pay for any of it. Billed monthly, cancel any time and billing stops.

Earned on your own work, taught to the top.

Everything you just read, learned one-to-one on the job you already do. Your first module is free, so you can see the teaching before you pay for any of it.

Build my plan, free

No card. See how this qualification maps onto your role and meet the tutors who’d teach it, free. The learning begins when you subscribe. It’s £70 a month, billed monthly. Cancel any time and billing stops.