Enterprise & Innovation Mix

New for September 2026: York College Mix courses are Alternative Academic Qualifications (AAQs)

AAQs are a new type of Level 3 qualification created to help learners progress into higher education with confidence, clarity, and purpose.

AAQs offer a practical and future-focused learning experience across a wide range of career sectors. Students build the applied knowledge, skills, and personal qualities they need not only to succeed at university but also to thrive in today’s fast-changing world of work.

Why choose an AAQ?

A clear route to higher education - Designed with universities and educators, AAQs provide the right balance of academic depth and practical application. If your goal is university, this is the pathway for you.

Engaging, relevant, and future-ready - Learning is brought to life through real-world contexts and practical opportunities, ensuring students develop both specialist knowledge and transferable skills to navigate their future.

Fair and accessible assessment - With a holistic approach to assessment design, AAQs ensure that qualifications are both attainable and rigorous, building a solid foundation of knowledge and skills for progression.

Backed by universities - Over 100 universities have endorsed AAQs, recognising them as a strong route into higher education. AAQs attract the same amount of UCAS points as one A Level.

Learn more about our AAQ York College Mix courses.

A Level Mix options are equivalent to one A Level. You can take two A Level subjects and one ‘Mix’ subject.

The core entry requirement for A Level and ‘Mix’ study at York College is a minimum of four GCSEs at grade 5 with GCSE English Language and Maths at grade 4. This does not include GCSE equivalents (e.g. BTEC courses). Short course GCSE is counted as half of a full GCSE.