What qualification levels mean (2024)

FAQs

What does level of qualification mean? ›

The higher the level, the harder the qualification. The levels are based on the standards of knowledge, skill and competence needed for each qualification. Qualifications at the same level can be very different in terms of content and the length of time they take to complete.

level 7 NVQ. master's degree, for example master of arts ( MA ), master of science ( MSc ) postgraduate certificate. postgraduate certificate in education ( PGCE ) postgraduate diploma.

Level 5. Level 5 is the equivalent to the second year of a Bachelor's Degree programme. It is also equivalent to a HND diploma. The Level 5 course also has 10 modules and 8 assignments, which also provide the student with 120 university credits upon completion.

Level 4 qualifications are equivalent to the first year of a bachelor's degree and are considered advanced learning. They are typically taken after college A-levels, an Access to Higher Education programme or similar Level 3 courses.

The NQF consist of 10 levels divided into three bands; Levels 1 to 4 equate to high school grades 9 to 12 or vocational training, 5 to 7 are college diplomas and technical qualifications, 7 to 10 are university degrees. Higher Certificates and Advanced National (vocational) Cert.

A doctorate is the highest level of degree that can be obtained and is Level 8 on the educational scale.

Examples of qualifications at SCQF Level 9

Bachelors/Ordinary Degree, Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate, Graduate or Technical Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 9, SVQ at SCQF Level 9, and a wide range of other courses available in the workplace and community (see SCQF Database).

5) A Level 8 Diploma (160 credits) student will study a course equivalent to a portion of a Doctorate Degree (DBA) standard, as well as a qualification that can be used to gain admission to a Doctorate Degree (DBA) programme with advanced standing through RPL.

Level 8 refers to a doctorate level of education, often known as a PhD. Examples of Level 8 qualifications include: Doctorate or PhD. Level 8 awards, diplomas and certificates.

Is Level 5 a good qualification? ›

A Level 5 qualification is usually studied after competition of a Level 4 qualification, meaning that students are normally, but not always, around 19 years old. This qualification helps students progress to higher education, though they can also lead to a profession in various areas such as nursing or sports science.

Levels are learning stages which guide you through our career pathways maps. Our Higher Education programmes typically run from Level 4 (Higher National Certificates and Higher Apprenticeships) through Level 5 (Higher National Diplomas and Foundation Degrees) to Level 6 (Bachelor or Arts or Science Honours Degrees).

Level 2 courses are intermediate level. They provide a good knowledge and understanding of a subject and require the learner to do a variety of tasks with some guidance or supervision. The qualifications gained at this level are suitable for many job roles. GCSE grades 9-4 (A*-C) BTEC Level 2 Award/Certificate/Diploma.

In accordance with the RQF (Regulatory Qualifications Framework), a level 3 course would normally be taken in Years 12 to 13 - most commonly known as A-Levels or AS Levels - after completing GCSEs.

Level 4 and 5 qualifications

Examples include, but are not limited to, foundation degrees, Certificates of Higher Education (CertHE), Diplomas in Higher Education (DipHEs), Higher National Certificates (HNCs), Higher National Diplomas (HNDs), professional qualifications, and National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs).

Level 3 qualifications are equivalent to an A Level. Level 4 qualifications are equivalent to a BTEC Professional Diploma level. Level 5 qualifications are equivalent to HND or foundation degree level. Level 6 qualifications are equivalent to Bachelor's Degree level.

Experience, education, ability, and language fluency may be considerations when you are defining your job qualifications. Employers, particularly those who employ 15 or more, must be careful not to run afoul of federal or state anti-discrimination laws during this process.

A level 5 qualification is a higher education certificate that demonstrates learning at university level. Individuals who take these certificates gain a strong foundation in the subject area. Level 5 education and training can be academic, vocational or a mixture of both, such as foundation degrees.