This document is PRESENTLY UNDER REVIEW, and should be read as
a PROVISIONAL DRAFT, for guidance only. Both the terms included and the relationships
between terms represented in this table are subject to alteration. If you intend to use
any of these terms to describe an audience level for a resource, please consult
the current, authoritative descriptions of the terms as supplied by their maintainers.
(See section 3 following table for links to their sources).
Progress on this work can be tracked on the uk-meg mailing list
[list archives].
Comments should be addressed to
interop-focus@ukoln.ac.uk.
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1. Introduction
Across the UK, learners are able to undertake a wide range of academic,
vocational and non-vocational courses of study, many of which result in a
formal qualification of one kind or another. For those producing content of
relevance to these learners, it has traditionally proved difficult to
effectively describe the curriculum levels at which their resources are
directed, with the result that individual organisations often develop their
own terminology to solve the problem. This document, produced under the
auspices of the Metadata for Education Group
(MEG), is intended to offer a single relatively general set of terms
describing levels of education across the United Kingdom.
2. UK Educational Levels
The tables, below, introduce the set of terms defined in this document by
MEG. Further, each table attempts to illustrate the approximate relationships
between individual qualifications and programmes. This should be considered as
solely illustrative and in no way an implication that an English
AS Level, say, is the same as a Scottish
Higher.
All of the terms used in these tables are linked to definitions in
Section 3.
Academic Levels
Vocational Levels
Non-vocational/ Occupational Levels
Key Skills
Basic Skills
Statements of learning objectives etc.
table of generic terms to describe difficulty etc within a level (easy,
intermediate, advanced, etc.) - so you can have an 'easy' Doctoral level
resource, which may also be considered an 'advanced' A Level resource...
Statements of Difficulty
From IMS and the LOM... Need some generic text, and definitions
very easy
easy
medium
difficult
very difficult
3. Terms and their Definitions
Those making use of these terms should enter them exactly as shown
here in order to maintain interoperability across applications utilising this
list. See Section 4 for more information on usage.
English, Welsh and Northern Irish National Qualifications Framework
- Entry Level
- Entry Level is the most basic level of the English, Welsh and Northern
Irish
National Qualifications Framework, specified by the
Department for Education and Employment
(DfEE). It lies beneath Foundation Level
and is itself divided into three sub-levels; 1, 2 and 3, which are broadly
equivalent to Key Stages 1,
2 and 3 of the
English, Welsh and Northern Irish National Curricula for schools. MEG
recommends the use of this term across the United Kingdom as the most
general means of describing all educational material at this level. See
http://www.qca.org.uk/nq/framework/entry_new.asp for more
information, specifically for England.
- Foundation Level
- Foundation Level, or Level 1, lies between Entry
and Intermediate in the English, Welsh and
Northern Irish
National Qualifications Framework, specified by the
Department for Education and Employment
(DfEE). Foundation Level is broadly equivalent to the lower attainment
targets of Key Stage 4 in the English, Welsh
and Northern Irish National Curricula for schools, approximating to the
Foundation tier (grades D-G) of the GCSE exam. This
level also incorporates the Foundation GNVQ
and the Level 1 NVQ. MEG recommends the use of
this term across the United Kingdom as the most general means of
describing all educational material at this level. See
http://www.qca.org.uk/nq/framework/framework1.asp for more
information, specifically for England.
- Intermediate Level
- Intermediate Level, or Level 2, lies between
Foundation and
Advanced in the English, Welsh and Northern Irish
National Qualifications Framework, specified by the
Department for Education and Employment
(DfEE). Intermediate Level is broadly equivalent to the upper attainment
targets of Key Stage 4 in the English, Welsh
and Northern Irish National Curricula for schools, approximating to the
Higher tier (grades A*-C) of the GCSE exam. This level
also incorporates the Intermediate GNVQ
and the Level 2 NVQ. MEG recommends the use of
this term across the United Kingdom as the most general means of
describing all educational material at this level. See
http://www.qca.org.uk/nq/framework/framework2.asp for more
information, specifically for England.
- Advanced Level
- Advanced Level, or Level 3, lies between
Intermediate and Level 4 in the English, Welsh
and Northern Irish
National Qualifications Framework, specified by the
Department for Education and Employment
(DfEE). Advanced Level encompasses those school-level courses of study
beyond the National Curriculum studied by all state school students in
England, Wales and Northern Ireland; namely the AS
Level, A Level and AE award.
This level also incorporates the Advanced GNVQ
(or 'Vocational A Level') and the Level 3 NVQ.
MEG recommends the use of this term across the United Kingdom as the most
general means of describing all educational material at this level. See
http://www.qca.org.uk/nq/framework/framework3.asp for more
information, specifically for England.
- Level 4
- Level 4 lies between Advanced and
Level 5 in the English, Welsh and Northern Irish
National Qualifications Framework, specified by the
Department for Education and Employment
(DfEE). This level represents courses of undergraduate study, and also
incorporates the Level 4 NVQ. MEG recommends the
use of this term across the United Kingdom as the most general means of
describing all educational material at this level. See ???
for more information.
- Level 5
- Level 5 lies at the top of the English, Welsh and Northern Irish
National Qualifications Framework specified by the
Department for Education and Employment
(DfEE), above Level 4. This level represents courses
of postgraduate study, and also incorporates the
Level 5 NVQ. MEG recommends the use of this term across the United
Kingdom as the most general means of describing all educational material
at this level. See ??? for more information.
English, Welsh and Northern Irish National Curricula
- NC Foundation
- Foundation level sits at the bottom of the English and Welsh National
Curriculum, beneath Key Stage 1, and
encompasses pre-school and Reception classes; children ranging in age from
three to five. There is little in the way of a formal curriculum at this
level, with a focus upon 'early learning goals' such as emotional
development and communications skills rather than more structured
learning, and it does not exist in the Northern Irish National Curriculum.
See
http://www.qca.org.uk/ca/foundation/ for more information.
- NC Key Stage 1
- Key Stage 1 lies between Foundation (in
England and Wales only) and Key Stage 2 (in
England, Wales, and Northern Ireland) in the National Curriculum. In
England and Wales, the National Curriculum was established by the
Education Reform Act of 1988, with the Education Reform (Northern Ireland)
Order 1989 fulfilling a similar purpose there. These Acts, along with the
Education Act 1997, require all state schools to provide pupils with a
broad and balanced curriculum up to the age of 16. Independent schools do
not have to follow the National Curriculum, although many do. Key Stage 1
encompasses Year 1 and 2 children (aged between five and seven) in England
and Wales, and Years 1-4 children (aged between four and eight) in
Northern Ireland. Pupils are formally assessed by means of nationally
applied tests at the end of this Key Stage. See the English National
Curriculum web site at
http://www.nc.uk.net/ for more information.
- NC Key Stage 2
- Key Stage 2 lies between Key Stage 1 and
Key Stage 3 in the National Curricula for
England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. In England and Wales, the National
Curriculum was established by the Education Reform Act of 1988, with the
Education Reform (Northern Ireland) Order 1989 fulfilling a similar
purpose there. These Acts, along with the Education Act 1997, require all
state schools to provide pupils with a broad and balanced curriculum up to
the age of 16. Independent schools do not have to follow the National
Curriculum, although many do. Key Stage 2 encompasses Years 3-6 children
(aged between seven and 11) in England and Wales, and Years 5-7 children
(aged between eight and 11) in Northern Ireland. Pupils are formally
assessed by means of nationally applied tests at the end of this Key
Stage. See the English National Curriculum web site at
http://www.nc.uk.net/ for
more information.
- NC Key Stage 3
- Key Stage 3 lies between Key Stage 2 and
Key Stage 4 in the National Curricula for
England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. In England and Wales, the National
Curriculum was established by the Education Reform Act of 1988, with the
Education Reform (Northern Ireland) Order 1989 fulfilling a similar
purpose there. These Acts, along with the Education Act 1997, require all
state schools to provide pupils with a broad and balanced curriculum up to
the age of 16. Independent schools do not have to follow the National
Curriculum, although many do. Key Stage 3 encompasses Years 7-9 children
(aged between 11 and 14) in England and Wales, and Years 8-10 children
(aged between 11 and 14) in Northern Ireland. Pupils are formally assessed
by means of nationally applied tests at the end of this Key Stage. See the
English National Curriculum web site at
http://www.nc.uk.net/ for more information.
- NC Key Stage 4
- Key Stage 4 lies at the top of the National Curricula for England,
Wales, and Northern Ireland, above Key Stage 3.
In England and Wales, the National Curriculum was established by the
Education Reform Act of 1988, with the Education Reform (Northern Ireland)
Order 1989 fulfilling a similar purpose there. These Acts, along with the
Education Act 1997, require all state schools to provide pupils with a
broad and balanced curriculum up to the age of 16. Independent schools do
not have to follow the National Curriculum, although many do. Key Stage 4
encompasses Year 10 and 11 children (aged between 14 and 16) in England
and Wales, and Year 11 and 12 children (aged between 14 and 16) in
Northern Ireland. Pupils are formally assessed by means of nationally
applied tests (normally GCSE's) at the end of this Key
Stage. See the English National Curriculum web site at
http://www.nc.uk.net/ for
more information.
English, Welsh and Northern Irish General Certificate of Secondary
Education
- GCSE
- The General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) is the most
common means of assessing students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
at Key Stage 4, although GNVQs
and NVQs are becoming increasingly popular. GCSE's are
graded from A* to G, with students in most subjects entered for one of two
tiers within the GCSE; foundation (grades C-G) and higher (grades A*-D).
In mathematics, there are three tiers of foundation (D-G), intermediate
(B-E), and higher (A*-C). The GCSE is available in three sizes, the most
common of which is the full award GCSE itself. For students wishing to
cover a broader range of subjects, the Short Course GCSE covers half the
content of a full award, and is usually completed in half the time. The
Double Award GCSE in Science takes twice the time of a full award GCSE,
and results in the award of two grades (DD instead of D, AA instead of A,
etc.). GCSE exams are set by a range of examination boards, with the QCA
(?) and equivalent bodies in Wales and Northern Ireland
ensuring a degree of comparability between the different exams. See
http://www.qca.org.uk/nq/framework/framework1.asp for more
information, specifically for England.
English, Welsh and Northern Irish General Certificate of Education
- GCE AS Level
- The Advanced Subsidiary (AS) is a three unit General Certificate of
Education. It provides a progression from the GCSE to
the full A Level. It may be considered both as the
first half of an A Level and as a qualification in
its own right. AS Level exams are set by a range of examination boards,
with the QCA (?) and equivalent bodies in Wales and
Northern Ireland ensuring a degree of comparability between the different
exams. See
http://www.qca.org.uk/nq/framework/framework3.asp for
more information, specifically for England.
- GCE A Level
- The A Level is a six unit General Certificate of Education. It
comprises an AS Level and a further three units,
known as the A2. A Level exams are set by a range of examination boards,
with the QCA (?) and equivalent bodies in Wales and
Northern Ireland ensuring a degree of comparability between the different
exams. See
http://www.qca.org.uk/nq/framework/framework3.asp for
more information, specifically for England.
- GCE AE Award
- The Advanced Extension (AE) Award is intended to allow the top 10% of
students to demonstrate their depth of understanding of a subject, by
building upon their A Level work. AE exams are set
by a range of examination boards, with the QCA (?) and
equivalent bodies in Wales and Northern Ireland ensuring a degree of
comparability between the different exams. See
http://www.qca.org.uk/nq/framework/framework3.asp for more
information, specifically for England.
Scottish 5-14 Curriculum
- Scottish 5-14 Curriculum
- Unlike the other Home Countries of the United Kingdom, Scotland does
not have a statutory curriculum for the Primary and Secondary years of
formal schooling. Rather, pre-Standard Grade education is conducted within
a series of local and national agreements and guidelines. See ???
for more information.
- SCQF Level 1
- The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) has been
created with the aim of unifying the levels and units of credit across all
existing qualifications streams within Scotland, from the
National Qualifications taken at age 16 and beyond, through to the
highest levels of university education. The SCQF recognises — and enables
comparison of — learning across Scotland, encompassing Secondary Schools,
Further and Higher Education, as well as a range of vocational
qualifications, such that the different methods by which learners gain an
education may be given the recognition they are due. The Framework creates
the possibility for transfer of credit, and promotes progression from one
qualification system to another in the pursuit of Lifelong Learning. SCQF
Level 1 is the entry level into the Framework, and equates to
National Qualifications Access 1. See
www.scqf.com/ for further details.
- SCQF Level 2
- The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) has been
created with the aim of unifying the levels and units of credit across all
existing qualifications streams within Scotland, from the
National Qualifications taken at age 16 and beyond, through to the
highest levels of university education. The SCQF recognises — and enables
comparison of — learning across Scotland, encompassing Secondary Schools,
Further and Higher Education, as well as a range of vocational
qualifications, such that the different methods by which learners gain an
education may be given the recognition they are due. The Framework creates
the possibility for transfer of credit, and promotes progression from one
qualification system to another in the pursuit of Lifelong Learning. SCQF
Level 2 equates to National Qualifications Access 2.
See www.scqf.com/ for further details.
- SCQF Level 3
- The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) has been
created with the aim of unifying the levels and units of credit across all
existing qualifications streams within Scotland, from the
National Qualifications taken at age 16 and beyond, through to the
highest levels of university education. The SCQF recognises — and enables
comparison of — learning across Scotland, encompassing Secondary Schools,
Further and Higher Education, as well as a range of vocational
qualifications, such that the different methods by which learners gain an
education may be given the recognition they are due. The Framework creates
the possibility for transfer of credit, and promotes progression from one
qualification system to another in the pursuit of Lifelong Learning. SCQF
Level 3 equates to National Qualifications Access 3
and the SCE Standard Grade at Foundation
level. See www.scqf.com/ for further
details.
- SCQF Level 4
- The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) has been
created with the aim of unifying the levels and units of credit across all
existing qualifications streams within Scotland, from the
National Qualifications taken at age 16 and beyond, through to the
highest levels of university education. The SCQF recognises — and enables
comparison of — learning across Scotland, encompassing Secondary Schools,
Further and Higher Education, as well as a range of vocational
qualifications, such that the different methods by which learners gain an
education may be given the recognition they are due. The Framework creates
the possibility for transfer of credit, and promotes progression from one
qualification system to another in the pursuit of Lifelong Learning. SCQF
Level 4 equates to National Qualifications
Intermediate 1, the SCE Standard Grade at
General level, and the Level 1 SVQ and
GSVQ. See
www.scqf.com/ for further details.
- SCQF Level 5
- The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) has been
created with the aim of unifying the levels and units of credit across all
existing qualifications streams within Scotland, from the
National Qualifications taken at age 16 and beyond, through to the
highest levels of university education. The SCQF recognises — and enables
comparison of — learning across Scotland, encompassing Secondary Schools,
Further and Higher Education, as well as a range of vocational
qualifications, such that the different methods by which learners gain an
education may be given the recognition they are due. The Framework creates
the possibility for transfer of credit, and promotes progression from one
qualification system to another in the pursuit of Lifelong Learning. SCQF
Level 5 equates to National Qualifications
Intermediate 2, the SCE Standard Grade at Credit
level, and the Level 2 SVQ and GSVQ.
See www.scqf.com/ for further details.
- SCQF Level 6
- The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) has been
created with the aim of unifying the levels and units of credit across all
existing qualifications streams within Scotland, from the
National Qualifications taken at age 16 and beyond, through to the
highest levels of university education. The SCQF recognises — and enables
comparison of — learning across Scotland, encompassing Secondary Schools,
Further and Higher Education, as well as a range of vocational
qualifications, such that the different methods by which learners gain an
education may be given the recognition they are due. The Framework creates
the possibility for transfer of credit, and promotes progression from one
qualification system to another in the pursuit of Lifelong Learning. SCQF
Level 6 equates to National Qualifications Higher,
and the Level 3 SVQ and GSVQ. See
www.scqf.com/ for further details.
- SCQF Level 7
- The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) has been
created with the aim of unifying the levels and units of credit across all
existing qualifications streams within Scotland, from the
National Qualifications taken at age 16 and beyond, through to the
highest levels of university education. The SCQF recognises — and enables
comparison of — learning across Scotland, encompassing Secondary Schools,
Further and Higher Education, as well as a range of vocational
qualifications, such that the different methods by which learners gain an
education may be given the recognition they are due. The Framework creates
the possibility for transfer of credit, and promotes progression from one
qualification system to another in the pursuit of Lifelong Learning. SCQF
Level 7 equates to National Qualifications
Advanced Higher, and the Certificate Level
of the Higher Education Qualifications Framework. See
www.scqf.com/ for further details.
- SCQF Level 8
- The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) has been
created with the aim of unifying the levels and units of credit across all
existing qualifications streams within Scotland, from the
National Qualifications taken at age 16 and beyond, through to the
highest levels of university education. The SCQF recognises — and enables
comparison of — learning across Scotland, encompassing Secondary Schools,
Further and Higher Education, as well as a range of vocational
qualifications, such that the different methods by which learners gain an
education may be given the recognition they are due. The Framework creates
the possibility for transfer of credit, and promotes progression from one
qualification system to another in the pursuit of Lifelong Learning. SCQF
Level 8 equates to the lower part of
Intermediate Level in the Higher Education Qualifications Framework,
and the Level 4 SVQ. See
www.scqf.com/ for further details.
- SCQF Level 9
- The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) has been
created with the aim of unifying the levels and units of credit across all
existing qualifications streams within Scotland, from the
National Qualifications taken at age 16 and beyond, through to the
highest levels of university education. The SCQF recognises — and enables
comparison of — learning across Scotland, encompassing Secondary Schools,
Further and Higher Education, as well as a range of vocational
qualifications, such that the different methods by which learners gain an
education may be given the recognition they are due. The Framework creates
the possibility for transfer of credit, and promotes progression from one
qualification system to another in the pursuit of Lifelong Learning. SCQF
Level 9 equates to the upper part of
Intermediate Level in the Higher Education Qualifications Framework.
See www.scqf.com/ for further details.
- SCQF Level 10
- The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) has been
created with the aim of unifying the levels and units of credit across all
existing qualifications streams within Scotland, from the
National Qualifications taken at age 16 and beyond, through to the
highest levels of university education. The SCQF recognises — and enables
comparison of — learning across Scotland, encompassing Secondary Schools,
Further and Higher Education, as well as a range of vocational
qualifications, such that the different methods by which learners gain an
education may be given the recognition they are due. The Framework creates
the possibility for transfer of credit, and promotes progression from one
qualification system to another in the pursuit of Lifelong Learning. SCQF
Level 10 equates to Honours Level in the
Higher Education Qualifications Framework. See
www.scqf.com/ for further details.
- SCQF Level 11
- The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) has been
created with the aim of unifying the levels and units of credit across all
existing qualifications streams within Scotland, from the
National Qualifications taken at age 16 and beyond, through to the
highest levels of university education. The SCQF recognises — and enables
comparison of — learning across Scotland, encompassing Secondary Schools,
Further and Higher Education, as well as a range of vocational
qualifications, such that the different methods by which learners gain an
education may be given the recognition they are due. The Framework creates
the possibility for transfer of credit, and promotes progression from one
qualification system to another in the pursuit of Lifelong Learning. SCQF
Level 11 equates to Masters Level in the
Higher Education Qualifications Framework, and the Level 5
SVQ. See www.scqf.com/ for further
details.
- SCQF Level 12
- The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) has been
created with the aim of unifying the levels and units of credit across all
existing qualifications streams within Scotland, from the
National Qualifications taken at age 16 and beyond, through to the
highest levels of university education. The SCQF recognises — and enables
comparison of — learning across Scotland, encompassing Secondary Schools,
Further and Higher Education, as well as a range of vocational
qualifications, such that the different methods by which learners gain an
education may be given the recognition they are due. The Framework creates
the possibility for transfer of credit, and promotes progression from one
qualification system to another in the pursuit of Lifelong Learning. SCQF
Level 12 equates to Doctoral Level in the
Higher Education Qualifications Framework. See
www.scqf.com/ for further details.
- SCE Standard Grade Foundation
- The Scottish Certificate of Education (Standard Grade) is the main
means by which pupils are assessed in their fourth year of Secondary
School (S4) in Scotland, usually at the age of 16. The Standard Grade is
awarded by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), based upon the
results of nationally applied examinations and assessed coursework.
Standard Grades are assessed at three levels, of which Foundation is the
lowest. See ??? for more information.
- SCE Standard Grade General
- The Scottish Certificate of Education (Standard Grade) is the main
means by which pupils are assessed in their fourth year of Secondary
School (S4) in Scotland, usually at the age of 16. The Standard Grade is
awarded by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), based upon the
results of nationally applied examinations and assessed coursework.
Standard Grades are assessed at three levels, of which General is the
middle. See ??? for more information.
- SCE Standard Grade Credit
- The Scottish Certificate of Education (Standard Grade) is the main
means by which pupils are assessed in their fourth year of Secondary
School (S4) in Scotland, usually at the age of 16. The Standard Grade is
awarded by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), based upon the
results of nationally applied examinations and assessed coursework.
Standard Grades are assessed at three levels, of which Credit is the
highest. See ??? for more information.
- SCE Higher
- The Scottish Certificate of Education (Higher) has traditionally been
the main progression from Standard Grades for Secondary
School students in Scotland. This examination is gradually being replaced
by the new Scottish National Qualifications, with a view
to encouraging students of a wider range of abilities to remain within —
or return to — the educational system. The SCE Higher is deemed to be
equivalent in achievement to the new Higher level
within the Scottish National Qualifications. The Higher examination is set
by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA). See ???
for more information.
- SCE CSYS
- The Scottish Certificate of Sixth Year Studies (CSYS) has
traditionally been the main progression from Highers
for Secondary School students in Scotland. This is gradually being changed
by the new Scottish National Qualifications, with a view
to encouraging students of a wider range of abilities to remain within —
or return to — the educational system. The Certificate is deemed to be
equivalent in achievement to the new Advanced
Higher level within the Scottish National Qualifications. The CSYS
examination is set by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA). See
??? for more information.
- NQ Access 1 | NQ Access 2 | NQ Access 3
- National Qualifications replace the old Higher
and Certificate of Sixth Year Studies as the main
progression beyond the Standard Grade for students in
Scottish Secondary schools. Further, they are designed to narrow the gap
between academic courses of study and more vocational programmes of work.
National Qualifications are structured into a series of levels, of which
Access is the lowest. The Access level is itself further subdivided into
levels 1, 2, and 3, with NQ Access level 3 benchmarked against an
SCE Standard Grade at Foundation level.
National Qualifications comprise three units of work, plus a final
externally assessed examination which is set by the Scottish
Qualifications Authority (SQA). Each such unit of work itself forms a
'National Unit', allowing students to achieve one or more National Units
without necessarily completing the whole course of study. All National
Qualifications except those at Access level 1 may be combined together in
order to form a Scottish Group Award (SGA). These SGAs are achieved by
combining a set of National Units from a range of courses over a period of
time, and are awarded at one of the National Qualifications levels. A
Scottish Group Award at Higher, for example,
requires a minimum of nine National Units at Higher,
eight units at Intermediate 2, and three
external assessment credits (exams) at Higher
level. See ??? for more information.
- NQ Intermediate 1 | NQ Intermediate
2
- National Qualifications replace the old Higher
and Certificate of Sixth Year Studies as the main
progression beyond the Standard Grade for students in
Scottish Secondary schools. Further, they are designed to narrow the gap
between academic courses of study and more vocational programmes of work.
National Qualifications are structured into a series of levels, with
Intermediate 1 sitting above Access 3 and
Intermediate 2 below Higher. The Intermediate
level is itself further subdivided into levels 1 and 2, with NQ
Intermediate level 1 benchmarked against an SCE
Standard Grade at General level, and NQ Intermediate level 2
benchmarked against an SCE Standard Grade at Credit
level. National Qualifications comprise three units of work, plus a final
externally assessed examination which is set by the Scottish
Qualifications Authority (SQA). Each such unit of work itself forms a
'National Unit', allowing students to achieve one or more National Units
without necessarily completing the whole course of study. All National
Qualifications except those at Access level 1 may be combined together in
order to form a Scottish Group Award (SGA). These SGAs are achieved by
combining a set of National Units from a range of courses over a period of
time, and are awarded at one of the National Qualifications levels. A
Scottish Group Award at Higher, for example,
requires a minimum of nine National Units at Higher,
eight units at Intermediate 2, and three
external assessment credits (exams) at Higher
level. See ??? for more information.
- NQ Higher
- National Qualifications replace the old Higher
and Certificate of Sixth Year Studies as the main
progression beyond the Standard Grade for students in
Scottish Secondary schools. Further, they are designed to narrow the gap
between academic courses of study and more vocational programmes of work.
National Qualifications are structured into a series of levels, with
Higher sitting above Intermediate 2 and
below Advanced Higher. The National
Qualifications Higher level is benchmarked against the old
SCE Higher examination. National Qualifications
comprise three units of work, plus a final externally assessed examination
which is set by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA). Each such
unit of work itself forms a 'National Unit', allowing students to achieve
one or more National Units without necessarily completing the whole course
of study. All National Qualifications except those at Access level 1 may
be combined together in order to form a Scottish Group Award (SGA). These
SGAs are achieved by combining a set of National Units from a range of
courses over a period of time, and are awarded at one of the National
Qualifications levels. A Scottish Group Award at
Higher, for example, requires a minimum of nine National Units at
Higher, eight units at
Intermediate 2, and three external assessment credits (exams) at
Higher level. See ??? for more
information.
- NQ Advanced Higher
- National Qualifications replace the old Higher
and Certificate of Sixth Year Studies as the main
progression beyond the Standard Grade for students in
Scottish Secondary schools. Further, they are designed to narrow the gap
between academic courses of study and more vocational programmes of work.
National Qualifications are structured into a series of levels, with
Advanced Higher sitting at the top, above Higher.
The National Qualifications Advanced Higher level is benchmarked against
the old Certificate of Sixth Year Studies (CSYS).
National Qualifications comprise three units of work, plus a final
externally assessed examination which is set by the Scottish
Qualifications Authority (SQA). Each such unit of work itself forms a
'National Unit', allowing students to achieve one or more National Units
without necessarily completing the whole course of study. All National
Qualifications except those at Access level 1 may be combined together in
order to form a Scottish Group Award (SGA). These SGAs are achieved by
combining a set of National Units from a range of courses over a period of
time, and are awarded at one of the National Qualifications levels. A
Scottish Group Award at Higher, for example,
requires a minimum of nine National Units at Higher,
eight units at Intermediate 2, and three
external assessment credits (exams) at Higher
level. See ??? for more information.
Higher National Qualifications
Scottish Higher Education (SHE) Levels
- SHE Level 1
- Scottish Higher Education (SHE) Levels are a subset of the
Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF),
addressing that part of the Framework covering Higher Education
Qualifications. SHE Level 1 equates to SCQF Level 7,
and to Certificate Level in the Higher
Education Qualifications Framework. See ??? for more
information.
- SHE Level 2
- Scottish Higher Education (SHE) Levels are a subset of the
Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF),
addressing that part of the Framework covering Higher Education
Qualifications. SHE Level 2 equates to SCQF Level 8,
and to the lower part of Intermediate Level
in the Higher Education Qualifications Framework. See ???
for more information.
- SHE Level 3
- Scottish Higher Education (SHE) Levels are a subset of the
Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF),
addressing that part of the Framework covering Higher Education
Qualifications. SHE Level 3 equates to SCQF Level 9,
and to the upper part of Intermediate Level
in the Higher Education Qualifications Framework. See ???
for more information.
- SHE Level H
- Scottish Higher Education (SHE) Levels are a subset of the
Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF),
addressing that part of the Framework covering Higher Education
Qualifications. SHE Level H equates to SCQF Level 10,
and to Honours Level in the Higher Education
Qualifications Framework. See ??? for more information.
- SHE Level M
- Scottish Higher Education (SHE) Levels are a subset of the
Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF),
addressing that part of the Framework covering Higher Education
Qualifications. SHE Level M equates to SCQF Level 11,
and to Masters Level in the Higher Education
Qualifications Framework. See ??? for more information.
- SHE Level D
- Scottish Higher Education (SHE) Levels are a subset of the
Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF),
addressing that part of the Framework covering Higher Education
Qualifications. SHE Level D equates to SCQF Level 12,
and to Doctoral Level in the Higher Education
Qualifications Framework. See ??? for more information.
Higher Education Qualifications Framework
- Certificate Level
- Certificate Level lies at the bottom of the Higher Education
Qualifications Framework, below Intermediate
Level. At present, the only qualification associated with this level
is the Certificate of Higher Education. See
http://www.qaa.ac.uk/crntwork/nqf/ewni2001/contents.htm for
more information which, although written for England, Wales and Northern
Ireland, is also applicable to Scotland.
- Intermediate Level
- Intermediate Level lies between
Certificate Level and Honours Level in the
Higher Education Qualifications Framework. Holders of qualifications at
this level will have developed a sound understanding of the principles in
their field of study, and will have learned to apply those principles more
widely. Their studies may well have had a vocational orientation, enabling
them to perform effectively in their chosen field. Qualifications
associated with this level are the Diploma of Higher
Education, the Foundation Degree, and
(mostly in Scotland) the Ordinary (non-Honours) Degree.
See
http://www.qaa.ac.uk/crntwork/nqf/ewni2001/contents.htm
for more information which, although written for England, Wales and
Northern Ireland, is also applicable to Scotland.
- Honours Level
- Honours Level lies between Intermediate
Level and Masters Level in the Higher
Education Qualifications Framework. Holders of qualifications at this
level will have developed an understanding of a complex body of knowledge,
some of it at the current boundaries of an academic discipline. Through
this, the graduate will have developed analytical techniques and
problem-solving skills that can be applied in many fields of discourse.
The graduate will be able to evaluate evidence, arguments and assumptions,
to reach sound judgements, and to communicate effectively. Qualifications
associated with this level are the Honours Degree,
the Graduate Certificate and the
Graduate Diploma. See
http://www.qaa.ac.uk/crntwork/nqf/ewni2001/contents.htm for
more information which, although written for England, Wales and Northern
Ireland, is also applicable to Scotland.
- Masters Level
- Masters Level lies between Honours Level
and Doctoral Level in the Higher Education
Qualifications Framework. Holders of qualifications at this level will
have undertaken work at, or informed by, the forefront of an academic or
professional discipline. Students will have shown originality in the
application of knowledge, and they will understand how the boundaries of
knowledge are advanced through research. They will be able to deal with
complex issues both systematically and creatively, and they will show
originality in tackling and solving problems. Masters Level qualifications
can be awarded for both taught course and research-based programmes of
study, leading to Masters Degrees,
Postgraduate Certificates, and
Postgraduate Diplomas. See
http://www.qaa.ac.uk/crntwork/nqf/ewni2001/contents.htm for
more information which, although written for England, Wales and Northern
Ireland, is also applicable to Scotland.
- Doctoral Level
- Doctoral Level lies at the top of the Higher Education Qualifications
Framework, above Masters Level. Holders of
qualifications at this level will have been actively involved in the
creation and interpretation of knowledge which extends the forefront of a
discipline, usually through original research. Holders of doctorates will
be able to conceptualise, design and implement projects for the generation
of significant new knowledge and understanding. The only type of
qualification associated with this level is the
Doctoral Degree. See
http://www.qaa.ac.uk/crntwork/nqf/ewni2001/contents.htm for
more information which, although written for England, Wales and Northern
Ireland, is also applicable to Scotland.
Higher Education Qualifications
- Certificate of Higher Education
- The Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) is available in a number
of higher education institutions, typically as an exit award after the
equivalent of one year of full-time study. Some CertHEs are awarded for
achievement over a range of subject areas whilst others focus on a single
subject. In some cases there is a strong vocational bias. See
http://www.qaa.ac.uk/crntwork/nqf/scotfw2001/contents.htm for
more information which, although written for Scotland, is also largely
applicable to England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- Diploma of Higher Education
- The Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) is available in a number of
higher education institutions, typically as an exit award after the
equivalent of two years of full-time study. Some DipHEs are awarded for
achievement over a range of subject areas whilst others focus on a single
subject. In some cases there is a strong vocational bias. See
http://www.qaa.ac.uk/crntwork/nqf/scotfw2001/contents.htm for
more information which, although written for Scotland, is also largely
applicable to England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- Foundation Degree
- The Foundation Degree is becoming available at a number of higher
education institutions, and is seen as a means of rationalising the
delivery of higher education below the level of the
Honours Degree. The Foundation Degree is
typically awarded following a period equivalent to two years of full-time
study, often with a vocational slant to the programme of study. See
http://www.hefce.ac.uk/learning/founddeg/faq.htm for more
information, specifically for England. It is
not clear whether the Foundation Degree applies outside England...
- Degree
- The Ordinary (non-Honours) Degree is available from most higher
education institutions, although it is rarely applied outside Scotland,
where it acts as an exit award after the equivalent of three years of
full-time study towards a (normally) four year
Honours Degree. See
http://www.qaa.ac.uk/crntwork/nqf/scotfw2001/contents.htm for
more information which, although written for Scotland, is also largely
applicable to England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- Honours Degree
- The Honours Degree is typically rewarded as a result of assessment and
after the equivalent of three years of full-time study (or four in
Scotland). It is awarded mainly either as a Bachelor of Science (BSc Hons)
or a Bachelor of Arts (BA Hons). The Honours Degree is the recognised
'normal' entry requirement to postgraduate study and to many professions
across the UK. See
http://www.qaa.ac.uk/crntwork/nqf/scotfw2001/contents.htm for
more information which, although written for Scotland, is also largely
applicable to England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- Graduate Certificate
- Is this correct? The
Graduate Certificate is a taught qualification, typically used as a
conversion course for those already holding an Honours Degree in a
different subject. The Graduate Certificate is usually awarded as a result
of assessment and after the equivalent of one year of part-time study.
This qualification should not be confused with the
Postgraduate Certificate, which is often innacurately labelled. See
??? for more information.
- Graduate Diploma
- Is this correct? The
Graduate Diploma is a taught qualification, typically used as a conversion
course for those already holding an Honours Degree in a different subject.
The Graduate Diploma is usually awarded as a result of assessment and
after the equivalent of two years of part-time study. This qualification
should not be confused with the Postgraduate Diploma,
which is often innacurately labelled. See ??? for more
information.
- Postgraduate Diploma
- The Postgraduate Diploma is normally awarded to those candidates who
complete the taught-course element of a Masters
Degree, but do not then go on to complete the dissertation or research
element of the programme. See ??? for more information.
- Postgraduate Certificate
- Is this correct?The
Postgraduate Certificate comprises both taught and practical components,
and is typically used as a conversion course to prepare holders of Honours
Degrees for employment within the subject studied (for example, the
Postgraduate Certificate of Education for those wishing to enter
teaching). The Postgraduate Certificate is usually awarded as a result of
assessment and after the equivalent of one year of full-time study. See
??? for more information.
- Masters Degree
- The Masters Degree is available through several different routes, the
most usual of which is as a programme of research or study over a period
equivalent to one year of full time involvement. Masters Degrees may also
occasionally be awarded at the culmination of a longer course (4-5 years
full time, typically), incorporating both undergraduate and Masters level
study. It is awarded mainly either as a Master of Science (MSc) or a
Master of Arts (MA). Subject-specific qualification such as Master of
Engineering (MEng) also exist. See
http://www.qaa.ac.uk/crntwork/nqf/scotfw2001/contents.htm for
more information which, although written for Scotland, is also largely
applicable to England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- Doctoral Degree
- The Doctoral Degree is available through several different routes, the
most usual of which is the submission of a thesis as the culmination of a
programme of research over a period equivalent to three years of full time
activity. Doctoral Degrees may also occasionally be awarded in recognition
of a body of published work produced over a protracted period. It is
awarded mainly as a PhD, but also occasionally as a DPhil. See
http://www.qaa.ac.uk/crntwork/nqf/scotfw2001/contents.htm for
more information which, although written for Scotland, is also largely
applicable to England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- Foundation GNVQ
- The Foundation General National Vocational Qualification (GNVQ) is
available in three (equivalent to two GCSEs at grades
D-G, and known as the Part One GNVQ) and six (equivalent to four
GCSEs at grades D-G) unit form. The GNVQ provides
experiences and education relevant to working life but does not provide
training for a specific job. Students develop the knowledge, skills and
understanding relevant to a broad vocational area and often have
experience of work within that area. Assessment is by means of coursework
and external assessment (set by whom?), of which the
former normally contributes two thirds of the final mark. See
http://www.qca.org.uk/nq/framework/framework1.asp for more
information, specifically for England.
- Intermediate GNVQ
- The Intermediate General National Vocational Qualification (GNVQ) is
available in three (equivalent to two GCSEs at grades
A*-C, and known as the Part One GNVQ) and six (equivalent to four
GCSEs at grades A*-C) unit form. The GNVQ provides
experiences and education relevant to working life but does not provide
training for a specific job. Students develop the knowledge, skills and
understanding relevant to a broad vocational area and often have
experience of work within that area. Assessment is by means of coursework
and external assessment (set by whom?), of which the
former normally contributes two thirds of the final mark. See
http://www.qca.org.uk/nq/framework/framework2.asp for more
information, specifically for England.
- Advanced GNVQ
- The Advanced General National Vocational Qualification (GNVQ) is also
known as the Vocational A Level and as the Advanced Vocational Certificate
of Education (AVCE). The qualification is available in three (equivalent
to an AS Level), six (equivalent to an
A Level) and 12 (equivalent to two
A Levels) unit form. The GNVQ provides experiences
and education relevant to working life but does not provide training for a
specific job. Students develop the knowledge, skills and understanding
relevant to a broad vocational area and often have experience of work
within that area. Assessment is by means of coursework and external
assessment (set by whom?), of which the former normally
contributes two thirds of the final mark. See
http://www.qca.org.uk/nq/framework/framework3.asp for more
information, specifically for England.
National Vocational Qualifications
- Level 1 NVQ
- General qualifications are related to a specific subject, for example,
GCSE Science, History, Music, Design and Technology. Vocationally-related
qualifications provide a broad introduction to a particular vocational
area, for example, manufacturing, art and design, health and social care.
Occupational qualifications are related to a specific job and are based on
the knowledge and skills needed in that job, for example, administration,
commercial horticulture, food preparation and cooking, retail operations,
using information technology.
4. Notes on Usage
RDF namespace or what? Also need a Scheme declaration (MEG-UK-LEVELS ?).
Use terms exactly as written in the table. A single namespace, or one
for NC, one for SCE, one for SQA, etc...?
DECOSLO experience; need upper and lower bounds (resource applies from
Foundation Degree - Masters Degree, etc)
5. Outstanding Issues
- Are the "See ... for more information" links in Section 3 the best links
you know of? Any ideas for those lacking such a link?
- Do we just want a list of terms (with Scope Notes), or do we want/need
something more like a
Thesaurus, with Preferred Terms, Related Terms, hierarchy, and the like?
- How far 'down' should terms go? Is NC Key Stage 1 detailed enough, or do
we want to include the subjects, topics, attainment targets, etc?
- Are there equivalent levels for things like the (Scottish) National
Certificates, Modern Apprenticeships, Basic Skills, BTEC (First Diploma at
Level 2, National Diploma at Level 3, right?, but what else, and how to
describe?), City and Guilds, etc, and where do they fit?
- What's missing, incomplete, or incorrect???
- Please Can we agree some decent labels for the 'High Level
Terms', levels 4 and 5? (1-3 are QCA terms) Might QAA have done it already?
- Should I drop, expand or leave as-is the 'Specific Terms' column?
6. Acknowledgements
This document is based upon prior work contributed by numerous members of
the uk-meg
mailing list. Specifically, we would like to acknowledge the input of Alan
Slevin (Learning & Teaching Scotland), ...
The editors wish to thank all of those who contributed, and apologise for
any unintentional misrepresentation of their contributions on this page.
7. Main online sources consulted
Department for Education and Employment
Qualifications Framework
Higher Still
Learning & Skills Agency
Credit
Framework
Northern Ireland Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment
Northern Ireland Curriculum
Northern Ireland Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment
Qualifications 16-19
QAA
Framework for Higher Education qualifications in England, Wales and Northern
Ireland
QAA
Framework for qualifications of Higher Education Institutions in Scotland
QCA Curriculum and Assessment
QCA Qualifications Framework
US Department of Education
User and Controlled
Vocabularies for "Level of Education" Element
