Qualifications guide
Below are the different courses and qualifications you could study. Not all schools offer the same, so it's important to check out which of these are available in your school.
Information Please select what you require information on:
- Different Courses and qualifications
- National Qualifications Framework
National Qualifications Framework
Before you start thinking about individual subjects, it makes sense to think about how the qualifications you are going to take relate to each other. After all, with so many on offer, it can sometimes be hard to understand what they all mean and how they fit together.
This is where the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) can help. It puts all the different qualifications into nine different levels. Qualifications of the same level require the same degree of skill, knowledge and understanding, even though the subjects that are studied may be different. The higher the level, the more advanced the qualification.
| Qualification level | Achievement level | Examples of qualifications at this level |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | Builds a basic level of knowledge, understanding and skills. | Entry Level certificates at Levels 1, 2 or 3, in a range of areas including National Curriculum subjects, life skills, functional skills, and skills for working life. |
| Level 1 | Basic knowledge, understanding and skills, and the ability to apply learning to everyday situations. | All GCSE grades D-G; 14-19 Diploma Level 1; Award Scheme Development and Accreditation Network (ASDAN) Level 1 certificates; functional and key skills Level 1; Vocationally Related Qualification (VRQ) Level 1, for example: BTEC Introductory or City & Guilds Level 1; National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Level 1. |
| Level 2 | Building knowledge and/or skills in relation to subject or sector areas; gaining the ability to apply learning to a varied range of tasks. This is seen as the minimum level required by employers and is critical to going on to further study and higher skill levels. | All GCSE grades A*-C; 14-19 Diploma Level 2; functional and key skills Level 2; VRQ Level 2, for example: City & Guilds Level 2 or BTEC First Certificates and Diplomas; NVQ Level 2. |
| Level 3 | Learning at this level involves in-depth knowledge, understanding and skills, and a higher level of application. Appropriate for people who want to go into higher education, further training or employment. | All GCE AS and A levels; Advanced Extension Awards; 14-19 Diploma Level 3; functional and key skills Level 3; VRQ Level 3, for example: Foundation Diploma in Art and Design or BTEC National Certificates and Diplomas; NVQ Level 3; International Baccalaureate. |
| Levels 4-8 | Specialist learning that involves a high level of knowledge in a specific occupational role or study. Appropriate for people working in, or wishing to progress to, specialised technical and professional roles, which can involve managing and developing others. | Certificates and Diplomas of Higher Education; Bachelor's degrees; postgraduate qualifications; professional qualifications; Foundation degrees; Higher National Certificates and Diplomas; key skills Level 4; NVQ Levels 4 and 5. |
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