Don’t know your doctorates from your diplomas? We can help with that…
With so many different qualifications flying around, it can be hard to keep track of what each one means – not to mention where it could lead to next. But with comprehensive education frameworks put in place throughout the UK, it needn’t take too long to get to grips with the basics. No matter what stage you’re currently at.
To help you work out where to go next, here’s everything you need to know about the UK’s education levels: explained.
How many education levels are there?
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, there are eight different levels of education – as well as an entry level, to help you begin studying. These are set out by something known as the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).
In Scotland, there are 12 different levels of education. These are set out by something known as the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF).
RQFs
The RQF provides a formal way of structuring the different levels of education in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
It was introduced in 2015, effectively combining the two previous frameworks, the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF).
Entry level qualifications
What it means
Entry level is the most basic form of qualification, and usually provides an introduction into education. They aren’t generally compulsory.
Entry level qualifications are available in three different sub-categories, which progressively get more difficult: entry levels 1, 2 and 3.
Examples of entry level qualifications include:
- Entry level functional or essential skills
- Entry level awards and diplomas
- Entry level certificates (ELCs)
- Entry level English for foreign language speakers (ESOL)
- Skills for Life
Perfect for
Anyone looking to learn a new subject or language, as well as those looking to enter formal education.
Level 1 qualifications
What it means
Often achieved in Years 10 and 11 of secondary school, Level 1 qualifications are the first formal rung on the numbered system of qualifications.
Examples of Level 1 qualifications include:
- GCSE grades 3, 2 or 1 (previously grades D, E, F or G)
- Level 1 functional or essential skills
- Level 1 awards and diplomas
- Level 1 certificates
- Level 1 National Vocational Qualification (NVQ)
- Music grades 1, 2 and 3
- Level 1 ESOL
Perfect for
Those aged 15-6, or anyone looking to further their education. You won’t necessarily have to complete an entry level qualification to move onto Level 1.
Level 2 qualifications
What it means
Level 2 is the next step up from Level 1, and is also often achieved in Years 10 and 11.
Examples of Level 2 qualifications include:
- GCSE grades 9, 8, 7, 6, 5 or 4 (previously grades A*, A, B or C)
- O level (grades A, B or C)
- Grade 1 at CSE level
- Level 2 functional or essential skills
- Level 2 awards and diplomas
- Level 2 certificates
- Level 2 NVQ
- Music grades 4 and 5
- Intermediate apprenticeships
- Level 2 ESOL
Perfect for
Those aged 15-6, or anyone looking to further their education. Because of the high standard of their grades, Level 2 learners will usually progress to Level 3 qualifications.
Level 3 qualifications
What it means
Level 3 generally shows greater knowledge in a subject, and is often achieved in Years 12 and 13, or in centres for further education.
Examples of Level 3 qualifications include:
- A level (grades A, B, C, D or E)
- Advanced subsidiary (AS) level
- Tech level
- Applied general
- Level 3 awards, diplomas and certificates
- Level 3 NVQ
- Music grades 6, 7 and 8
- Advanced apprenticeships
- Access to higher education diploma
- International Baccalaureate diploma
- Level 3 ESOL
Perfect for
Those who are looking to continue their education after the minimum school leaving age, or are interested in specialising in a particular subject.
Level 4 qualifications
What it means
Level 4 is indicative of a greater understanding and a higher level of learning than that gained through core modules at secondary education level.
Examples of Level 4 qualifications include:
- Higher national certificate (HNC)
- Certificate of higher education (CertHE)
- Level 4 awards
- Level 4 diplomas
- Level 4 certificates
- Level 4 NVQ
- Higher apprenticeships
Perfect for
Level 4 acts as the bridge between level 3 and 5, and can help people progress to the next stage of education when they might not have been able to with their previous qualifications.
Level 5 qualifications
What it means
Level 5 demonstrates knowledge of a subject which goes beyond the level taught at secondary education.
Examples of Level 5 qualifications include:
- Foundation degree
- Higher national diploma (HND)
- Diploma of higher education (DipHE)
- Level 5 awards, diplomas and certificates
- Level 5 NVQ
Perfect for
Anyone looking to move on to university, or other forms of higher education.
Level 6 qualifications
What it means
Level 6 refers to qualifications gained at degree level, indicating the holder has graduated from a centre for further education.
Examples of Level 6 qualifications include:
- Bachelor’s degree (with or without honours)
- Graduate diploma
- Graduate certificate
- Level 6 awards, diplomas and certificates
- Level 6 NVQ
- Degree apprenticeship
Perfect for
Anyone who wants to take their knowledge of a subject past secondary education level – whether that’s to gain a degree of a higher level NVQ or certificate. It’s also the first step for those looking to pursue a master’s.
Level 7 qualifications
What it means
Level 7 refers to a level of education equivalent to a master’s degree, and is generally attained in a centre for further education.
Examples of Level 7 qualifications include:
- Master’s degree
- Integrated master’s degree
- Postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE)
- Postgraduate diplomas and certificates
- Level 7 awards, diplomas and certificates
- Level 7 NVQ
Perfect for
Anyone looking for a qualification which validates knowledge beyond degree level. After Level 7, there’s only one more level – a doctorate (PhD) or its equivalent.
Which postgraduate degree is right for me?
Level 8 qualifications
What it means
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
Perfect for
Anyone looking to achieve the highest formal level of education possible in England, Wales and Northern Ireland – and to become a fully qualified Doctor.
SCQF
The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework is the name for the structuring of qualifications used in Scotland.
Although it shares some similarities (and recognises some of the same qualifications), the SCQF operates independently from the RQF, and is made up of 12 distinct levels.
Once again, levels and qualifications range in difficulty, but are given to demonstrate as a guideline to see how your qualifications can progress.
Find out more about SCQFs here.
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