Levels of education What do they mean

Levels of education What do they mean by Michael Cheary 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 â€" not to mention where it could lead to next. But with comprehensive 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 different levels of education:How many levels of education are there?This will depend on what country you’re studying in.In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, there are eight different levels of education â€" as well as an entry level, to help you begin studying. These are set out by something known as the RQF.In Scotland, there are 12 different levels of education. These are set out by something known as the SCQF.RQFsThe Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) provides a formal w ay of structuring the different levels of education in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.It was introduced in 2015, effectively combing the two previous frameworks, the NQF and the QCF.Entry Level What it meansEntry 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 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 skillsEntry level awards and diplomasEntry level certificates (ELCs)Entry level English for foreign language speakers (ESOL)Skills for LifePerfect forAnyone looking to learn a new subject or language, as well as those looking to enter formal education.  Level 1What it meansOften achieved in Years 10 and 11 of secondary school, Level 1 qualifications are the first formal rung on the numbered system of qualifications.Examp les of Level 1 qualifications include:GCSE (grades D, E, F or G)Level 1 functional or essential skillsLevel 1 awards and diplomasLevel 1 certificatesLevel 1 National Vocational Qualification (NVQ)Music grades 1, 2 and 3Level 1 ESOLPerfect forThose 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 2What it meansLevel 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 A*, A, B or C)O level (grades A, B or C)Grade 1 at CSE levelLevel 2 functional or essential skillsLevel 2 awards and diplomasLevel 2 certificatesLevel 2 NVQMusic grades 4 and 5Intermediate apprenticeshipsLevel 2 ESOLPerfect forThose 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 3What it meansLevel 3 generall y 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) levelTech levelApplied generalLevel 3 awards, diplomas and certificatesLevel 3 NVQMusic grades 6, 7 and 8Advanced apprenticeshipsAccess to higher education diplomaInternational Baccalaureate diplomaLevel 3 ESOLPerfect forThose who are looking to continue their education after the minimum school leaving age, or who want to specialise in a particular subject.Level 4What it meansLevel 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 awardsLevel 4 diplomasLevel 4 certificatesLevel 4 NVQHigher apprenticeshipsPerfect forLevel 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 5What it meansLevel 5 demonstrates knowledge of a subject which goes beyond what was taught during secondary education.Examples of Level 5 qualifications include:Foundation degreeHigher national diploma (HND)Diploma of higher education (DipHE)Level 5 awards, diplomas and certificatesLevel 5 NVQPerfect forAnyone looking to move on to university, or other forms of higher education.  Level 6What it meansLevel 6 refers to qualifications gained at degree level, indicating the bearer has graduated from a centre for further education.Examples of Level 6 qualifications include:Bachelor’s degree (with or without honours)Graduate diplomaGraduate certificateLevel 6 awards, diplomas and certificatesLevel 6 NVQDegree apprenticeshipPerfect forAnyone who wants to take their knowledge of a subject past secondary education level â€" whether that’s to g ain a degree of a higher level NVQ or certificate. Also the first step for those looking to pursue a master’s.Level 7What it meansLevel 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 degreeIntegrated master’s degreePostgraduate certificate in education (PGCE)Postgraduate diplomas and certificatesLevel 7 awards, diplomas and certificatesLevel 7 NVQPerfect forAnyone looking for a qualification which validates knowledge beyond degree level. After Level 7, there’s only one more level â€" a doctorate (PhD) or its equivalent.  Level 8What it meansLevel 8 refers to a doctorate level of education, often known as a PhD.Examples of Level 8 qualifications include:Doctorate or PhDLevel 8 awards, diplomas and certificatesPerfect forAnyone looking to achieve the highest formal level of education possible in England, Wales and Northern Ireland â€" and/or beco me a fully qualified Doctor.SCQFThe 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.Is your resolution to  land a  new job?  View all of our current vacancies now