Qualification Levels
There are eight qualification levels and an entry level in the National Qualification Framework.
The levels shown opposite illustrate the qualification from the National Qualification Framework and the corresponding framework for Higher Education Qualifications.
In addition to the qualifications illustrated there is a wide variety of other vocational qualifications e.g. in IT there are qualifications offered by Microsoft, Oracle and Cisco which can be used to complement qualifcations from the framework.
In many cases it is possible to get in-work training in such qualifications.
Entry Level
Entry level qualifications recognise basic knowledge and skills and the ability to apply learning in everyday situations under direct guidance or supervision. Learning at this level involves building basic knowledge and skills and is not geared towards specific occupations.
Level 1
Level 1 qualifications recognise basic knowledge and skills and the ability to apply learning with guidance or supervision. Learning at this level is about activities which mostly relate to everyday situations and may be linked to job competence.
Level 2
Level 2 qualifications recognise the ability to gain a good knowledge and understanding of a subject area of work or study, and to perform varied tasks with some guidance or supervision. Learning at this level involves building knowledge and/or skills in relation to an area of work or a subject area and is appropriate for many job roles.
Level 3
Level 3 qualifications recognise the ability to gain, and where relevant apply a range of knowledge, skills and understanding. Learning at this level involves obtaining detailed knowledge and skills. It is appropriate for people wishing to go to university, people working independently, or in some areas supervising and training others in their field of work.
Level 4
Level 4 qualifications recognise specialist learning and involve detailed analysis of a high level of information and knowledge in an area of work or study. Learning at this level is appropriate for people working in technical and professional jobs, and/or managing and developing others. Level 4 qualifications are at a level equivalent to Certificates of Higher Education.
Level 5
Level 5 qualifications recognise the ability to increase the depth of knowledge and understanding of an area of work or study to enable the formulation of solutions and responses to complex problems and situations. Learning at this level involves the demonstration of high levels of knowledge, a high level of work expertise in job roles and competence in managing and training others. Qualifications at this level are appropriate for people working as higher grade technicians, professionals or managers. Level 5 qualifications are at a level equivalent to intermediate Higher Education qualifications such as Diplomas of Higher Education, Foundation and other degrees that do not typically provide access to postgraduate programmes.
Level 6
Level 6 qualifications recognise a specialist high level knowledge of an area of work or study to enable the use of an individual's own ideas and research in response to complex problems and situations. Learning at this level involves the achievement of a high level of professional knowledge and is appropriate for people working as knowledge-based professionals or in professional management positions. Level 6 qualifications are at a level equivalent to Bachelors degrees with honours, graduate certificates and graduate diplomas.
Level 7
Level 7 qualifications recognise highly developed and complex levels of knowledge which enable the development of in-depth and original responses to complicated and unpredictable problems and situations. Learning at this level involves the demonstration of high level specialist professional knowledge and is appropriate for senior professionals and managers. Level 7 qualifications are at a level equivalent to Masters degrees, postgraduate certificates and postgraduate diplomas.
Level 8
Level 8 qualifications recognise leading experts or practitioners in a particular field. Learning at this level involves the development of new and creative approaches that extend or redefine existing knowledge or professional practice.
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GCSE Grades D-G
All secondary schools offer GCSEs which are assessed by coursework and external examinations
You could take a Vocational GCSE such as Engineering or Applied Science alongside more general GCSEs. Maths and English will be important and Design & Technology and IT useful too.
You may get the chance to take a Young Apprenticeship working towards NVQ level 1 while you are still at school.
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BTEC First
BTEC First Diplomas prepare you for employment and/or provide career development opportunities for those already in work. Most of the course is internally assessed.
The Construction Diploma course gives a good background to the use of Science and Maths in Construction as well as practical skills and working practices.
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BTEC National
BTEC National qualifications usually last two years full-time or three part-time.
You will learn through a combination of classroom lessons, practical classes, assignments and project work. Your work will be assessed by your teachers/lecturers through coursework, a portfolio and some external tests.
With a BTEC National in Civil Engineering and further experience and professional development you can apply for Building Technician status
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Foundation degree
You could study for a Foundation Degree full time, or part time or by distance learning if you have a job.
A Foundation Degree course will give you specialist skills and help you develop:
- Work Skills, relevant to civil engineering
- Key Skills such as communication and problem solving
- General Skills such as reasoning and professionalism
Look on the Foundation Degree Forward site
www.fdf.ac.uk/courses/Engineering.php for courses in
Engineering or
Civil Engineering.
With further work experience, learning and professional development you can apply to become an
Incorporated Engineer (IEng)If you want to progress further a Foundation degree can be converted into a BEng honours degree by transferring into the second or third year of a related course – ask individual universities and colleges about their entry requirements.
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Honours degree
BSc and
BEng courses in
Civil Engineering are sometimes combined with other subjects such as Project Management or Architecture.
Following some initial professional development, including practical training and professional engineering experience you can register for a professional review interview to achieve
Incorporated Engineer status (IEng).
This involves an ongoing commitment to Professional Development which may be sponsored by your employer.
Search for relevant degree courses on
www.ucas.ac.uk
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Masters degree
Taught MSc degrees are on offer in
Civil Engineering – they may allow you to specialise in areas such as
Bridge Engineering or
Water and Environmental Engineering. They are generally a mix of theoretical, management and practical skills and involve individual projects related to real world problems.
The Open University offers an MEng (Postgraduate) degree which fulfils the educational requirements for
Chartered Engineer status.
If you are interested in management, the OU Business School also offers an
MBA www.open.ac.ukLocal links
are interested in taking vocational courses