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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OCR National level 1
OCR National Level 1 in Applied Art, Design and Media would give you a good overview of the whole sector. The course also includes key employment skills such as team work and communication
There are no exams, assessment is through assignments
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OCR National level 2
OCR National Level 2 in Media is a full time course suitable for those wanting to explore different areas of media or go into employment but it can also be a stepping stone to level 3 courses such as A/AS levels
One of the core units - Marketing and presenting a media product - looks in detail at advertising campaigns
There are no exams - assessment is through assignments
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A/AS levels
A levels in Art & Design or Media would help you consider your options more widely. Other subjects such as Business Studies or Psychology would also give you good background for advertising and many other sectors
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HNC/HND
HND courses take 2 years full time. Some HNCs can be taken part time while working, perhaps through employer sponsorship. You can often get a place with two A levels.
Relevant courses include
Advertising and
Business and Marketing.
Remember you do not need to take a course directly related to advertising.
You can generally progress from an HND into the second or third year of an honours degree in a similar subject.
Search
www.ucas.ac.uk for HNC/HND courses
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Honours degree
The subject of your degree is not important, although Advertising or Marketing would give you a good insight into the industry.
Advertising and Marketing are often combined with other subjects such as Business Studies or Management.
Look at UCAS website for degree courses
www.ucas.ac.ukGraduate trainees are usually employed as
Advertising Account ExecutivesWith Continuing Professional Development and further study, you can move up to
Advertising Account Manager
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Postgraduate diploma
The CAM
Diploma in Marketing Communications is offered by colleges and private providers.
Each of the five modules can be studied part time, at weekends or by distance learning to fit in around your work
Use the Graduate Prospects course search
www.prospects.ac.uk for other Postgraduate Diplomas in the South East such as
Marketing Management