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
GCSEs are offered by all secondary schools and are assessed by coursework and external examinations.
Choose Art & Design and IT or Applied ICT, and try and get your Maths and English up to standard
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NVQ level 2
The NVQ 2 in Design support is suitable for those working in the graphics industry. The qualification is assessed in the workplace.
It covers the basics of Design generally, including researching information and communicating design ideas.
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NVQ level 3
You can progress to
NVQ 3 in Design, suitable for those working in:
- Print Designers
- Packaging Designers
- Studio Designers
- Agencies
The qualification is assessed in the workplace using real design examples
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NVQ level 4
The NVQ 4 in Design Management is suitable for those with some management responsibilities. It includes overseeing the development of design options and final products.
The qualification is assessed in the workplace
Good grades in basic GCSE subjects such as Maths and English are very important
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HNC/HND
HNDs are full time 2 year courses, but you may be able to get sponsorship from your employer.
Courses in
Graphic Design/Illustration are available in the South East. Areas of study can include Visual Communication, Typography, Printmaking, Photography, Branding & identity, Editorial Design, Illustration and Packaging.
For further information search the courses database at
www.ucas.ac.ukHNC/HND qualifications can give you entry into year 2 or 3 of an honours degree course
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Honours degree
Honours degrees are available from some colleges of further and higher education and from universities. Many courses are practical project based with a lot of independent study.
You would get a BA (Bachelor of Arts). Relevant subject areas for graphic design include
- Film, Photography, Video and Digital Media
- Visual Communications and Graphic Design
Check the UCAS website
www.ucas.ac.uk
for courses
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BTEC Introductory
The BTEC Introductory Certificate and Diploma in Art, Design and Media is aimed at learners aged 14–19 who want a vocationally related course
It is also suitable for post-19 learners wanting to return to education, training or employment.
The course develops a range of employability skills as well as skills in art, design and media.
Studies are broad and provide a stepping stone into employment at 16