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.
Music and Applied IT would be useful as well as trying to get your Maths and English up to scratch
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BTEC First Diploma
The BTEC First Diploma in Performing Arts (Production) provides a broad base for further training, education and employment within the performing arts sector.
The course is practical, with workshop based activities. Specialist units include Sound operations and Computer systems used by musicians
The Intermediate GNVQ in Performing Arts (soon coming to an end) involves performance and practical music making - to explore different vocational options, including Organising and evaluating events and Performance and production processes.
Specialist units include Making Music with Technology - covering recording skills, sequencing and sound manipulation
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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. It will involve studio work.
BTEC Nationals are offered in Music Practice and Music Technology (eg Acoustics or Events support)
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BTEC Professionals
BTEC Professional Diplomas are designed for those working in the industry and can form a bridge to level 5 studies. Subjects include Creative Music Technology and Sound Studio Management
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HNC/HND
Some higher education institutions offer HND courses in Music Technology or Music Production.
These courses are two years full time and include specialist units such as Accessible Music Technology and Sound Creation and Manipulation
You may be able to go on to the second or third year of an Honours degree
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Honours degree
BSc and BA and BMus in subjects related to music technology are all possible - for example
- BA Creative Music Technology
- BSc Music Technology with Electronics
- BMus Music and Technology
Most courses mix the theory and practice of sound recording with musical education.
Look at the UCAS website for local opportunities
www.ucas.ac.ukCreative and Cultural Skills offers a course search for technical degrees
www.ccskills.org.uk
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BTEC Introductory
GCSEs are offered by all secondary schools and are assessed by coursework and external examinations.
Music and Applied IT would be useful as well as trying to get your Maths and English up to scratch