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.
NATIONAL & LOCAL AREA LINKS
GCSE Grades D - G
All secondary schools offer GCSEs which are assessed by coursework and external examinations.
You could take a creative Vocational GCSE such as Applied Art and Design alongside more general GCSEs. Good grades in Maths, English and Science are important, as is an interest in Human Biology.
You may get the chance to study vocational qualifications while still at school
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City & Guilds level 2
The full time Level 2
Beauty Therapy Diploma provides practical experience and the underpinning knowledge.
You will gain experience by working with models and study topics such as practical and theoretical beauty therapy, anatomy and physiology and science.
The qualification is also suitable for mature students.
Alternative level 2 qualifications include the
Certificate in Holistic Therapies www.vtct.org.uk
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City & Guilds level 3
The full time City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in
Holistic Body Therapies includes key skills and Units on Body massage, Indian head massage, Reflexology and Aromatherapy. It links with the NVQ Level 3 in Beauty Therapy
Alternative level 3 vocational qualifications are:
IIHHT
Diploma in Holistic TherapyVTCT www.vtct.org.uk Diplomas in
- Body Massage
- Indian Head massage
- Aromatherapy
- Reflexology
- Understanding the healthcare environment for providers of complementary therapies
ITEC Diplomas
www.itecworld.co.uk/complementary including
- Anatomy and physiology
- Aromatherapy
- Holistic massage
- Reflexology
- Diet and nutrition for complementary therapists
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Foundation degree
You could study for a Foundation Degree. These are usually flexible enough to meet the needs of existing complementary practitioners, healthcare professionals and mature people wishing to develop a career in complementary healthcare provision.
A Foundation Degree (FdSc) course will give you specialist skills and help you develop:
- Work Skills at management, supervisory level or senior therapist level in salons, spas, health clubs and resorts.
- Key Skills such as communication and problem solving
- General Skills such as reasoning and professionalism
Use the course searches at
www.ucas.ac.uk and
www.findfoundationdegree.co.uk to find courses such as:
- Alternative Therapies
- Beauty Therapy
- Beauty Therapy Management
- Complementary Healthcare
- Complementary Healthcare Practice
- Complementary Therapies
- Holistic Therapies
If you want to progress further you can top up a Foundation degree to an honours degree course by transferring into the second or third year of a related course – ask individual Higher Education Institutions about their entry requirements.
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Honours Degree
Degree level courses related to the holistic therapies include:
- Aromatherapy and Therapeutic Bodywork
- Complementary therapies
- Health Sciences: complementary therapies
- Complementary Medicine in Healthcare
- Beauty therapy sciences
If you are interested in running your own practice, courses such as
Business Management or
Marketing might be an appropriate choice.
You will need to check with individual universities about their entry requirements.
Check
www.ucas.ac.uk for courses