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 Grade D - G
GCSEs are offered by all secondary schools and are assessed by coursework and external examinations.
Core GCSEs such as Maths, English and Science are especially important for a career in biomedical science.
Vocational GCSEs in Applied Science or Health & Social Care would give you good background. ICT would also be helpful.
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NVQ Level 2
An NVQ level 2 in an area such as NVQ level 2
Health (Clinical Support) can be taken while working as a Clinical Support Worker, Medical Technical Officer or Clinical Pathology Technician.
NVQs involve building up a portfolio as evidence of competence. Learning and assessment takes place at work.
For more information go to
www.edexcel.com
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NVQ Level 3
NVQ level 3 builds on level 2 and can also be taken while working as a Clinical Support Worker, Medical Technical Officer or Clinical Pathology Technician.
NVQ level 3 is available in Diagnostic and Therapeutic Support or Allied Health Professions Support (General).
For more information go to
www.edexcel.com
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Foundation Degree
A Foundation degree in Laboratory Science will help you become an
Associate Practitioner in Healthcare Science.
Foundation Degree courses train you in specialist skills and help you develop:
- Work Skills, relevant to healthcare careers
- 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 Foundation degree courses in London and the South East include
Biomedical Science and
Clinical Physiology.
You can study for a Foundation Degree while you are working.
If you want to progress further a Foundation Degree can be converted into an honours degree, usually by transferring into the second or third year of a related course.
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Honours Degree
Several BSc honours degree subjects are appropriate for biomedical science, including
Biomedical Science or
Life Sciences.
These are generally 3 years full time, but some are 4 years and include a work placement year. IBMS accredited Honours degree courses include a project in the final year.
Check
www.ucas.ac.uk for courses.
Achieving the IBMS Certificate of Competence leads to registration as a
Biomedical Scientist.
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Masters Degree
A part time MSc such as in
Medical Microbiology, gives you the chance to study at the same time as working and become a
Fellow of the IBMS.
Use the Graduate Prospects course search
www.prospects.ac.uk to find accredited MSc courses such as Biomedical Sciences.
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Advanced Specialist Diploma
Advanced Specialist Diplomas are offered in applied science areas such as Transfusion Science, Cervical Cytology or more generic subjects such as Health and Safety or Quality Management.