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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BTEC Introductory
The BTEC Introductory Diploma in
Health and Social Care is a broad based qualification which allows you to explore Healthcare and Social Care career options without losing the flexibility to transfer to other areas if you decide it is not for you
The Diploma involves an externally assessed project and gives you the chance to improve your key skills
Core units include Starting Work in Health and Social Care, Working in Health and Social Care and Developing Skills in Health and Social Care
Visit
www.edexcel.com for more information
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BTEC First
The
BTEC First Diploma in Health and Social Care is a specialist work-related qualification
The Diploma has two core units plus specialist units including Anatomy and Physiology for Health and Social Care and Creative and Therapeutic Activities in Health and Social Care
Mature entrants can have their previous achievements and work experience recognised through Accreditation of Prior Learning
Visit
www.edexcel.com for more information
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BTEC National
BTEC National qualifications usually last two years full-time or three years 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.
The BTEC National in Health Studies allows you to get some direct vocational experience
You can move on to higher education with a good BTEC National qualification
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Honours degree
Honours degrees usually last for 3 years full time or 4 years if in service. BSc in Occupational Therapy is a relevant course. Training consists of study and a Clinical Placement
Several universities in the South East offer OT degrees
An honours degree will enable you to become a Registered Practitioner to work in the NHS or social services.
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Postgraduate diploma
PGDip Occupational Therapy Studies in the South East is offered by Brighton University and is a full time pre-registration course which lasts for two years
Other opportunities include Postgraduate Diplomas in Positive Care for Older People, Rehabilitation and Advanced Professional Practice in Healthcare.
Use the Graduate Prospects course search
www.prospects.ac.uk to find more details.
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Doctorate
A PhD by research in Occupational Therapy or a related field can take several years, but can be completed while you are working