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 A*-C
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.
A vocational GCSE in Health & Social Care would give you an early insight into the healthcare sector.
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NVQ level 3
You will need at least two A levels, and a science subject such as Biology or Chemistry is preferable.
You could consider a vocational A level in Health & Social Care.
Mature students without the relevant qualifications can take an Access to Higher Education course (such as Access to Science).
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Honours degree
An Honours degree will give you the technical and professional skills to work as a Radiographer within a Healthcare team.
There are two distinct types of courses depending on your career interest:
BSc
Diagnostic Radiographyand
BSc
Therapeutic RadiographyBoth lead to
State RegistrationSeveral universities in London and the South east offer these courses. Students on qualifying radiography courses are normally funded by Department of Health bursaries.
Check
www.radiographycareers.co.uk for accredited courses.
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Masters degree
You will need a good first degree and at least two years’ clinical experience andpost-registration professional development.
You may be able to take different elements as specialist short courses for your career development.
Courses in London and the South East include
Clinical Reporting and
Principles of Medical Magnetic Resonance.
Masters degrees can be taken full time (approximately one year) or part time while working. In some universities you can take individual modules.
Use the Graduate Prospects course search
www.prospects.ac.uk to find courses in London and the South East.
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Doctorate
With a good first degree, you can register for an MPhil and then convert to a PhD. This involves research and can be taken full or part time.
The research is supervised by practising Radiographer.
Current PhD opportunities in London and the South East can be found at
www.findaphd.com