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
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
http://hsc.edexcel.org.uk for more information
NATIONAL & LOCAL AREA LINKS
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
http://www.edexcel.com for more information
NATIONAL & LOCAL AREA LINKS
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 Certificate or Diploma in Health and Social Care allows you to get some direct vocational experience before getting a job.
You can move on to higher education with a good BTEC National qualification.
NATIONAL & LOCAL AREA LINKS
Foundation degree
Foundation Degree courses train you in specialist skills and help you develop:
- Work Skills, relevant to social care 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 in the South East including
Social Care, Health and Social Care and Health and
Social Care Practice.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. Ask individual universities about their entry requirements.
NATIONAL & LOCAL AREA LINKS
Honours Degree
Three year degree courses in
Health and Social Care or more general
Social Science are offered by several universities in the South East.
Search for courses at
www.ucas.ac.uk