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
GCSEs are offered by all secondary schools and are assessed by coursework and external examinations.
Choose a broad range of subjects including perhaps Art & Design and IT
Try and get your Maths and English up to scratch as these are important.
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OCR level 2
The
OCR Level 2 Diploma for iMedia Users is for those in full-time education who want to work in the iMedia industry.
It is also be suitable if you are already in a job but want to develop skills in specialist areas.
Relevant units include digital graphics and web authoring.
Assessment is through coursework.
If successful you will be able to progress directly to the OCR Level 3 Certificate/Diploma for iMedia Users.
You can find more details at
www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications
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OCR level 3
The OCR Level 3 Diploma for iMedia Users builds on the level 2 qualification. It covers a range of different software applications and will help you learn to manage information and plan and prioritise tasks. The course is directly relevant to employment in the iMedia industry
Assessment is through coursework.
You can find more details at
www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications
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HNC/HND
HND course are 2 years full time – subjects such as
Web Design,
Web Development or
Internet Computing would be relevant
A good understanding of business is also helpful so you may find courses such as Business Interactive Technology attractive
An HND will give you a good basis for employment to get practical experience and you can usually go on to take an honours degree
Search for HND/HNC courses at
www.ucas.ac.uk
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Honours degree
You can often transfer into the second or third year of an honours degree if you want to continue your higher education.
You would get a BSc (Bachelor of Science) – subjects such as
Web development,
Web design or
Multimedia studiesCheck the UCAS website for local opportunities.
www.ucas.ac.uk