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 A*-C
GCSEs are offered by all secondary schools and are assessed by coursework and external examinations.
You will need English and Art & Design. You could take ICT at GCSE level or Applied Information and Communication Technology – a vocational GCSE
NATIONAL & LOCAL AREA LINKS
BTEC National
BTEC National qualifications usually last two years full-time or three part-time. You will learn through a combination of classroom lessons, practical classes, assignments and project work.
Assessment is through coursework.
Your work will be assessed by your teachers/lecturers through coursework, a portfolio and some external tests.
The BTEC National in Art & Design or Graphic Design allows you to select specialist units such as Graphic Design, Photography and Multimedia.
One year Access to Art and Design courses give adults without formal qualifications the chance to go into higher education.
Mature students need to demonstrate clear talent so a comprehensive portfolio and good IT skills are very important.
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Honours degree via Diploma in Foundation Studies
A one year pre-degree
Diploma in Foundation Studies allows you to progress to art and design undergraduate courses. These are at further education level and can be taken locally at college or in higher education as part of a four year degree course.
Foundation Art courses provide a broad introduction to art and design and can help you decide which branch to aim for.
Art and design degrees are BAs. Relevant areas for web design include
Graphic Design or
Design Studies with Multimedia.
Check the UCAS website for local opportunities
www.ucas.ac.uk
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Masters degree
A good grounding in design is useful, but you will still need to know about the IT side of web design.
Postgraduate courses, such as an MA in Web design or Interactive Multimedia will give you the technical skills.