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
C & G Level 1
The City & Guilds Land-based Studies in Animal Care is for school leavers with an interest in working with animals.
Entry usually requires GCSEs at grades D and E, and Maths, English and Science will be important.
The course develops your practical skills including animal handling.
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BTEC First Diploma
The one year BTEC First Diploma in Animal Care gives a good grounding in the animal care industry and involves a period of work experience. It is a Level 2 qualification equivalent to 4 GCSEs grades A*-C.
Specialist topics include Animal health, welfare and behaviour and Animal Nursing.
With good results you can progress to a Level 3 qualification.
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C & G level 3
The City & Guilds Advanced National Certificate in Animal Management is a vocational course with a work placement.
Core units are:
- Enterprise management
- Health and housing
- Nutrition and Breeding
- Animal behaviour
Additional units cover areas such as exotics, pet store management and advanced dog grooming.
The course also involves a work placement and is suitable for mature students wanting to retrain.
An alternative level 3 qualification is the BTEC National Diploma in
Animal Management which has core units such as Animal Science and Animal Health. You can select specialist options such as Animal Nursing.
With good results you can go directly into an honours degree course.
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Honours Degree
Several BSc honours degree subjects are appropriate for general Animal Care, including
Animal Management and
Animal Science.
These are generally three years full time, but you may be able to take an HND or Foundation degree course on the way.
Many degrees incorporate management training, useful if you want to develop your business skills.
Check
www.ucas.ac.uk for courses.
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Masters Degree
Taught Masters degrees (MSc) with a dissertation in subjects such as
Veterinary Epidemiology and
Wild Animal Health are offered to graduates with some relevant work experience.
Masters degrees can sometimes be taken part time (two years).
You could consider taking a part time
MBA if you are interested in management and have been working in the industry for several years.
Use the Graduate Prospects course search
www.prospects.ac.uk and
www.findamasters.com to find courses in London and the South East.
The Open University
www.open.ac.uk has an MBA by distance learning.