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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BTEC Introductory
The BTEC Introductory Diploma in Land and Environment gives a broad overview of the environmental industry and possible career areas.
It is also suitable for adults who want to return to education/training or prepare for employment.
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BTEC First Diploma
The First Diploma in Countryside and Environment is a one year full time course which is equivalent to four GCSEs at grades A*-C.
It prepares learners for employment in the Countryside and Environment sector or for taking further vocational qualifications.
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BTEC National
BTEC National qualifications usually last two years full-time or three part-time. They include supervisory and management skills.
You will learn through a combination of classroom lessons, practical classes, assignments, projects and work placements. Your work will be assessed by your teachers/lecturers through coursework, a portfolio and some external tests.
The BTEC National Diploma in Countryside Management includes core units on the Principles of Ecology and Physical and Biological Environmental Processes. Specialist units cover different aspects of habitat conservation and countryside tourism.
You can go on to a Foundation degree or with good results straight into an honours degree course.
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Foundation Degree
You could study for a Foundation Degree full-time for two years. This usually involves a work placement.
A Foundation Degree course (FdSc) will give you specialist skills and help you develop:
- Work Skills
- 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 such as
- Conservation Management
- Countryside Management
- Applied Environmental Practice
If you want to progress further you can top up a Foundation degree to an honours degree course by transferring into the second or third year of a related course – ask individual Higher Education Institutions about their entry requirements.
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Honours Degree
You could go into conservation work with a general biology or environmental degree, but there are several more specific BSc honours degree courses in the South East, including
Environmental Sciences and
Ecology and Conservation.
These are usually three years full time, and will give you a broad insight into wildlife management, ecology and conservation.
Check
www.ucas.ac.uk for courses.
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Masters Degree
Taught Masters degrees (MSc) with a dissertation are offered in subjects such as
- Applied Environmental Economics
- Conservation Ecology
- Marine Environment and Resources
Masters degrees can sometimes be taken part time (two years) and may involve working with local industries.
You could consider taking a part time
MBA if you are interested in management and have been working in the industry for several years.
The Open University
www.open.ac.uk offers distance learning MBA courses.
Use the Graduate Prospects course search
www.prospects.ac.uk to find more details.
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Doctorate
A full or part time Doctorate will allow you to continue your studies and concentrate on a more specialised area of Conservation Management.
www.findaphd.com has a database of current research and PhD studentships.