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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GCSE Grades D - G
All secondary schools offer GCSEs which are assessed by coursework and external examinations.
Choose Art or Applied Art & Design. IT would be useful as well as trying to get your Maths and English up to scratch. You could take a Vocational GCSE such as Engineering or Applied Science alongside more general GCSEs.
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BTEC First Diploma
The BTEC First Diploma in Art and Design prepares students for employment in the art and design sector or to progress to further education vocational qualifications. It can also be taken by those already working in the industry.
Units include 2D and 3D visual communication and Working with 3D design briefs.
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OCR level 3
The OCR Level 3 Nationals in Design will prepare you for employment and for study at a higher level. They are practically based qualifications that support the achievement of key skills.
The 3D design specialist pathway includes units on 3D materials and techniques and Commercial product design.
As an alternative, you could take A level Art & Design, or the BTEC National in Art & Design (3D design) which takes two years full-time or three part-time. The BTEC includes units such as Design principles, 3D design media, techniques and technology and introduces the professional and commercial aspects of the design industry.
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 for design so a comprehensive portfolio is very important.
If your results are good, you may be accepted on an honours degree course straightaway - otherwise via a Foundation degree or HND.
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HNC/HND
Two year full time HND courses are offered in the South East in subjects such as
Product design and
Three dimensional design.
You may be able to progress to the second or third year of an Honours degree at a later date.
Find courses on the UCAS website
www.ucas.ac.ukAn alternative would be to take a one year pre-degree Diploma in Foundation Studies before going on to an art and design undergraduate course.
Foundation courses are at further education level and can be taken at local colleges or in higher education as part of a four year degree course. They provide a broad introduction to art and design.
Look at the
UCAS website for local Art Foundation opportunities.
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Honours Degree
A wifde range of different Honours degree courses in the South East relate to product design, where you may be accepted without a technical background - check with each institution.
Courses include:
- Product design and Innovation
- Product design
- Product design: sustainable futures
- Product design and marketing
- Contemporary Furniture & Related Product Design
- Sports product design
- Computer aided product design
- Industrial design
Several universities offer sandwich courses where you can get extended industry experience.
Search
www.ucas.ac.uk and
www.scenta.co.uk for degree courses
The Open University offers more general undergraduate courses in Technology
www.open.ac.uk which can be taken while you are working.
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Postgraduate Diploma
A post graduate Diploma would help those with an art and design background build a better understanding of the manufacturing cycle and the engineering principles behind product design. These can usually be studied full or part time, and may link into Masters degrees.
Subjects include
Advanced Product Design Engineering and
Product Innovation and Development.
Use the Graduate Prospects course search
www.prospects.ac.uk to find Postgraduate Diploma courses.