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 A* - C
All secondary schools offer GCSEs which are assessed by coursework and external examinations.
You could take Vocational GCSEs alongside more general GCSEs.
Maths, English and Science are all very important. A foreign language would also be very helpful
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A/AS levels
Aim for three good A levels. The subjects you choose for A level may depend on whether you have chosen a specific career area in the Army such as Healthcare, Engineering or Communications. For Sponsorship you may need to take a specific degree course.
If you are interested in engineering or technical careers you could apply to Welbeck - the residential Defence Sixth Form College
www.welbeck.mod.uk This covers all the Services and offers A levels combined with sport and fitness and the Combined Cadet Force.
Alternative Level 3 qualifications covering general aspects of public services with an emphasis on leadership are:
You will need to check entry requirements with local colleges.
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Honours Degree
The final step in this progression route is an honours degree. This could be in any subject, but certain career areas will require specific degrees. You will need to have achieved a high standard in vocational qualifications to go directly into a degree course.
Search
www.ucas.ac.uk for courses.
You can do a placement year with the Army University Officer Training Corps as an undergraduate.
Graduates who pass the AOSB Main Board and fitness test and go on to Officer training join the
Commissioning Course at RMA Sandhurst
www.sandhurst.mod.uk The three term Commissioning Course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.New graduates from Sandhurst join their chosen regiment or corps on a Short Service Commission.
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Masters degree
The Army provides many opportunities for further learning, including at Masters level. This can be related to your job (for example Continuing Professional development) or often more general interests or future career plans.
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Postgraduate Certificate
Officers commissioned into the Educational and Training Services Branch (Adjutant General’s Corps) complete a Post Graduate Certificate of Education