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.
You could take a Vocational GCSE such as Applied ICT alongside more general GCSEs.
At this stage it is best to take a broad range of subjects.
Maths and English are very important.
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BTEC First diploma
The BTEC First Diploma in Public Services is a one year full time course equivalent to four GCSEs at grades A* - C. It includes sport as well as key skills in Communication, Application of number and ICT
You will need to achieve a Merit or Distinction to go on to a BTEC National course
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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. Your work will be assessed by your teachers/lecturers through coursework, a portfolio and some external tests.
The new BTEC National Diploma in Public Services will help you prepare for applying to the Police Force. It also covers more general aspects of public services (uniformed and non-uniformed), with topics such as coping with major incidents.
An alternative Level 3 qualification is the OCR National Diploma in Public Services.
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Foundation degree
Serving police officers can go on to a two year part-time distance learning FdA which fits round job and other commitments.
A Foundation Degree course 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
- Police Studies
- Policing
- Investigation and Evidence
- Public Services
- Public and Emergency Services Management
If you want to progress further you may be able to transfer into the second or third year of a related honours degree course – ask individual institutions about their entry requirements.
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Honours degree
Some degrees are available by distance learning to enable you to study and work at the same time.
Search www.ucas.ac.uk for BSc courses such as
- Policing and Police Studies
- Criminal Justice Studies
- Risk and Security Management
- Criminology
- Forensic Science
The Open University
www.open.ac.uk offers a BA (Hons) in
Criminology and Psychological studies
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Postgraduate Diploma
The Open University
www.open.ac.uk currently offers a distance learning Postgraduate Diploma in
Criminal Justice that includes Community safety, crime prevention and Youth Justice.