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
Entry level certificate
The BTEC Entry level Certificate in Skills for working life offers post 14 students in schools and colleges a starting point on the National Qualifications Framework
The course will help you think about different careers and improve your personal development skills to prepare you for further learning.
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BTEC Introductory
The BTEC Introductory Diploma in Sport is a one year full time course that gives a broad background and allows you to explore different areas in the sector.
The course includes working in sport and leisure, the body and organising events.
Alternative Level 1 vocational qualifications include:
- City & Guilds Certificate in Sport & Active Leisure
- 1st4Sport Certificate in Coaching
- ASA Certificate in Coaching
- British Gymnastics Certificate in Coaching gymnastics
- NCFE Certificate in Sport & Active Leisure studies
Some of these are shorter courses that can be taken if you are already in work or a volunteer.
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BTEC First
The BTEC First Diploma in Sport provides the foundation for a range of careers in the industry as well as specialised study such as the Body in sport and Sports performers. The full qualification usually takes one year full time at college but units can sometimes be taken separately.
Alternative full time Level 2 qualifications are City & Guilds Diploma in Sport & Active Leisure and the OCR Certificate in Introducing Sport and recreation.
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BTEC National
The BTEC National Diploma in Sport (Development, coaching and fitness) usually lasts two years full-time or three part-time. The course includes units on sports coaching and Leadership in sport.
You will learn through a combination of classroom lessons, practical classes, assignments, projects and work placements/simulations. Your work will be assessed by your teachers/lecturers through coursework, a portfolio and some external tests.
An alternative full time Level 3 qualification is the OCR National in Sport.
If you do well at level 3 you may be able to go directly to an honours degree course, or you could choose to take Foundation degree first.
There are shorter level 3 courses too, such as the 1st 4Sport level 3 certificate in Coaching.
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Foundation degree
You could progress from your Level 3 studies to a Foundation Degree, or if your results are very good, directly into an honours degree course.
A Foundation Degree course will put you on the road to management and 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
- Applied sports coaching science
- Football coaching
- Personal training and sports performance
- Sport and fitness
- Sport coaching and development
- Sports coaching and performance
- Sports Management and Coaching Studies
- Sports Studies (Coaching Pathway)
- Health and Fitness Personal Training
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
There is a wide range of Sports related degree courses in the South East. Several of these are relevant to Sports Coaching. Some are combined with other subjects such as Management or Leisure planning, and others include a foundation year
Courses include:
- Sport and coaching studies
- Sports coaching
- Sports studies and psychology
- Sports coaching science
Check
www.ucas.ac.uk for courses.