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.
NATIONAL & LOCAL AREA LINKS
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
- NCFE Certificate in Sport & Active Leisure studies
- CYQ Introductory certificate in Exercise and fitness instructing
You may be able to take some of these alongside GCSEs.
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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.
NATIONAL & LOCAL AREA LINKS
BTEC National
The BTEC National Diploma in Sport
usually lasts two years full-time or three part-time. The course includes units on fitness testing and the body in action.
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 an HND (or Foundation degree) first.
You may get the chance to gain coaching qualifications.
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HNC/HND
HND courses such as
Sports and Exercise Sciences involve analysis, research, and psychology. This is work-related study that covering the knowledge and practical skills required in the sports sector.
You may get the chance to take other vocational qualifications and achieve a Fitness qualification as part of the course.
Check
www.ucas.ac.uk for courses
It might also be possible to progress to the later stages of an honours degree in an appropriate subject.
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Honours degree
A range of degrees in Sport and Exercise Science is on offer in the South East. Several are combined with other subjects such as computer science or Marketing to broaden career possibilities.
Local courses include:
- Sports studies and psychology
- Sport and exercise psychology
- Sports Science
- Applied Sport Science
Most courses are three years full time, though some include a foundation year.
Check
www.ucas.ac.uk for courses.
With further postgraduate experience, you can apply to BASES
www.bases.org.uk to become an Accredited Sport and Exercise Scientist.