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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Entry level certificate
The BTEC Entry level Certificate in Life Skills offers post 14 students in schools and colleges a starting point on the National Qualifications Framework.
The Life Skills course will help you with your personal development skills such as Improving your learning, Assertiveness and Managing money.
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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
- NCFE Certificate in Sport & Active Leisure studies
- OCR Level 1 Certificate in Introducing Sport and recreation
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BTEC First
The one year BTEC First Diploma in Outdoor activities is a good foundation in sport The course is very practical in nature and you will be able to take part in activities such as climbing, mountain biking, sailing and kayaking
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 (Outdoor adventure) usually lasts two years full-time or three part-time.
The course includes units on Equipment and Facilities for Outdoor and Adventurous
Activities, Impact and sustainability and Working with children.
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 www.ocr.org.uk You may also get the chance to get additional qualifications in activities such as kayaking, sailing or mountain biking.
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 a Foundation degree first.
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Foundation degree
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
Look on the Foundation Degree Forward site
www.fdf.ac.uk/courses/Sport or
www.ucas.ac.uk for subjects such as
- Outdoor leadership
- Adventure education management
- Outdoor adventurous activities
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 are a few specific degree courses for Outdoor activities, but other subjects such as Environmental Science, Psychology or Sport would provide a good foundation. Degree courses with a business element could also be helpful especially if you are considering self employment.
Specific courses in the South East include:
- Outdoor adventure management
- Tourism management with outdoor adventure
- Water sports science
Check
www.ucas.ac.uk for courses.
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Postgraduate Certificate
If you enjoy the educational aspects of outdoor activities you could consider going on to a Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) in Physical Education
Look at the Teacher Training Agency
www.tda.gov.uk for courses in the South East
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want to explore different career opportunities in Sport and Recreation