We can also classify British qualifications on the following level-based qualification types:

 

O and A Levels

AS level and A (Advanced) level qualifications focus on traditional study skills. They normally take two years to complete full-time in school or college, and can be taken part-time. AS levels can stand as a qualification in their own right, or become the first half of a full A level (the A2 forms the second half). AS and A levels are available in a wide range of academic and applied (work-related) subjects, and are often used as entry into higher education.

In Scotland, students usually take Highers and Advanced Highers. AS and A levels are at level 3 on the NQF.

 

Entry level qualifications

Entry level qualifications are known as 'certificates' or 'awards', and are designed for learners who are not yet ready to take qualifications at level 1 to 2 on the NQF.

They may be appropriate for learners who do not have traditional qualifications, or who have been away from learning for a long time.

They are available in a wide variety of subjects, and at three different levels (all within entry level on the NQF).

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GCSEs

GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education) are the main qualification taken by 14–16 year olds (adults can take them as well). They are available in a wide range of academic and applied (work-related) subjects, and also as a ‘short-course’ option (equivalent to half a full GCSE).GCSEs are at levels 1 and 2 on the NQF, depending on the grade achieved.

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Diplomas 

The 14–19 Diploma is a qualification aimed at 14 to 19 year-olds, offering a more practical, hands-on way of gaining the essential skills employers and universities look for. There are many subjects available for diploma course. The 14–19 Diplomas are at levels 1 to 4 on the NQF. However there are a large number of professional diplomas awarded by professional bodies. You can study a diploma at four levels:

• A foundation diploma is worth 5 GCSEs at grades D to G (this is designed for under-16s)

• A higher diploma is worth 7 GCSEs at grades A* to C

• A progression diploma is worth 2.5 A levels

• An advanced diploma is worth 3.5 A levels

• A Postgraduate diploma is worth at level 7 on the NQF.

 

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HNCs and HNDs

HNCs (Higher National Certificates) and HNDs (Higher National Diplomas) are work-related higher education qualifications. HNCs can take one year to complete full-time. HNDs take two years full-time (both can also be studied part-time). They are highly valued by employers, and can also count towards membership of professional bodies and other employer organisations. HNCs and HNDs are at level 4 and 5 on the NQF.

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International Baccalaureate

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is an internationally recognised qualification for students aged 16 to 19. It is based around detailed academic study of a wide range of subjects, including languages, the arts, science, maths, history and geography, and leads to a single qualification.The IB Diploma Programme is at level 3 on the NQF.

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Key Skills qualifications

Key Skills qualifications are designed to develop the skills that are commonly needed in education and training, work and life in general.They are available in schools, colleges and from other learning providers, and are also offered by some employers, the armed forces and the Prison Service.Key Skills can be taken as a stand alone qualification, or as part of other courses (such as an NVQ or some higher education courses). They are also one of the components that make up an Apprenticeship. Key Skill qualifications are at levels 1 to 4 on the NQF.

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Skills for Life qualifications

Skills for Life (sometimes referred to as Basic Skills qualifications) are designed to help learners develop their reading, writing, maths and ICT skills. There is also a Skills for Life qualification in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).

They are available for those learners who are over 16 years of age, have left compulsory full-time education and do not have an up to date English or maths qualification at level 2 (such as a GCSE) on the NQF. In some cases, schools can also offer the qualifications for 14 to 16 year olds. Skills for Life qualifications are available at entry level to level 2 on the NQF.

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Vocational qualifications

Vocational qualifications are designed to give learners the skills and knowledge to do a particular job, work in a particular industry, or acquire more general skills to do a variety of jobs.They are offered by a variety of awarding bodies such as City and Guilds, Edexcel and OCR.They are available at various levels on the NQF, and in a variety of different sizes. A range of vocational qualifications include the competence-based National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) that can be taken at work, college, or as part of an Apprenticeship. They are based on national standards for various occupations, and cover the practical, work-related tasks designed to help learners do a job effectively. NVQs are at levels 1 to 5 on the NQF.

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Foundation Degrees

Foundation Degrees are higher education qualifications that combine academic study with workplace learning. They have been designed jointly by universities, colleges and employers, and are available in a range of work-related subjects. They are broadly equivalent to the first two years of a bachelor's degree. Foundation Degrees are at level 5 on the NQF.

 

 

Bachelor's degrees

A bachelor's degree is a course of higher education academic study leading to a qualification such as a bachelor of arts (BA), bachelor of science (BSc), or bachelor of medicine (MB). They are sometimes known as 'ordinary' or 'first' degrees. A bachelors degree is designed to give learners a thorough understanding of a subject, and usually takes three or four years to complete full-time (some degrees such as medicine can take five or six years). Bachelors degrees are at level 6 on the NQF.

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Postgraduate qualifications

Postgraduate qualifications are higher education qualifications that require that learners have already completed a bachelors degree. Most types of postgraduate qualification will include taught and research elements.

Generally, they fall into four categories:

postgraduate certificate

postgraduate diploma

master's degree

doctorate

Postgraduate qualifications are at levels 7 and 8 on the NQF.