National Qualification Framework (NQF) Guide to Course Levels

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.

Example Qualifications:

• BTEC Level 4 Professional Diploma
• BTEC Level 4 Professional Certificate
• BTEC Level 4 Professional Award
• City & Guilds Licentiateship

Equivalent FHEQ Level: C (Certificate)

Equivalent FHEQ Qualifications: Certificate 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.

Example Qualifications:

• BTEC HND
• BTEC HNC
• BTEC Level 5 Professional Diploma
• BTEC Level 5 Professional Certificate
• BTEC Level 5 Professional Award

Equivalent FHEQ Level: I (Intermediate)

Equivalent FHEQ Qualifications: Foundation Degree, HND, DipHE, DipFE

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 Bachelor's Degrees with Honours, Graduate Certificates and Graduate Diplomas

Example Qualifications:

• BTEC Level 6 Professional Diploma
• BTEC Level 6 Professional Certificate
• BTEC Level 6 Professional Award
• City & Guilds Graduateship
• City & Guilds Associateship

Equivalent FHEQ Level: H (Honours)

Equivalent FHEQ Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Professional Certificate in Education

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 Master's Degrees, Postgraduate Certificates and Postgraduate Diplomas.

Example Qualifications:

• BTEC Level 7 Advanced Professional Diploma
• BTEC Level 7 Advanced Professional Certificate
• BTEC Level 7 Advanced Professional Award
• City & Guilds Membership

Equivalent FHEQ Level: M (Master's))

Equivalent FHEQ Qualifications: Master's Degree, PGDip, PGCert, Postgraduate Certificate in Education

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.

Example Qualifications:

• BTEC Level 8 Advanced Professional Diploma
• BTEC Level 8 Advanced Professional Certificate
• BTEC Level 8 Advanced Professional Award
• City & Guilds Fellowship

Equivalent FHEQ Level: D (Doctoral)

Equivalent FHEQ Qualifications: Doctorates