UK Qualifications Explained
Share
The UK qualifications framework encompasses a wide range of academic and vocational qualifications, providing clear progression routes for learners. Here is an overview of the qualifications mentioned, organised according to their place in the UK Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ) and the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) or the Framework for Qualifications of Higher Education Institutions in Scotland (FQHEIS), as applicable:
Foundation Diploma
This qualification is typically situated at Level 3 on the RQF, akin to A-levels, aimed at preparing students for further study or specific career paths. In higher education context, foundation diplomas might also be offered at Level 4 or 5, providing specialised vocational training.
Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE)
This qualification is A Level 4 qualification on the FHEQ, requiring roughly one year of full-time study, such as the CertHE Common Law. It offers foundational knowledge in a subject area, serving as a stepping stone towards further education or employment.
Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE)
Positioned at Level 5 on the FHEQ, a DipHE is awarded after two years of full-time study and is equivalent to the first two years of an undergraduate degree, focusing on both academic and vocational skills.
Foundation Degree
Also at Level 5 on the FHEQ, a foundation degree, known as an associate degree in the United States, typically combine academic study with workplace learning. They are designed in partnership with employers and typically take two years of full-time study to complete, leading directly to professional practice or to further study.
Top-Up Degree
This qualification allows students with a foundation degree, DipHE, or similar qualifications to 'top up' to a full bachelor's degree with an additional year (or equivalent part-time) of study. This is a Level 6 qualification on the FHEQ, completing an undergraduate degree course.
Bachelor’s Degree
This qualification is a fundamental undergraduate qualification at Level 6 on the FHEQ, typically requiring three to four years of full-time study. Bachelor degrees include Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BSc), among others, depending on the field.
Graduate Diploma (GradDip)
This qualification is designed for students who have completed a bachelor's degree and wish to gain additional knowledge in a different or more specialised field, often positioned at Level 6 on the FHEQ, bridging the gap to postgraduate study, such as the GradDip Commercial Law.
Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert)
As a Level 7 qualification on the FHEQ, the PGCert requires one-third of the credits needed for a master's degree, offering specialised postgraduate training in a specific area, often completed in one term or half a year of full-time study.
Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip)
Also at Level 7 on the FHEQ, a PGDip requires two-thirds of the credits of a master's degree. It provides deeper postgraduate-level study than a PGCert, typically completed in two terms or one full academic year of full-time study.
Master’s Degree
It is a Level 7 qualification on the FHEQ, including taught (e.g. MA, MSc, MBA, LLM) and research (e.g. MRes) options. Masters degrees typically require one to two years of full-time study beyond a bachelor's degree, offering advanced knowledge and skills in a specific field.
PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)
The highest academic qualification, positioned at Level 8 on the FHEQ. A PhD involves conducting original research that contributes new knowledge to a discipline. Completion usually takes three to four years of full-time study after a Master’s degree.
The UK qualifications framework facilitates educational progression and career development, ensuring qualifications are recognised and valued both nationally and internationally. This structure supports lifelong learning and career advancement, accommodating a wide range of academic interests and professional aspirations.
Foundation Diploma
This qualification is typically situated at Level 3 on the RQF, akin to A-levels, aimed at preparing students for further study or specific career paths. In higher education context, foundation diplomas might also be offered at Level 4 or 5, providing specialised vocational training.
Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE)
This qualification is A Level 4 qualification on the FHEQ, requiring roughly one year of full-time study, such as the CertHE Common Law. It offers foundational knowledge in a subject area, serving as a stepping stone towards further education or employment.
Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE)
Positioned at Level 5 on the FHEQ, a DipHE is awarded after two years of full-time study and is equivalent to the first two years of an undergraduate degree, focusing on both academic and vocational skills.
Foundation Degree
Also at Level 5 on the FHEQ, a foundation degree, known as an associate degree in the United States, typically combine academic study with workplace learning. They are designed in partnership with employers and typically take two years of full-time study to complete, leading directly to professional practice or to further study.
Top-Up Degree
This qualification allows students with a foundation degree, DipHE, or similar qualifications to 'top up' to a full bachelor's degree with an additional year (or equivalent part-time) of study. This is a Level 6 qualification on the FHEQ, completing an undergraduate degree course.
Bachelor’s Degree
This qualification is a fundamental undergraduate qualification at Level 6 on the FHEQ, typically requiring three to four years of full-time study. Bachelor degrees include Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BSc), among others, depending on the field.
Graduate Diploma (GradDip)
This qualification is designed for students who have completed a bachelor's degree and wish to gain additional knowledge in a different or more specialised field, often positioned at Level 6 on the FHEQ, bridging the gap to postgraduate study, such as the GradDip Commercial Law.
Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert)
As a Level 7 qualification on the FHEQ, the PGCert requires one-third of the credits needed for a master's degree, offering specialised postgraduate training in a specific area, often completed in one term or half a year of full-time study.
Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip)
Also at Level 7 on the FHEQ, a PGDip requires two-thirds of the credits of a master's degree. It provides deeper postgraduate-level study than a PGCert, typically completed in two terms or one full academic year of full-time study.
Master’s Degree
It is a Level 7 qualification on the FHEQ, including taught (e.g. MA, MSc, MBA, LLM) and research (e.g. MRes) options. Masters degrees typically require one to two years of full-time study beyond a bachelor's degree, offering advanced knowledge and skills in a specific field.
PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)
The highest academic qualification, positioned at Level 8 on the FHEQ. A PhD involves conducting original research that contributes new knowledge to a discipline. Completion usually takes three to four years of full-time study after a Master’s degree.
The UK qualifications framework facilitates educational progression and career development, ensuring qualifications are recognised and valued both nationally and internationally. This structure supports lifelong learning and career advancement, accommodating a wide range of academic interests and professional aspirations.
