Correspondences between UK and Irish frameworks with European Thinking of working or studying in the UK or Ireland? You may be qualifications frameworks interested in the answer to one or more of these questions. Qualifications can Within Europe, two overarching qualifications frameworks exist to n What do they call the qualification which compares most closely which the national qualifications frameworks of the UK and Ireland with mine? relate: The European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and the Framework for Qualifications of the European Higher Education Area n Will I get some recognition for the qualifications I have? Cross Boundaries (FQ-EHEA) also known as the Bologna Framework. n What kind of job or course can I apply for with my current qualification? Table 1 shows the correspondence of levels established between Recruiting people with Irish qualifications in the UK or people with A guide to comparing qualifications national qualifications frameworks and the EQF: UK qualifications in Ireland? You may be interested in the answer European Regulated Credit and Scottish The National in the UK and Ireland Qualifications Qualifications Qualifications Credit and Framework of to these questions. Framework Framework Framework for Qualifications Qualifications n How do I know what a qualification from another country means in terms (EQF) England/ Wales (CQFW) Framework for Ireland How to use this leaflet: Northern (SCQF) (NFQ IE) of level? Ireland (RQF) n Which national qualification should I compare this qualification to? ● This leaflet provides information that allows you to look at the 8 8 8 12 10 n Where can I find more detailed information about the content and ways qualifications are organised in the UK and Ireland. 7 7 7 11 9 level of qualifications? 6 6 6 10/9 8/7 ● It shows which qualifications in other countries are broadly 5 5/4 5/4 8/7 6 This leaflet helps you explore these questions. comparable to your qualifications (or those that you are interested 4 3 3 6 5 Qualifications are different between countries. However, there are some clear 3 2 2 5 4 in taking). stages people move through in education, training and work that are common 2 1 1 4 3 ● On the left side of the principal table you will find the main stages 1 E3 E3 3 2/1 to most countries. Primary education is followed by secondary education and E2 E2 2 then initial entry into employment and/or further education, higher education of education or employment - you can find where you are in E1 E1 1 or training. these stages. The main table gives an indication of how you can compare qualifications Table 2 shows the outcome of verifying the compatibility of higher ● The next column shows the qualifications framework for education frameworks for Scotland (FQHEIS/SCQF), for England, across national boundaries. Examples of major qualifications at each level Wales and Northern Ireland (FHEQ) and for the NFQ for the Republic are provided. For more detail of the current qualifications in each country, your country. of Ireland (NFQ IE) with the FQ-EHEA as follows: you will need to consult the website given at the heading of each column. ● To the right of this you can see the nearest levels and similar kinds Qualifications in each of these frameworks change from time to time and Typical higher education FHEQ FQHEIS/ NFQ Corresponding you need to check the relevant websites for the latest versions (as well of qualifications that are used in the other countries. qualifications within each level level SCQF IE FQ-EHEA cycle level level as for earlier versions of the framework where these are available). Entry ● This makes it possible to draw broad comparisons, rather than requirements for jobs and courses often vary within a country. This means you Doctoral degrees Third cycle (end of direct equivalences, between qualifications and their levels for 8 12 10 cycle) qualifications will need to check specific requirements with the employer or institution for Master’s degrees (including Second cycle (end of the job or course that you are interested in. each country. Integrated Master’s) cycle) qualifications ● The back page indicates how UK and Irish qualifications Postgraduate diplomas 7 11 9 Intermediate qualifications within frameworks relate to qualifications frameworks in Europe. Postgraduate certificates the second cycle Bachelor’s degrees with honours First cycle (end of ● This leaflet is updated periodically. Check one of the websites for Regulation /Honours Bachelor Degrees 10 8 cycle) qualifications the most up-to-date version. Irish Higher Diplomas QAA Scottish Credit and Qualifications CCEA Regulation Southgate House, Southgate Street, Framework Partnership 29 Clarendon Road, Clarendon Bachelor’s degrees/ 6 7 Gloucester GL1 1UB 201 West George Street Dock, Belfast BT1 3BG Ordinary Bachelor Degree Tel: +44 (0)1452 557050 Glasgow Tel: +44 (0)28 9026 1200 Graduate diplomas 9 Intermediate www.qaa.ac.uk G2 2LW Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.ccea.org.uk Graduate certificates qualifications within www.scqf.org.uk the first cycle Foundation Degrees Short cycle (within or (for example FdA, FdSc) linked to the first cycle) qualifications Diplomas of Higher 5 8 6 Education (DipHE) Office of the Qualifications and CQFW, Welsh Government Quality and Qualifications Ireland Higher National Diplomas (HND) Examinations Regulator Ty’r Afon, Bedwas Road, Bedwas, (QQI) Spring Place, Coventry Business Park, Caerphilly CF83 8WT 26-27 Denzille lane Irish Higher Certificates Herald Avenue, Coventry Email: [email protected]. Dublin 2 CV5 6UB gov.uk D02 P266 Higher National Certificates Intermediate Tel: +44 (0)300 303 3344 www.cqfw.net Tel: +353 (0)1 905 8100 (HNC) qualifications within 4 7 Fax: +44 (0)300 303 3348 www.qqi.ie Certificates of Higher Education the short cycle Email: [email protected] (CertHE) see: with these frameworks on compatibility information more For and www.enic-naric.net. http://ec.europa.eu/eqf/home_en.htm www.ofqual.gov.uk Sixth edition published 2017 Main stages of education/employment Framework for higher education Regulated Qualifications Framework Credit and Qualifications Framework National Framework of Qualifications Scottish Credit and Qualifications qualifications in England, Wales and for England and Northern Ireland for Wales for Ireland Framework Northern Ireland www.ofqual.gov.uk www.cqfw.net www.qqi.ie www.scqf.org.uk Qualifications can be taken at any age in www.qaa.ac.uk www.ccea.org.uk order to continue or return to education or training LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL Doctoral Degrees, Industry Doctoral Degrees, Technical/Vocational Qualifications Doctoral Degrees, Professional Apprenticeships, 8 Doctoral Degrees 8 8 Qualifications, for example, 10 12 Level 8 Higher Doctorates Professional Development Awards Chartered Accountant Professional or postgraduate education, (PDA), Award research or employment Master’s Degrees, Integrated Master’s Degrees, Vocational Master’s Degrees, Integrated Master’s Degrees, Postgraduate Master’s Degrees, Professional Technical/Vocational Qualifications Qualifications, Postgraduate Master’s Degrees, 7 Diplomas, Postgraduate Certificate 7 7 9 11 Apprenticeships, SVQ, PDA, Level 7 Certificate in Education (PGCE), Postgraduate Diplomas in Education (PGCE), Postgraduate Apprenticeships Postgraduate Diplomas, Certificates Postgraduate Certificates, Award Higher education Advanced Skills Training Bachelor’s Degrees with Honours, Bachelor’s Degrees with Honours, Bachelor’s Degrees, Honours Degrees, Vocational Honours Bachelor Degrees, Professional Apprenticeships, SVQ, Professional Graduate Certificate in Technical/Vocational Qualifications Qualifications, Professional 8 Higher Diplomas 10 PDA, Graduate Diplomas, Graduate 6 6 6 Education (PGCE), Level 6 Certificates in Education, Certificates, Award Graduate Diplomas, Apprenticeships Graduate Certificates Entry to professional Bachelor’s/Ordinary Degrees, Technical graduate employment 9 Apprenticeships, PDA, SVQ, Graduate 7 Ordinary Bachelor Degrees Foundation Degrees, Diploma, Graduate Certificates, Award Technical/Vocational Qualifications Foundation Degrees, Vocational Diplomas of Higher Education 5 Level 5, Higher National Diplomas Qualifications, Higher National Higher National Diplomas (HND), 5 (DipHE), Higher National Diplomas 5 (HND) Diplomas (HND), Apprenticeships 8 Diplomas of Higher Education (HND) (DipHE), Technical Apprenticeship, PDA, SVQ, Award Specialised education and training Higher National Certificates Advanced Certificate, Higher National Certificates (HNC), Technical/Vocational Qualifications 6 Higher National Certificates (HNC), (HNC),Certificates of Higher Higher Certificate 4 Certificates of Higher Education 4 Level 4, Higher National Certificates 4 Modern Apprenticeships, PDA, SVQ, Education (CertHE), Vocational 7 (CertHE) (HNC) Certificates of Higher Education Qualifications, Apprenticeships (CertHE), Scottish Baccalaureate, Qualified/Skilled worker Advanced Higher, Award Entry to higher education Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced, Higher, Modern Apprenticeships, Completion of secondary education Technical/Vocational Qualifications Vocational Qualifications, AS Access to HE Diploma* 3 Level 5 Certificate, SVQ, PDA, National Progression 3 Level 3, GCE AS and A Levels 3 and A Level, Access to HE, 5 Leaving Certificate 6 Award (NPA), Apprenticeships *The Access to HE Diploma is regulated National Certificate, Award by QAA but is not part of the FHEQ Technical/Vocational Qualifications Progression to skilled employment Welsh Baccalaureate National, National 5, Level 2. GCSEs at grade A* - C and Level 4 Certificate, The table gives an indication of how Vocational Qualifications, Essential Modern Apprenticeships, SVQ, Continuation of secondary education 2 from 2017 grade 4-9 (England). 2 4 Leaving Certificate 5 you can compare qualifications across Functional Skills Level 2 (England). Skills, GCSEs grades A*-C, NPA, national boundaries. Examples of major Essential Skills Qualifications (NI) Apprenticeships National Certificate, Award qualifications at each level are provided. Secondary education. Initial entry into For more detail of the qualifications employment or further education that are current at the time of Technical/Vocational Qualifications Level 3 Certificate, Level 1. GCSEs at grade D-G and Welsh Baccalaureate Foundation, National 4, 3 Junior Certificates publication in each country, you will 1 from 2017 grade 3-1 (England). 1 Vocational Qualifications, Essential 4 SVQ, NPA, need to consult the website given at the Functional Skills Level 1 (England). Skills, GCSEs at grade D-G National Certificate, Award head of each column. Essential Skills Qualifications (NI) Qualifications can cross boundries This leaflet is designed to give some - a guide to comparing qualifications in the information to help you begin this National 3, NPA, National UK and Ireland, March 2017 Entry Level Certificates 3 process, for example, by telling 2 Level 2 Certificate Certificate, Award you what your qualification, (sub levels 1-3), functional skills Entry Level Qualifications or qualifications you are interested Entry Level (England) (English, National 2, NPA, Mathematics & ICT), Essential Skills 2 National Certificate, Award

in studying, are broadly comparable Entry Level Qualifications (NI) Entry Level to in other countries. 1 Level 1 Certificate 1 National 1, Award