How to understand your qualifications
We get it, understanding SCQF Levels and Qualification types is difficult. That’s why we are breaking down that confusion door with our Qualifications Guide:
SCQF Levels:
The SCQF (Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework) allows you to compare levels across different qualifications, build a progression route to your desired qualification, and transfer credit from one award to another.
For more information, or to view the interactive version of the Framework, please visit the SCQF website.
Further Education (FE):
Mapped at SCQF Levels 1-6, FE includes courses with a strong work focus, such as:
- National Qualifications (NQs) are College Certificate programmes designed by UHI Moray to prepare students for work and act as stepping stones to Higher Education. Some of our full-time NQ’s also have an in-built nationally recognised qualification, such as an National Progression Award (NPA).
- National Certificates (NCs) are National Certificate programmes designed by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) to also prepare students for work and act as stepping-stones to higher education.
- Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) providing opportunities to gain qualifications while in work. These qualifications can also be mapped at levels 7-11.
- National Progression Awards (NPAs) delivered by partnerships between schools, colleges and employers, NPAs assess skills in specialist vocational areas.
Higher Education (HE):
Mapped at SCQF Levels 7-11, HE is the term for study beyond school and FE level. HE courses include:
- Higher National Certificates/Diplomas are essentially the foundations to a degree, you can get a valuable, buildable qualification, without committing to a subject with four years of study all at once. Learn more about HNC/D courses.
- Undergraduate degrees such as BA, BSc and BEng courses.
- Postgraduate degrees such as MA, MSc and a number of postgrad diploma courses, are intended for people who’ve already gained a degree.
- Professional Development Awards (PDAs) flexible qualifications used to either extend or broaden professional and vocational skills.
- Continuing Professional Development (CPD) training which helps you to maintain and upgrade your skills when you’re in work, or between jobs.
Foundation Apprenticeships (FA)
FAs close the gap between the classroom and the workplace by combining the best of academic and vocational learning in one single qualification for S5 and S6 pupils.
These work-based learning opportunities aim to give young people in their Senior Phase at school earlier experience of the world of work, by introducing them to industry much earlier, increasing their awareness of employer requirements and opening up their career choices whilst still at school.
Modern Apprenticeships (MA)
MAs offer anyone over the age of 16 the chance to learn while you earn. They provide paid employment with the opportunity to work towards a recognised qualification that will equip apprentices with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. Perfect for upskilling in current employment, or as training for new staff.
The key element of a Modern Apprenticeship programme is work-based SVQs, combined with five core skills, some of which are embedded within the SVQ and do not have to be completed separately. Some frameworks also include day or block release on campus.
Graduate Apprenticeships (GA)
GA programmes provide you with the opportunity to gain an industry recognised Higher Education qualification whilst gaining valuable experience in the workplace.
They are designed by industry, for industry, helping you build the skills you need to succeed, and are based on the standards of professional and regulatory bodies, so you have a clear path towards professional recognition.
No matter what qualification or level you study, each course you take will offer a clear pathway for progression to the next level, or to the world of work.