Diversity of Qualifications Offered at Colleges in London

Two main types of qualification structure exist in UK Higher Education, Career-based awards which are measured against the Qualifications Credits Framework (QCF) and Academic awards which are measured against  the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (FHEQ).

There are a diverse variety of type and level of qualifications available at universities and colleges in London.

UK Higher Education qualifications can be generically categorised into Academic and Vocational and can be mapped onto two main frameworks, the recently adopted Qualifications Credits Framework (QCF) (in place of the National Qualifications Framework) and the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (FHEQ).

Vocational Route

The QCF is the structure used with Vocational Qualifications which are credit bearing based on hours of study time accumulated and level. There are eight levels of study graduating in difficulty and three scales varying in size of credit value from Award worth up to 12 credits to Certificate, up to 36 credits and finally Diploma which is worth 37 or above. Levels 4 and above can be applied to most qualifications issued in Higher Education Institutes and colleges in London.

The QCF also aligns with a European framework so that National Qualifications can be recognized of equal value in EU countries.

Recognized Awarding Body Qualifications

University colleges in London award Academic Qualifications in compliance with the Quality Assurance Agency and FHEQ, a framework uniquely associated with recognized UK University awarding bodies.

The QCF runs from level in parallel with the FHEQ from an Undergraduate Degree at QCF Levels 4 to 6 increasing in competence to a Postgraduate Doctorate at Level 8.

The QCF Level of a UK Undergraduate Bachelors Degree with Honours is Level 6 on completion of a 3 year course, and Levels 7 to 8 on completion of a Postgraduate Academic Course.

Flexible Study Route to your Chosen Career

There are a number of approved colleges in London which provide vocational qualifications such as one year Diplomas leading to Academic study in Higher Education. Diplomas at Level 4 and Level 5 are equivalent to the first and second year of an Undergraduate Bachelors Degree, and can be converted to a recognized Higher Education Academic qualification by completing a final Top up year equal to the final year of a Bachelors Degree.

The diverse qualifications and levels offered at colleges in London may seem slightly bewildering, but despite the seeming complexity of the UK Higher Education system, the two qualification frameworks utilized enable students to choose a flexible and specialized route in any subject area whether its by gaining an accredited career related qualification or by developing academic and research skills through an internationally recognized degree.

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