Current qualifications within the framework - Appendix 1
SCQF levels |
SQA National Units, courses and group awards | Higher Education (HE) qualifications | Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) | SCQF levels |
12 |
Doctorate |
12 | ||
11 | Masters | SVQ 5 | 11 | |
10 | Honours Degree | 10 | ||
9 | Ordinary Degree | 9 | ||
8 | HND Diploma of HE |
SVQ 4 | 8 | |
7 | Advanced Higher | HNC Certificate of HE |
7 | |
6 | Higher | SVQ 3 | 6 | |
5 | Intermediate 2 / Credit S Grade | SVQ 2 | 5 | |
4 | Intermediate 1 / General S Grade | SVQ 1 | 4 | |
3 | Access 3 / Foundation S Grade | 3 | ||
2 | Access 2 | 2 | ||
1 | Access 1 | 1 |
The SCQF has been created by bringing together all Scottish mainstream qualifications into a single unified framework - higher education qualifications; HNCs and HNDs; SQA National Qualifications; and SVQs. There are 12 levels ranging from Access 1 (National Qualification) at SCQF level 1 to Doctorate at SCQF level 12. Each qualification - unit, group of units or larger group award - has also been allocated a number of SCQF credits, each credit representing 10 notional hours of required learning. Doctorates based on a thesis are an exception. The SCQF also offers a means to allocate levels and credit values to other assessed and quality assured learning.
The positioning of SVQs in the table gives a broadindication of their place in the framework. A major project is underway to refine the position of SVQs in the framework within a UK context.