UK qualicationsThis publication contains information relating to
a wide range of UK qualications ofered for undergraduate admission
in the UK. For entry to university or college in 2014Published by:
UCAS Rosehill New Barn Lane Cheltenham GL52 3LZ UCAS 2013All rights
reserved.UCAS is a registered trade mark.UCAS, a company limited by
guarantee, is registered in England and Wales number:
2839815Registered charity number: 1024741 (England and Wales) and
SC038598 (Scotland)Publication reference: 7429We have made all
reasonable eforts to ensure that the information in this
publication was correct at time of publication. We will not,
however, accept any liability for errors, omissions or changes to
information since publication. Wherever possible any changes will
be updated on the UCAS website (www.ucas.com).Copies of this
publication can be downloaded from
www.ucas.com/members-providers/qualications.For further information
about the UCAS application process for HEIs go to
www.ucas.com/members-providers.If you need to contact the HEI Team:
phone 0844 984 1111 or fax 01242 544 961.If you have hearing
difculties, you can contact the Customer Contact Centre, using the
text relay service:From the UK phone 18001 0871 468 0 468From
outside the UK phone +44 (0)151 494 1260 (text phone) and ask the
operator to dial 0871 468 0 468.Calls cost 9p per minute from a BT
landline plus network extras. Calls from other networks may vary
and from mobiles will cost considerably more.If you have received
exceptional service from someone at UCAS and want to acknowledge
it, then we would like to hear from you please email your comments
to [email protected]. Further information can be
found on our website www.ucas.com.UK QUALIFICATIONS 1Preface The
purpose of this guide is to provide accurate and up-to-date
information about pre-HE qualications and other entry routes to HE.
It is intended primarily to be a working manual for admissions
tutors in HEIs. It should also be of use and interest to staf in
schools, colleges and the FE sector.It is organised in two main
parts: the rst deals with qualications available in England, Wales
and Northern Ireland; the second concentrates on the education
system in Scotland. It therefore contains details of a wide range
of qualications, but concentrates on those at National Qualications
Framework (NQF) or Qualications Credit Framework (QCF) levels 2 and
3 or equivalent. Qualications are listed alphabetically in the main
body of the guide. This structure has been adopted to promote ease
of use of the document, to provide an efective tool for use in the
admissions process. The inclusion of any qualication does not imply
recognition or endorsement of that qualication on the part of UCAS
or HEIs, for the purposes of entry to HE in the UK. Similarly,
absence of any qualication in the guide does not imply intended
lack of recognition.UCAS would be pleased to receive comments and
suggestions about the format and content of this publication for
the benet of future editions. Please address comments to:Policy and
Research Department UCAS Rosehill New Barn Lane Cheltenham
Gloucestershire GL52 3LZTel: 0871 468 0472 Calls cost 9p per minute
from aBT landline plus network extras. Calls from other networks
may vary and from mobiles will cost considerably more. Fax: 01242
544954 Email: [email protected] QUALIFICATIONSContentsPAGEList of
abbreviations10Qualications in England, Wales and Northern
IrelandIntroduction14The Qualications and Credit
Framework15QUALIFICATIONS CURRENTLY OFFERED17Applied Qualications
Diploma52Extended Project90Baccalaureates/International
Qualications AQA Baccalaureate 22Cambridge International
Examinations44Cambridge Pre-U Certicate (Principal Subject Short
Course and GPR)45Cambridge Pre-U Certicate (Principal
Subject)45Cambridge Pre-U Certicate (Short Course)45Cambridge Pre-U
Certicate Global Perspectives and Research (GPR) 45Cambridge Pre-U
Diploma 46Cambridge Advanced International Certicate of Education
Diploma (AICE) 47Cambridge International GCE Advanced Subsidiary
and Advanced level (AS and A level) 47Cambridge International
General Certicate of Secondary Education (Cambridge
IGCSE)/Cambridge International Certicate of Education (Cambridge
ICE)/Cambridge GCE Ordinary level (Cambridge O level)47Cambridge
International Diploma in Business48European Baccalaureate (EB)
88International Baccalaureate (IB) 101International Baccalaureate
Diploma (IB) 102Award of International Baccalaureate
Courses103International Baccalaureate Career-related
Certicate104International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme
(MYP)105International General Certicate of Secondary Education
(IGCSE) 106Cambridge International Examinations106Welsh
Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma (WBAD) 158General Qualications
Access to Higher Education Diploma 20Advanced Extension Award (AEA)
22Bedales Assessed Courses24Diploma in Foundation Studies (Art and
Design) (NQF) 54Free-Standing Mathematics Qualications (FSMQ)
90General Certicate of Education Advanced level (GCE A level, A
level) 91General Certicate of Education Advanced Subsidiary level
(AS level) 94GCE Advanced Subsidiary/Advanced level in Applied
Subjects (GCE AS/AS Double Award/A level/A level Double Awardin
Applied Subjects) 95General Certicate of Secondary Education (GCSE)
97ICCE International Certicate of Christian Education98Malvern
Literature Certicate107Sevenoaks School Certicate
(SSC)142Music/Performing Arts Qualications Associated Board of the
Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) Qualications 17ABRSM Graded Exams in
Music Performance and Music Theory17Diploma in the Principles of
Instrumental/Vocal Teaching (DipABRSM) 19Licentiate in
Instrumental/Vocal Teaching (LRSM) 19Fellowship in Music Education
(FRSM) 19Diploma in Music Direction (DipABRSM) 19Licentiate in
Music Direction (LRSM)19Fellowship in Music Direction
(FRSM)19Diploma in Music Performance (DipABRSM) 19UK QUALIFICATIONS
3Licentiate in Music Performance (LRSM)19Fellowship in Music
Performance (FRSM)19English Speaking Board87English Speaking Board
Graded Examinations in Speech88Trinity College London (TCL)
Qualications 143Trinity Guildhall Associate and Licentiate Diplomas
in Drama and Speech (ATCL, LTCL) 143Trinity Guildhall Associate and
Licentiate Diplomas in Music (ATCL/AMusTCL, LTCL/LMusTCL)
144Trinity Guildhall Fellowship Diplomas in Drama and Speech (FTCL)
144Trinity Guildhall Fellowship Diplomas in Music (FTCL/FMusTCL)
145Trinity College London Graded Examinations in Communication
Skills (Grades 1 to 8)145Trinity Guildhall Graded Examinations in
Individual Acting Skills, Acting in Pairs, Shakespeare, Musical
Theatre, Performance Arts145Trinity Guildhall Graded Examinations
in Music Literacy/Theory 146Trinity Guildhall Graded Examinations
in Music Performance 146Trinity Guildhall Graded Examinations in
Rock & Pop147Trinity Guildhall Graded Examinations in
Performing Text147Trinity Guildhall Graded Examinations in Speech
and Drama 148Trinity College London National Certicates in
Professional Acting and Professional Dance (Classical Ballet,
Contemporary Dance) 148Trinity College London Level 6 Diplomas in
Professional Acting, Dance, Music and Theatre Production
Skills149Trinity College London Awards in the Arts 149Trinity
College London Certicate in Safe and Efective Dance Practice
149Trinity College London Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong
Learning Sector (Dance)150Trinity College London Diploma in
Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (ESOL)150Trinity College
London Diploma in Teaching English (ESOL) in the Lifelong Learning
Sector151Trinity College London Award in Preparing to Teach in the
Lifelong Learning Sector 151Trinity College London Certicate in
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages 151Trinity College
London Licentiate Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other
Languages152Trinity College London Fellowship Diploma in TESOL
Education Studies (FTCL)153Trinity College London Level 6 Diploma
in Dance Teaching and Learning (Children and Young
People)153University of West London Qualications/London College of
Music Examinations (UWLQ/LCM)154UWLQ Associate of the London
College of Music in Performance (ALCM) 154UWLQ Associate of the
London College of Music in Teaching (ALCM (TD)) 155UWLQ Diploma of
the London College of Music in Performance (DipLCM) 155UWLQ Diploma
of the London College of Music in Teaching (DipLCM (TD)) 155UWLQ
Fellowship of the London College of Music in Performance (FLCM)
155UWLQ Graded Examination in Drama 155UWLQ Graded Examination in
Music Literacy156UWLQ Graded Examination in Music Performance
156UWLQ Graded Examination in Speech 156UWLQ Graded Examination in
Speech and Drama 156UWLQ Licentiate of the London College of Music
in Performance (LLCM)157UWLQ Licentiate of the London College of
Music in Teaching (LLCM (TD)) 157Vocational/Occupational
Qualications ABC Awards Level 3 Diploma in Fashion Retail
17Advanced Level Apprenticeship 21ASCENTIS Qualications 23ASCENTIS
Level 3 Certicate in Understanding Substance Misuse 23ASCENTIS
Level 3 Certicate in Learning Support 23ASCENTIS Level 3 Certicate
in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector 24The British Horse
Society Qualications 24EQL Level 3 Diploma in BHS Horse Knowledge
and Care25EQL Level 3 Certicate in Horse Care25EQL Level 3 Award in
the Principles of Horse Care25EQL Level 3 Diploma in BHS Riding
Horses25EQL Level 3 Certicate in Riding Horses on the Flat25EQL
Level 3 Certicate in BHS Preliminary Teaching of Horse Riding25EQL
Level 2 Award in the Principles of Coaching Sport25Council for
Awards in Care, Health and Education26CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the
Children and Young Peoples Workforce (QCF)26CACHE Level 3 Extended
Diploma for the Children and Young Peoples Workforce (QCF)26CACHE
Level 3 Diploma for Childrens Care, Learning and Development (Wales
and Northern Ireland) (QCF)274UK QUALIFICATIONSCACHE Level 3
Extended Diploma for Childrens Care, Learning and Development
(Wales and Northern Ireland) (QCF)28CACHE Level 3 Diploma in
Playwork (QCF)28CACHE Level 5 Diploma in Playwork (QCF)29CACHE
Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Supporting Teaching and
Learning in Schools (QCF)29CACHE Level 3 Certicate in Learning
Support (QCF)30CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care
(Adults) for England (QCF)30CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Health and
Social Care (Adults) for Wales and Northern Ireland (QCF)30CACHE
Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care (Children and Young
People) for Wales and Northern Ireland (QCF)31CACHE Level 5 Diploma
in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young
Peoples Services(England) (QCF)31CACHE Level 5 Diploma in
Leadership for Childrens Care, Learning and Development
(Management) (Wales) (QCF)32CACHE Level 4 Certicate in Leading the
Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice
(QCF)32CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support Services
(QCF)33CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Clinical Healthcare Support
(QCF)33CACHE Level 3 Award, Certicate and Diploma in Childcare and
Education34CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education 34CACHE
Level 3 Certicate in Childrens Care, Learning and
Development35CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Care and
Education (Welsh Medium)36CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Home-Based
Childcare 36CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Pre-School Practice37CACHE
Level 3 Diploma in Playgroup Practice in Wales37CACHE Level 3
Diploma in Playwork38CACHE Level 3 Certicate in Supporting Teaching
and Learning in Schools38CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Support Work in
Schools39CACHE Level 3 Certicate for Teaching Assistants39CACHE
Level 3 Certicate of Professional Development in Work with Children
and Young People40CACHE Level 3 NVQ in Playwork40CACHE Level 3 NVQ
in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools41CACHE Level 3 NVQ
in Health and Social Care 41CACHE Level 3 NVQ in Health and Social
Care (Adults)42CACHE Level 3 NVQ in Childrens Care, Learning and
Development 43CACHE Level 4 NVQ in Childrens Care, Learning and
Development43CACHE Level 4 Certicate in Quality Standards in
Childrens Management Services44CISI Level 3 Certicate for
Introduction to Securities and Investment 48City & Guilds49City
& Guilds Level 5 IVQ Advanced Technician Diploma 49City &
Guilds Level 3 IVQ Advanced Diploma 49City & Guilds Level 3 IVQ
Technician Diploma 49City & Guilds Level 2 IVQ Diploma 50City
& Guilds Level 2 IVQ Technician Certicate 50City & Guilds
Level 1 IVQ Certicate 50City & Guilds Full Technological
Certicate 50City & Guilds Full Technological Diploma 51City
& Guilds Advanced Professional Certicate 51City & Guilds
Higher Professional Diploma 51Senior Awards 52Professional
Recognition Awards (PRAs)52Diploma in Digital
Applications/Certicate in Digital Applications/Extended Certicate
in Digital Applications/Award in Digital Applications54Diploma in
Foundation Studies (Art and Design) (NQF)54Diploma in Foundation
Studies (Art and Design) (QCF)56EDEXCEL (Pearson Education
Ltd)56Edexcel level 2 BTEC First Certicate (NQF)58Edexcel level 2
BTEC First Diploma (NQF) 59Edexcel BTEC Short Courses
(NQF)60Edexcel level 3 BTEC National Award (NQF)60Edexcel level 3
BTEC National Certicate (NQF)61Edexcel level 3 BTEC National
Diploma (NQF)62Edexcel level 5 BTEC Higher National Certicate
(NQF)63Edexcel level 5 BTEC Higher National Diploma (NQF)63Edexcel
BTEC level 2 Certicate (QCF)64Edexcel BTEC level 2 Extended
Certicate (QCF)65UK QUALIFICATIONS 5Edexcel BTEC level 2 Diploma
(QCF)65Edexcel BTEC Specialist level 3 Awards, Certicates and
Diplomas (QCF)66Edexcel BTEC level 3 Certicate (QCF)67Edexcel BTEC
level 3 Subsidiary Diploma (QCF)67Edexcel BTEC level 3 90-Credit
Diploma (QCF)68Edexcel BTEC level 3 Diploma (QCF)69Edexcel BTEC
level 3 Extended Diploma (QCF)70Edexcel BTEC Specialist courses
levels 1-3 (QCF)70Edexcel WorkSkills levels 1-3 (QCF) 71Edexcel
BTEC Professional courses levels 4-7 (QCF)72Edexcel BTEC level 4
HNC Diploma (QCF) 72Edexcel BTEC level 5 HND Diploma (QCF) 73EDI
(Education Development International) Qualications 73EDI Level 3
Certicate in Personal Training 73EDI Level 3 Award in IT User
Skills (ITQ)73EDI Level 3 Certicate in IT User Skills (ITQ)74EDI
Level 3 Diploma in IT User Skills (ITQ)74EDI Level 3 Award in Food
Safety Supervision for Logistics 74EDI Level 3 Certicate for
Working in the Health Sector 74EDI Level 3 Certicate in Preparing
to Work in Adult Social Care (QCF)81EDI Level 3 Award in Awareness
of Dementia (QCF)82EDI Level 3 Award in Awareness of End of Life
Care82EDI Level 3 Award in Hospitality Supervision and Leadership
Principles (QCF)75EDI Level 3 Certicate in Hospitality and Catering
Principles (Professional Cookery) (QCF) 75EDI Level 3 Award in
Practical Supervision of Food Safety in Catering 75EDI Level 3
Award in Nutrition for Healthier Food and Special Diets 75EDI Level
3 Award in Principles of Supervising Customer Service Performance
in the Hospitality, Leisure, Travel and Tourism Sector76EDI Level 3
Certicate in Customer Service 76EDI Level 4 Certicate in Delivering
Learning using a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)77EDI Level 4
Certicate in Teaching Advanced ICT77EDI Level 4 Certicate in
Teaching ICT Skills77EDI Level 4 Certicate in Education Principles
and Practice77EDI Level 3 Award in Preparing to Teach in the
Lifelong Learning Sector 78EDI Level 4 Award in Preparing to Teach
in the Lifelong Learning Sector 78EDI Level 3 Certicate in Teaching
in the Lifelong Learning Sector 78EDI Level 4 Certicate in Teaching
in the Lifelong Learning Sector 79EDI Level 3 Certicate in
Management Principles79EDI Level 3 Certicate/Diploma in Principles
of Bus and Coach Engineering and Maintenance (Mechanical/
Electrical/Body)79EDI Level 4 Diploma in Education Practice: ICT
Advanced 80EDI (LCCI IQ) level 3 Certicate in Accounting 80EDI
(LCCI IQ) level 3 Certicate in Accounting (IAS) 81EDI Level 3
Certicate in Transition to Playwork (from Early Years)81EDI Level 3
Certicate for Retail Knowledge (QCF)84EDI Level 3 Certicate in
Principles of Sales84EDI (LCCI) Level 3 Certicate in Business
Principles and Practice 84EDI (LCCI) Level 3 Award in Professional
Ethics and Finance85EDI (LCCI) Level 3 Award in Computerised
Accounting Skills85EDI (LCCI) Level 3 Award in Understanding
Financial Statements85EDI (LCCI) Level 3 Award in Principles and
Practice of Costing86EDI (LCCI) Level 4 Award in Islamic Finance
and Banking86EDI (LCCI) Level 4 Award in Business Finance and
Banking Operations86EDI (LCCI) Level 4 Certicate in Applied
Business Economics87EDI (LCCI) Level 3 Award in Introduction to
Business Planning and Strategy87EDI Level 3 Certicate in Contact
Centre Operations82EDI Level 5 Diploma in Management and
Leadership83EDI Level 3 Diploma in IT User Skills (ITQ
Apprentice)83EDI Level 3 Certicate in ICT Systems and
Principles83EDI Level 3 Certicate in Principles of the Creative and
Cultural Sector81Sports Leaders UK Level 3 Certicate in Higher
Sports Leadership142Institute of Commercial Management (ICM) 986UK
QUALIFICATIONSICM Certicate/Diploma/Advanced Diploma Programmes
98ifs School of Finance100ifs Certicate in Financial Studies (CeFS)
100ifs level 3 Diploma in Financial Studies (DipFS) 101National
Vocational Qualication (NVQ) 107NCC Education108NCC Education
International Foundation Year (IFY) 108NCC Education Level 3
Diploma in Business109NCC Education Level 3 Diploma in
Computing109NCC Education Level 4 Diploma in Computing (QCF)109NCC
Education Level 4 Diploma in Business Information Technology
(QCF)110NCC Education Level 4 Diploma in Business (QCF)110NCC
Education Level 5 Diploma in Computing (QCF)111NCC Education Level
5 Diploma in Business IT (QCF)111NCC Education Level 5 Diploma in
Business (QCF)112Pre-Masters in Business112Pre-Masters in IT113NCC
Education Level 7 Diploma in Business Management (QCF)113NCC
Education Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Business IT
(QCF)114NCFE114NCFE Certicate in Art and Design 115NCFE Certicate
in Creative Craft 115NCFE Certicate in Interactive Media 115NCFE
Certicate in Personal Training116NCFE Award in Counselling Skills
and Theory 116NCFE Diploma in Counselling Skills116NCFE Award in
Employability Skills 116NCFE Award in Job Search and Interview
Skills117NCFE Award in Learning to Learn for Higher Level
Studies117NCFE Award in Managing Diversity 117NCFE Award in
Practical Food Safety Supervision for Catering117NCFE Award in
Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector 118NCFE
Certicate in Employability Skills 118NCFE Certicate in
Understanding Palliative Care 118NCFE Certicate in Working in the
Health Sector 118NCFE Certicate in Supporting Teaching and Learning
in Schools 119NCFE NVQ in Advice and Guidance 119NCFE NVQ Diploma
in Customer Service 129NCFE NVQ Certicate in Spectator
Safety129NCFE NVQ Diploma in Spectator Safety Management130NCFE
Certicate in Leisure Management 130NCFE NVQ Diploma in Leisure
Management 130NCFE Diploma in Outdoor Learning 130NCFE NVQ Diploma
in Outdoor Programmes131NCFE Certicate in Travel Services131NCFE
NVQ Diploma in Personal Training131NCFE Certicate in Retail Skills
(Management)131NCFE Certicate in Retail Skills (Visual
Merchandising)132NCFE Certicate in Retail Skills (Sales
Professional)132NCFE Diploma in Retail Skills (Visual
Merchandising)132NCFE Diploma in Retail Skills (Management)132NCFE
Diploma in Retail Skills (Sales Professional)133NCFE Certicate in
Retail Knowledge133NCFE Award in Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong
Learning Sector 118NCFE Certicate in Early Years Foundation Stage
Practice 119NCFE Certicate in Logistics Operations (new QCF version
for 2011)120NCFE NVQ in Occupational Health and Safety 120NCFE
Certicate in Principles of Business and Administration120NCFE NVQ
Certicate in Management121NCFE NVQ Diploma in Business and
Administration121NCFE NVQ Certicate in Business and
Administration121NCFE NVQ Diploma in Customer Service121UK
QUALIFICATIONS 7NCFE Award in Understanding the Principles and
Practices of Assessment122NCFE Award in Assessing Competence in the
Work Environment122NCFE Award in Assessing Vocationally Related
Achievement122NCFE Certicate in Assessing Vocational
Achievement123NCFE Diploma for the Children and Young Peoples
Workforce123NCFE Award in Understanding the Internal Quality
Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice123NCFE Award in the
Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and
Practice123NCFE Certicate in Leading the Internal Quality Assurance
of Assessment Processes and Practice124NCFE Diploma for Entry to
the Uniformed Services124NCFE Diploma in Managing a Music Business
Enterprise124NCFE Diploma in Radio Production124NCFE Diploma in
Healthcare Support Services125NCFE Award in Employment and Personal
Learning Skills in Health125Certicate in Stroke Care
Management125NCFE Certicate in Working in End of Life Care126NCFE
Award in IT User Skills (ITQ)126NCFE Award in Supporting Teaching
and Learning in Schools126NCFE Certicate in Contact Centre
Operations126NCFE Certicate in IT User Skills (ITQ)126NCFE
Certicate in Management127NCFE Certicate in Principles of Customer
Service127NCFE Certicate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in
Schools127NCFE Diploma in IT User Skills127NCFE Diploma in IT User
Skills (ITQ)127NCFE Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and
Learning in Schools128NCFE Certicate in Teaching in the Lifelong
Learning Sector (level 3)128NCFE Certicate in Teaching in the
Lifelong Learning Sector (level 4)128NCFE NVQ Diploma in Business
and Administration128NCFE NVQ Diploma in Contact Centre Operations
(level 3)129NCFE NVQ Diploma in Contact Centre Operations (level
4)129Oxford, Cambridge and RSA (OCR) Examinations 133OCR National
Award and Certicate in Science 134OCR Asset Languages 134OCR
Award/Certicate/Diploma for Creative iMedia 135OCR
Certicate/Diploma for IT Professionals 136OCR Level 3 Certicate in
Mathematics for Engineering 137OCR Level 5 Certicate in Teaching
Learners with Specic Learning Difculties137OCR National Certicates,
Diplomas and Extended Diplomas 138OCR Level 3 Diploma for the
Children and Young Peoples Workforce 140OCR Preparing to Teach in
the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS) Award 141OCR Certicate in
Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector 141Technical Certicate
143Vocationally Related Qualications (VRQs)
157SKILLS/ENRICHMENTAdult Literacy and Adult Numeracy 159ASDAN
Certicate of Personal Efectiveness (ASDAN CoPE) 159ASDAN Award of
Personal Efectiveness (ASDAN AoPE)160ASDAN Level 3 Award and
Certicate in Employability160ASDAN Level 3 Award and Certicate in
Community Volunteering161ASDAN Universities Award 161Cambridge
English Examinations 161CSV Learning Together and Student Community
Partnerships 161ASCENTIS Level 3 Certicate in Personal Development
for Progression (formerly known as the Curriculum Enrichment
Programme)162The Duke of Edinburghs Award 162Engineering Education
Scheme in England (EESE) 162Essential Skills 163Essential Skills
Wales 163Functional Skills 164Key Skills 164Industrial Careers
Foundation 165Trident Trust Skills for Life Programme1658UK
QUALIFICATIONSOCR Level 3 Certicate for Young Enterprise
(QCF)165The Outward Bound Trust Classic Award166PHASED OUT
QUALIFICATIONS Ordinary level (GCE O level, O level)167Alternative
Ordinary level (AO level) 167Advanced level (GCE A level)
168Advanced Supplementary (GCE AS) 169Special Papers (SPs)
170Certicate of Secondary Education (CSE) 170Joint 16+ Examinations
170Certicate of Extended Education (CEE) 170Certicate of Extended
Studies (CES) 171Certicate of Further Studies (CFS) 171Intermediate
Certicates 171Senior Certicate Examination (SCE) 171Use of English
171BTEC Qualications prior to September 2002 (including former
BTEC, BEC and TEC qualications) First, National and Higher National
Qualications 171Higher National Qualications Engineering 171BTEC
Qualications prior to 1986 (including BEC, TEC and Joint Committee
Qualications) 172Access to HE Certicate 172Advanced General
National Vocational Qualications (Advanced GNVQ) 172Sixth Term
Examination Papers (STEP) 173Part One General National Vocational
Qualications (Part One GNVQ) 174ifs Certicate in Financial Services
Practice (CFSP) 174Advanced Subsidiary Vocational Certicate of
Education (ASVCE, three-unit VCE) 175Advanced Vocational Certicate
of Education (AVCE, six-unit AVCE) 175Advanced Vocational Certicate
of Education: Double Award (AVCEDA, Vocational A level Double
Award) 176Diploma of Achievement177General National Vocational
Qualications (GNVQ)177National Christian Schools Certicate (NCSC)
178Progress File 178ASDAN Certicate in Career Planning 179OTHER
ENTRY ROUTES TO HIGHER EDUCATION Accreditation of Prior Learning
(APL) 180Credit for Higher and Further Education Qualications
180The Open University (OU) 182WALES184NORTHERN
IRELAND185Qualications in Scotland Introduction 187The Scottish
Credit and Qualications Framework 187Awarding and Accrediting Body
Scottish Qualications Authority189CURRENT SCOTTISH QUALIFICATIONS
National Courses (SCQF levels 4 to 7) 189National Units (available
at SCQF levels 1 to 7) 190Core Skills 190Access 2 and Access 3
191Advanced Highers (AH) 193Awards194Core Skills 194Scottish
Baccalaureate 195Scottish Baccalaureate in Expressive
Arts195Scottish Baccalaureate in Languages196Scottish Baccalaureate
in Science 197Scottish Baccalaureate in Social Sciences198Higher
National Certicates (HNC) 199UK QUALIFICATIONS 9Higher National
Diplomas (HND) 200Highers193Intermediate 1 and Intermediate 2 (Int
1, Int 2) 192National Certicate Group Awards 200National
Qualication Group Awards 201National Certicates 201National
Progression Awards (NPA)201Professional Development Awards (PDA)
202Scottish Progression Awards (SPA) 202Scottish Vocational
Qualications (SVQ) 203Standard Grades (S Grades) 192Scottish
Curriculum Reform204PHASED OUT QUALIFICATIONSCerticate of Sixth
Year Studies (CSYS) 206General Scottish Vocational Qualications
(GSVQ) 206National Certicate Modules 206Scottish Group Awards
(SGA)206Scottish Certicate of Education Highers (SCE Highers)
207CERTIFICATES AND OTHER SUPPORTING EVIDENCE LIKELY TO BE OFFERED
BY APPLICANTS Scottish Qualications Certicate (SQC)
208Commemorative Certicates 208Scottish Certicate of Education
(SCE) 208Certicate of Sixth Year Studies (CSYS) 208Record of
Education and Training (RET) 208Certicates awarded by Scottish
Vocational Education Councils predecessor bodies: Scottish Business
Education Council and Scottish Technical Education Council
(SCOTBEC, SCOTEC) 208Progress File 208National Record of
Achievement (NRA) 208Young Enterprise Scotland 208Modern
Apprenticeships in Scotland (MA) 209ROUTES INTO HIGHER EDUCATION IN
SCOTLAND Scottish Access to Higher Education Programmes, Courses
and Pathways 211Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP) 211Access
Courses run by Higher Education Institutions 211Community
Education, Voluntary Organisation Routes 211Summer Schools
211Credit Accumulation and Transfer 211International Foundation
Programme (IFPS) 211AppendicesAppendix A Contact details212Appendix
B The UCAS Tarif 216Appendix C GCSE subject availability
217Appendix D Discontinued GCSE subjects (last examinations 2002)
221Appendix E GCE A level and AS subject availability 224Appendix F
Advanced Extension Award subject availability 232Appendix G
AVCE/ASVCE/AVCE Double Award subject availability 233Appendix H
Additional Admissions Tests 234Appendix I English Language
Prociency 235Appendix J National Courses Available in Scotland
(Intermediate to Advanced Higher level) 237Appendix K National
Qualication Group Awards (Scotland) 23910UK QUALIFICATIONSList of
abbreviationsA AdvancedAA Advanced ApprenticeshipABC ABC AwardsABL
Awarding Body LinkageABRSM Associated Board of the Royal Schools of
MusicACACCurriculum and Assessment Authority for Wales (no longer
current)ACCAC Awdurdod Cymwysterau Cwricwlwm Ac Asesu
Cymru/Qualications, Curriculum and Assessment Authority for Wales
(now the Welsh Government) ACER Australian Council for Education
ResearchACGI Associate of City and Guilds InstituteADA Advanced
Double AwardADES Association of Directors of Education in
ScotlandAEA Advanced Extension AwardAEB Associated Examining Board
(no longer current)AGNVQ Advanced General National Vocational
Qualication (no longer current)AH Advanced HigherAICE Advanced
International Certicate of EducationAIDA Award in Digital
ApplicationsALCC Associate of London Chamber of Commerce and
IndustryAO Alternative Ordinary levelAPEL Accreditation of Prior
Experiential LearningAPL Accreditation of Prior LearningAQA
Assessment and Qualications AllianceAS Advanced Subsidiary (from
September 2000)AS Advanced Supplementary (last examination 2001)ASC
Association of Scottish CollegesASDA Advanced Subsidiary Double
AwardASDAN Award Scheme Development and Accreditation NetworkASVCE
Advanced Subsidiary Vocational Certicate of Education(last award
2006)ATD Advanced Technician DiplomaAVA Authorised Validating
AgencyAVCEAdvanced Vocational Certicate of Education (last award
2006)AVCEDA Advanced Vocational Certicate of Education Double
Award(last award 2006)BEC Business Education Council (no longer
current)BHS The British Horse Society BIS Department for Business
Innovation and SkillsBMAT BioMedical Admissions TestBTEC Business
and Technology Education Council CABs Component Awarding
BodiesCACHE Council for Awards in Childrens Care and EducationCAE
Certicate of Advanced EnglishCAS Creativity, Action, ServiceCATS
Credit Accumulation and Transfer SystemCBI Confederation of British
IndustryCBS Cambridge Business SkillsCCEA Northern Ireland Council
for the Curriculum, Examinationsand AssessmentCCLC Council for
Citizenship and Learning in the CommunityCCP Certicate in
Childminding PracticeCCP Contact Centre ProfessionalCEE Certicate
of Extended Education (no longer current)CEFR Common European
Framework of Reference for LanguagesCeFS Certicate in Financial
StudiesCELS Certicate in English Language SkillsCEP Curriculum
Enrichment ProgrammeCES Certicate of Extended StudiesCfE Curriculum
for ExcellenceCFS Certicate of Further StudiesCFSP Certicate in
Financial Services PracticeCIB Chartered Institute of BankersCIDA
Certicate in Digital ApplicationsCIE Cambridge International
ExaminationsCIOBS Chartered Institute of Bankers in ScotlandCIT
Cambridge Information TechnologyCLS Community Learning ScotlandCNAA
Council for National Academic Awards (no longer current)COSLA
Convention of Scottish Local AuthoritiesCPD Certicate of
Professional DevelopmentCPD Continuing Professional DevelopmentCPE
Certicate of Prociency in EnglishCQFW Credit and Qualications
Framework for WalesCRA Centre for Recording AchievementCSCA
Cambridge Skills and Career AwardCSE Certicate of Secondary
Education (no longer current)CSV Community Service VolunteersCSYS
Certicate of Sixth Year Studies (no longer current)CTA Certicate
for Teaching AssistantsDABs Diploma Awarding BodiesDAS Diploma
Aggregation ServiceDCE Diploma in Child Care and EducationDCELLS
Department for Education, Lifelong Learning and SkillsDDP Diploma
Development PartnershipDEBF Diploma in English for Banking and
FinanceDENI Department of Education in Northern IrelandDfE
Department for EducationDFSM Diploma in Financial Services
ManagementDIDA Diploma in Digital ApplicationsDipFS Diploma in
Financial StudiesDPPW Diploma in Playgroup Practice in WalesDPW
Diploma in PlayworkDTEP Diploma in Trust and Estate PracticeEB
European BaccalaureateECTS European Credit Transfer SystemEDI
Education Development InternationalEFL English as a Foreign
LanguageEQF European Qualications FrameworkEQLEquestrian
Qualications LimitedESB English Speaking BoardESOL English for
Speakers of Other LanguagesEU European UnionFAB Federation of
Awarding BodiesFAD Foundation Art and DesignFC First CerticateFCE
First Certicate in EnglishFD First DiplomaFE Further EducationFEFC
Further Education Funding CouncilFEHQ Framework for Higher
Education QualicationsFEI Further Education InstitutionFEnto
Further Education National Training OrganisationFLAW Foreign
Languages at WorkFLIC Foreign Languages for Industry and
CommerceFMP Final Major ProjectFSMQ Free-standing Mathematics
QualicationFTC Full Technological CerticateFTD Full Technological
DiplomaGAMSAT Graduate Medical School Admissions TestGC General
CerticateGCE General Certicate of EducationGCGI Graduate of City
and Guilds InstituteGCSE General Certicate of Secondary EducationGD
General DiplomaGLH Guided Learning HoursGNVQ General National
Vocational QualicationGOAL Global Online Assessment for
LearningGSVQ General Scottish Vocational Qualication (no longer
current)H HigherHAS Headteachers Association of ScotlandHAT History
Aptitude TestHE Higher EducationHEFCE Higher Education Funding
CouncilHEI Higher Education InstitutionHEPI Higher Education Policy
InstituteHESA Higher Education Statistics AgencyHIE Highlands and
Islands EnterpriseHL Higher LevelList of abbreviationsUK
QUALIFICATIONS 11List of abbreviationsHMIE Her Majestys
Inspectorate of EducationHNC Higher National CerticateHND Higher
National DiplomaHPAT Health Professions Admission TestIAD Advanced
Diploma in Computer StudiesIAS International Accounting StandardsIB
International BaccalaureateIBCC International Baccalaureate
Careers-related CerticateIBMYP International Baccalaureate Middle
Years ProgrammeIBO International Baccalaureate OrganizationICAAE
International Curriculum and Assessment Agency ExaminationsICCE
International Certicate of Christian EducationICCS International
Certicate in Computer StudiesICF Industrial Careers FoundationICM
Institute of Commercial ManagementICT Information and Communication
TechnologyIDCS International Diploma in Computer StudiesIELTS
International English Language Testing CerticateIFPS International
Foundation Programme ScotlandIFS ifs School of FinanceIGCSE
International General Certicate of Secondary EducationIT
Information TechnologyITO Industry Training OrganisationIVA
Integrated Vocational AssessmentIWA Institute of Welsh AfairsJAC
Joint Advisory CommitteeJACQA Joint Advisory Committee for
Qualications ApprovalJCG Joint Curriculum GroupJCQ Joint Council
for QualicationsJMB Joint Matriculation Board (no longer current)KS
Key StageLCCI London Chamber of Commerce and Industry
InternationalLCGI Licentiate of City and Guilds InstituteLCM London
College of Music (no longer current)LCMM London College of Music
and MediaLEAG London East Anglian Group (no longer current)LMC
Learning Materials for ChangeLNATNational Admissions Test for
LawLSC Learning and Skills CouncilLSN Learning and Skills Network
(no longer current)LTSN Learning and Teaching Support NetworkMCGI
Member of City and Guilds InstituteMEG Midlands Examining Group (no
longer current)MFL Modern Foreign LanguageMML Modern and Medieval
Languages TestMSAT Medical School Admissions TestNC National
CerticateNCEENational Council for Educational ExcellenceNCSC
National Christian Schools CerticateNCSCB National Christian
Schools Certicate BoardNCVQ National Council for Vocational
Qualications (no longer current)ND National DiplomaNDAQ National
Database of Accredited Qualications (replaced by the Register of
Regulated Qualications)NDTEF National Design and Technology
Education FoundationNEA Northern Examining Association (no longer
current)NEAB Northern Examinations and Assessment Board (no longer
current) NIACE National Institute of Adult Continuing
EducationNICATS Northern Ireland Credit Accumulation and Transfer
SystemNICCNorthern Ireland Council for the Curriculum (no longer
current)NICCEA Northern Ireland Council for the Curriculum,
Examinations and Assessment (often abbreviated to CCEA)NISEAC
Northern Ireland Schools Examinations and Assessment Council (no
longer current)NISEC Northern Ireland Schools Examinations Council
(no longer current)NNEB National Nursery Examination Board (no
longer current)NOCN National Open College NetworkNQF National
Qualications FrameworkNRA National Record of AchievementNTO
National Training Organisation (now replaced by Sector Skills
Council)NUCCAT Northern Universities Consortium for Credit
Accumulation and TransferNUS National Union of StudentsNVQ National
Vocational QualicationO Ordinary level (no longer current)OCEAC
Oxford and Cambridge Examinations and Assessment Council (no longer
current)OCN Open College NetworkOCR Oxford, Cambridge and RSA
examinationsOCSEB Oxford and Cambridge Schools Examination Board
(no longer current)Ofqual Ofce of the Qualications and Examinations
RegulatorOIB Option Internationale du BaccalauratONC Ordinary
National CerticateOND Ordinary National DiplomaOU Open UniversityPD
Professional Development PDA Professional Development AwardPDP
Professional Development PlanningPFIG Progress File Implementation
GroupQA Quality AssuranceQAA Quality Assurance Agency for Higher
EducationQAN Qualication Accreditation NumberQCDA Qualications and
Curriculum Development Agency (no longer current)QCF Qualications
and Credit FrameworkQIA Quality Improvement AgencyRET Record of
Education and Training (no longer current)RITS Regulatory IT
SystemSACCA Scottish Advisory Committee on Credit and AccessSBA
Scenario-Based AssignmentSBS School Based SyllabusSCAA School
Curriculum and Assessment Authority (no longer current)SCAVA
Standing Conference of Authorised Validating AgenciesSCE Scottish
Certicate of Education (no longer current)SCOP Standing Conference
of Principals (now GuildHE)SCOTBEC Scottish Business Education
Council (no longer current)SCOTCAT Scottish Credit Accumulation and
TransferSCOTEC Scottish Technical Educational Council (no longer
current)SCOTVEC Scottish Vocational Education Council (no longer
current)SCQF Scottish Credit and Qualications FrameworkSE Scottish
EnterpriseSEB Scottish Examination Board (no longer current)SEC
Secondary Examinations Council (no longer current)SEECSouthern
England Consortium for Credit Accumulation and TransferSEED
Scottish Executive Education DepartmentSEETLD Scottish Executive
Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning DepartmentSEFIC Spoken
English for Industry and CommerceSEG Southern Examining Group (no
longer current)SFA Skills Funding AgencySFEFC Scottish Further
Education Funding CouncilSGA Scottish Group AwardSHEFC Scottish
Higher Education Funding CouncilSIFP Scottish International
Foundation Programme (no longer current)SL Standard LevelSLS School
Leaders ScotlandSP Special Paper (no longer current)SPA Scottish
Progression AwardSPA Supporting Professionalism in AdmissionsSQA
Scottish Qualications AuthoritySQC Scottish Qualications
CerticateSSAScot Sector Skills Alliance ScotlandSSC Sector Skills
CouncilSTEP Sixth Term Examination PaperSTUC Scottish Trade Unions
Congress12UK QUALIFICATIONSList of abbreviationsSUfI Scottish
University for IndustrySUJB Southern Universities Joint BoardSVQ
Scottish Vocational QualicationSWAP Scottish Wider Access
ProgrammeTD Technician DiplomaTEC Technician Education Council (no
longer current)TEC Training and Enterprise Council (no longer
current)TOEFL Test of English as a Foreign LanguageTSAThinking
Skills AssessmentUACE(S) Universities Association for Continuing
Education (Scotland)UAL University of the Arts, LondonUCAS
Universities and Colleges Admissions ServiceUCCA Universities
Central Council on Admissions (no longer current)UCLES University
of Cambridge Local Examinations SyndicateUfI University for
IndustryUKCAT UK Clinical Aptitude TestUKCES UK Commission for
Employment and SkillsULEAC University of London Examinations and
Assessment Council (no longer current)ULSEB University of London
Schools Examination Board (no longer current)ULSED University of
London Schools Examination Department (no longer current)UMS
Uniform Mark ScaleUODLE University of Oxford Delegacy of Local
Examinations (no longer current)UUK Universities UKVCE Vocational
Certicate of EducationWBAD Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced DiplomaWJEC
Welsh Joint Education CommitteeYE Young EnterpriseYPLA Young
Peoples Learning AgencyQualications currently oferedUK
QUALIFICATIONS 13Qualications in England, Wales and Northern
Ireland14UK QUALIFICATIONSIntroductionWelcome to the UCAS UK
Qualications Guide 2014. The qualications landscape is currently
undergoing signicant reform. Administrations throughout the UK are
reviewing and reforming the qualications ofered in schools and
colleges, as well as reviewing vocational qualications and
apprenticeship frameworks. Qualications are also being increasingly
used in relation to school accountability measures and higher
education funding.This signicant change is likely to challenge
higher education admission departments as they get to grips with
these qualications and decide how, if it all, this alters their
understanding and perception of the qualication. Much of the
understanding of qualications higher education institutions (HEIs)
have, will be based on historic data and this understanding will no
longer be as informed as a result of these changes.This
understanding is made even more complex following a letter from
Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Education to Leighton Andrews,
Former Minister for Education and Skills, Wales and John ODowd,
Minister for Education, NI, stating that the three country
regulation of GCSEs and A levels should no longer be an objective
to which each administration work towards. What this means is that
we may potentially see greater divergence in the qualications
ofered in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We have already
begun to see this, with diferent approaches being undertaken in
relation to the January assessment of A levels and structural
diferences in GCSE. Below is a summary of the current policy
direction in relation to A levels. A more detailed and wide ranging
summary of qualications reform can be found on the UCAS website
(www.ucas.com/members-providers/qualications). This summary covers
A levels, GCSEs, vocational qualications, apprenticeships, Scottish
Highers and Advanced Highers, and the Access to HE Diploma.UCAS
will continue to update you on qualications reform and support
schools, advisers and HEIs through the provision of high quality
qualications information, such as through this
publication.ENGLANDThe Department for Education has proposed that A
levels in England become a two year linear qualication with a
terminal exam in the summer. The AS is to be decoupled from the
full A level and become a standalone qualication. Resit
opportunities will be limited and January assessment opportunities
ceased in 2013.The content of some A levels subjects covering 70%
of entries will be reviewed by awarding organisations and HEIs. The
rst of these revised A levels will be made available for rst
teaching in September 2015.WALESFormer Education Minister Leighton
Andrews announced that A levels in Wales will retain an AS element
and the Welsh Government will be reviewing the relationship between
the AS and full A level in the future. Students will have a January
assessment opportunity in 2014. However, these students will be the
last to have this available to them. Resit opportunities will also
be limited. The Welsh Government has recently accepted the
recommendations of the Review of 14-19 Qualications in Wales. This
report made 42 recommendations, including the formation of
Qualications Wales, the revision of the Welsh Baccalaureate and
further use of the Unique Learner Number.NORTHERN IRELANDA levels
in Northern Ireland are to retain an AS component with an
examination at the end of each year. CCEA is currently reviewing
the contribution that the AS grade makes to the full A level.
Students will have a January assessment opportunity in 2014.
However, they will be the last students to have this available to
them. Resit opportunities will also be limited.The Northern Irish
Government is currently conducting a longer term review of
qualications in Northern Ireland. This review may make further
changes to the qualications system in Northern Ireland. SCOTLANDThe
Scottish Government is continuing with the roll out of Curriculum
for Excellence and has introduced revised Highers for 2014 and
Advanced Highers for 2015. QUALIFICATIONS INFORMATION REVIEW AND
NEW QUALIFICATION INFORMATION SYSTEMUCAS recognises the importance
of HEIs having reliable, up to date information regarding
qualications, especially at a time of signicant reform. UCAS has
recently concluded the Qualications Information Review (QIR). The
QIR found that HE admissions staf wanted better information about
qualications to help inform decision making, a standard means of
comparing qualications and better guidance about the use of
qualications and the UCAS Tarif within HE admissions.In answer to
this UCAS has established the New Qualications Information Service
(NQIS) project to deliver the recommendations from the QIR. The
aims of the NQIS project are to deliver the following.gA new
Tarif/points system to support admissions and for management
information purposes.gProvision of better, detailed information
about priority qualications on the UCAS website.The new Tarif will
provide a simpler and more transparent means of allocating points
to a wider range of qualications, based on a consistent application
of a size by grade calculation. The project will initially focus on
providing admissions professionals with comprehensive, comparable
information about a range of EU and international qualications and
apprenticeship frameworks. UK QUALIFICATIONS 15The Qualications and
Credit Framework (QCF)The QCF allows learners achievement to be
recognised and recorded as they progress. It allows credit to be
awarded for units (small steps of learning), and for the credits to
be combined to allow for the award of a qualication. The exibility
of the system allows learners to accumulate units and to work
towards the achievement of the qualication most relevant for
them.Ofqual, together with its partner regulators in Wales (Welsh
Government) and Northern Ireland (CCEA), is responsible for
regulation of the Qualications and Credit Framework (QCF). In
Wales, the QCF forms part of the Credit and Qualications Framework
for Wales (CQFW). The framework is regulated to secure the validity
and reliability of the award of qualications within it and give
condence in the range of achievements across learners, subject
areas and qualication types.DETAILS OF THE QCFUnits are the
building blocks of all QCF qualications. The development of units
within the QCF is explicitly separated from the development of
rules of combination, the accreditation of qualications and the
subsequent assessment of units and award of credits and
qualications. The qualications system has eight main
elements:gdeveloping units gplacing units in the unit databank
gdeveloping qualications gaccrediting qualications gofering units
and qualications to learners gassessing achievement gawarding
credits gawarding qualications. QCF UNITSOfqual maintains a unit
databank. Recognised awarding organisations can place units in the
unit databank without further intervention from Ofqual. Once units
are in the databank, they may be used to build qualications.
Awarding organisations use rules of combination to group units
together and develop qualications. At this point the units included
in the qualication are made available to learners and the
qualication is ofered for use. The awarding organisation is
responsible for carrying out assessments of units and awarding
credits and qualications.IDENTIFYING QCF QUALIFICATIONSEvery unit
and qualication has a credit value and a level. One credit
represents 10 notional hours of learning, showing how much time a
learner working at the level of the unit would on average take to
complete the unit or qualication. Levels indicate difculty and vary
from entry (1) to level 8. The size of a qualication is indicated
by use of one of the following terms in its title:gAward (1 to 12
credits) gCerticate (13 to 36 credits) gDiploma (37 credits or
more)Awards, certicates and diplomas can exist at any of the levels
and the level is included in the qualication title. The title of a
QCF qualication follows a standard format of the level, size and a
description of the content, e.g. Level 3 Certicate in Mechanical
Engineering Technology. (Note where there are a range of
qualications from the same awarding organisation within the award,
certicate or diploma band covering the same content and title these
will be identied by the use of subsidiary and extended, e.g.
subsidiary diploma, diploma, extended diploma).REGULATORY
PROCESSESOfqual recognises organisations that meet the regulatory
requirements. Ofqual also monitors the performance of recognised
organisations and the quality of the units and qualications they
develop.A list of all qualications that have been referenced to the
QCF can be found at http://register.ofqual.gov.uk/ and this
includes their unit content as well as qualication and unit credit
values.RELATIONSHIP TO THE NATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS FRAMEWORK (NQF)
AND (FHEQ) FRAMEWORK FOR HIGHER EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONSEngland
currently has two qualications frameworks that non-HE qualications
may be referenced to: the QCF and the NQF. The levels of the NQF
and QCF use the same descriptors and have been referenced
together.The Framework for Higher Education Qualications (FHEQ)
describes the achievement represented by higher education
qualications. The framework applies to degrees, diplomas,
certicates and other academic awards granted by a higher education
provider with degree-awarding powers. The NQF and QCF levels 4-8
and the FHEQ are referenced at the same levels although the size of
qualications varies.16UK QUALIFICATIONSThe Qualications and Credit
Framework (QCF)QUALIFICATION LEVELSThe following diagram shows how
the framework levels relate to each other along with examples of
qualications atvarious levels.The regulatorsUK QUALIFICATIONS
17Qualications currently ofered ABC Awards level 3 Diploma in
Fashion Retail [501/1540/6]QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDIT FRAMEWORK
LEVEL:Level 3BACKGROUND:This qualication was originally developed
in association with the Fashion Retail Academy London. It has a
uniqueness over existing provision within this sector inasmuch as
there is integrated learning through practical application in-store
and academic activities. This delivery and assessment approach
ensures the learners have a fullling experience in developing their
personal attributes along with skills and knowledge to excel in the
fashion retail industry and harbour an entrepreneurial talent.The
Diploma has achieved full status within the QCF.PREREQUISITES:The
level 2 Diploma in Fashion RetailorGCSE English and Mathematics
grades A C or level 2 equivalent.Aptitude and enthusiasm for the
fashion retail industry.Minimum age 16 years.NUMBER OF
UNITS/STRUCTURE:Learners must achieve a minimum of 79 credits. 47
credits must come from the mandatory level 3 units in Group A (5
units) and a minimum of 32 credits from the level 3 optional units
in Group B. For further details see
www.abcawards.co.uk/retail-/-warehousing-/-distribution/retail/.
The qualication equates to a minimum of 576 GLH.ASSESSMENT
METHOD:Internally assessed and internally and externally
moderated.GRADING SYSTEM:GradeUCAS Tarif
pointsDistinction160Merit120Pass80The Associated Board of the Royal
Schools of Music (ABRSM)The Associated Board of the Royal Schools
of Music (ABRSM) conducts around 650,000 exams in more than 90
countries around the world each year. ABRSMs core activity is the
operation of an authoritative and internationally recognised system
of exams and assessments to encourage and motivate players and
singers at all levels through the provision of goals and
measurement of progress.Exams are available for more than 30
instruments, singing, jazz, ensembles, practical musicianship and
theory of music. Many students will start with the Prep Test, a
simple and positive assessment at the pre-Grade 1 level. Graded
exams start from Grade 1 and are numbered progressively in order of
difculty to Grade 8. The practical exams require candidates to
demonstrate prociency in set pieces, scales and arpeggios,
sight-reading and aural skills. Theory of music exams give students
opportunities to acquire: a knowledge of the notation of western
music, including the signs and terminology commonly employed; an
understanding of fundamental musical elements such as intervals,
keys, scales and chords; skill in constructing balanced rhythmic
patterns or completing given melodic or harmonic structures; and an
ability to apply theoretical knowledge and understanding to score
analysis. For students who progress beyond Grade 8 ABRSM ofers
professional diplomas (DipABRSM, LRSM and FRSM) in three subject
areas: performing, directing and teaching. ABRSM Graded Exams in
Music Performance and Music TheoryQUALIFICATIONS AND CREDIT
FRAMEWORK LEVEL:Grades 13= level 1Grades 45= level 2Grades 68=
level 3BACKGROUND:ABRSMs Graded Exams aim to provide a clear
framework against which to measure musical development. They
provide teachers and candidates with an authoritative and
internationally recognised examination and assessment system to
encourage and motivate players and singers at all levels, from the
earliest stages to conservatoire entry level, through the provision
of goals and the measurement of progress.In their own time and at
their own pace, candidates from widely diverse backgrounds and with
difering aspirations can derive benet from ABRSMs rigorous and
educationally sound structure.To acknowledge levels of musicianship
and attainment within grades through the award of additional marks
leading to Merit or Distinction in recognition of higher levels
of:gtechnical uencygmusical understandingginterpretative
insightgsensitivity of responsegcommunication skillsGrades 18 are
available in Music Performance (piano, organ, violin, viola, cello,
double bass, treble recorder, ute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon,
saxophone, horn, trumpet, cornet, ugelhorn, E at horn, trombone,
baritone, euphonium, tuba, guitar, harp, percussion and singing);
music theory.Grades 15 are available in Music Performance (descant
recorder, jazz piano, jazz ute, jazz clarinet, jazz saxophone
(soprano, alto and tenor), jazz trumpet, jazz cornet, jazz
ugelhorn, jazz trombone). Grades 48 are available in Music
Performance (harpsichord).Grades 68 are available in Music
Performance (bass trombone).DATE OF FIRST
AWARD:1889PREREQUISITES:Grade 5 in Music Theory, Practical
Musicianship or a solo jazz subject is required when taking Grade 6
or above in Music Performance.Qualications currently ofered18UK
QUALIFICATIONSASSESSMENT METHOD:ABRSMs Graded Exams are assessed
according to criterion-referenced methods. Assessment is based on
candidates fullling the syllabus requirements against published
criteria for each element of the exam. The criteria are published
in ABRSMs guide These Music Exams, which is available free of
charge on request or as a downloadable PDF from
http://www.abrsm.org/resources/theseMusicExams0607.pdf. Assessment
is, therefore, manageable, safe and appropriate to the needs of
learners. It is based on candidates fullling criteria against
appropriate and carefully chosen repertoire and supporting tests
which provide a logical progression through the grades.Assessment
is by individual examiners appointed by ABRSM. ABRSM uses
generalist rather than specialist examiners, ie examiners are
engaged for their overall musicianship rather than for particular
instrumental/vocal expertise.Techniques for applying the criteria
are demonstrated in depth during initial examiner training and in
the subsequent in-service process.The entire assessment is carried
out by the examiner appointed by ABRSM at the date and time
specied. As each element of the exam is presented, the examiner
makes a written record on the mark form which describes what has
been heard and supports the mark awarded against the criteria
published for the grade.The standard of the exam is set by the pass
marks and examiners add or deduct marks from that. Marks are not
awarded either by deduction from the maximum or by addition from
zero.Each syllabus includes an outline of what the examiner will be
looking for, e.g. for Piano candidates, the examiners will pay
attention to:gaccuracy of notesgaccuracy of timegquality of
touchgvariety and gradation of tonegchoice of tempogobservance of
marks of expressiongrhythmgphrasing and accentguse of practical
ngeringEXAM TIMING:There are three main exam sessions a year
(roughly in March-April, June-July and November-December).GRADING
SYSTEM:The practical exams (Music Performance) require candidates
to demonstrate prociency in set pieces, scales and arpeggios,
sight-reading and aural skills. Assessment is given at three levels
for each exam: Distinction, Merit and Pass. 130 marks are required
to pass with Distinction, 120 to pass with Merit, and 100 to
achieve a Pass, out of a possible 150 marks.Practical GradeUCAS
Tarif pointsGrade 8 Distinction75Grade 8 Merit70Grade 8 Pass55Grade
7 Distinction60Grade 7 Merit55Grade 7 Pass40Grade 6
Distinction45Grade 6 Merit40Grade 6 Pass25Theory GradeUCAS Tarif
pointsGrade 8 Distinction30Grade 8 Merit25Grade 8 Pass20Grade 7
Distinction20Grade 7 Merit15Grade 7 Pass10Grade 6
Distinction15Grade 6 Merit10Grade 6 Pass5QUALITY ASSURANCE:This is
provided by the Examinations Board, which comprises two delegates
from each of the four Royal Schools of Music in the UK and is
chaired by the Principal of one of the Royal Schools, with ex-ofcio
membership for the Chief Executive and Chief Examiner.The entire
assessment process takes place under the supervision of the
Examinations Board which:graties the appointment and dismissal of
examinersgraties the appointment of examiner trainers and
moderatorsgmonitors all aspects of syllabus creation and
developmentgmonitors all examining activityComplaints concerning
the conduct of an exam or about the result must in all cases be
addressed to the Quality Assurance Manager for
Grades.PROGRESSION/ARTICULATION:The syllabus structure from Prep
Test to Grade 8 provides a carefully graded scheme which covers all
levels. Each grade builds progressively on the skills of the
previous level to provide a logical framework for progress.Skills
are assessed consistently across all the grades with assessment
components unchanged whilst demands of repertoire, technique,
knowledge, ability and independence of thought increase. ABRSMs
exams ofer a framework for progressive musical training against
periodic, unbiased assessment.ABRSMs exams are listed as entry
qualications in the music department prospectuses of many
universities (eg Durham, Bristol, Edinburgh and Birmingham),
colleges of higher education and conservatoires. In addition, they
are used to illustrate the standards required for entry to youth
orchestras, choirs and other similar bodiesQualications currently
oferedUK QUALIFICATIONS 19Diploma in the Principles of
Instrumental/Vocal TeachingLicentiate in Instrumental/ Vocal
TeachingFellowship in Music EducationQUALIFICATION
ABBREVIATION:DipABRSM, LRSM and FRSMQUALIFICATIONS AND CREDIT
FRAMEWORK LEVELS:DipABRSM level 4LRSM level 6FRSM level
7BACKGROUND:The Instrumental/Vocal Teaching Diplomas are designed
for candidates who are intending to take up, or have already
embarked upon, the teaching of an instrument or instruments. At
each level, skills as an instrumental teacher of individuals and/or
groups are explored and assessed in increasing
depth.PREREQUISITES:DipABRSM ABRSM Grade 8 Practical in the
instrument taught or a permitted substitution, and ABRSM Grade 6
Theory (1992 syllabus).LRSM DipABRSM (Principles of
Instrumental/Vocal Teaching) in the instrument taught or a
permitted substitution, and ABRSM Grade 8 Theory (1992
syllabus).FRSM LRSM (Instrumental/Vocal Teaching) in the instrument
taught or a permitted substitution.ASSESSMENT METHOD:Teaching
Skills, Viva Voce, Written Submission, Quick Study and (LRSM only)
Case Study Portfolio and Video of Teaching Practice.EXAM
TIMING:Exams are held throughout the year.GRADING
SYSTEM:Distinction, Pass or fail. Detailed criteria outlining the
various levels of achievement and attainment descriptions are
included in the syllabus.QUALITY ASSURANCE:A Diploma Board oversees
all matters relating to diplomas. As well as ratifying procedures
and monitoring decisions taken by its committees, the Diploma Board
advises on standards and considers all matters of quality
assurance.Diploma in Music DirectionLicentiate in Music
DirectionFellowship in Music DirectionQUALIFICATION
ABBREVIATION:DipABRSM, LRSM and FRSMQUALIFICATIONS AND CREDIT
FRAMEWORK LEVELS:DipABRSM level 4 LRSM level 6 FRSM level
7BACKGROUND:The Music Direction diplomas are available for
directors of instrumental groups or choirs. Live and written
components demonstrate command of directing technique in rehearsal
and performance, understanding of the repertoire and knowledge of
the instruments and voices within the
ensemble.PREREQUISITES:DipABRSM ABRSM Grade 8 Practical or a
permitted substitution.LRSM DipABRSM (Music Direction) or a
permitted substitution.FRSM LRSM (Music Direction) or a permitted
substitution.ASSESSMENT METHOD:DipABRSM and LRSM Rehearsal and
Performance (with programme notes), Viva Voce and Arrangement.FRSM
Rehearsal and Performance, Written Submission, Viva Voce and
Arrangement.EXAM TIMING:Exams are held throughout the year.GRADING
SYSTEM:Distinction, Pass or fail. Detailed criteria outlining the
various levels of achievement and attainment descriptions are
included in the syllabus.QUALITY ASSURANCE:A Diploma Board oversees
all matters relating to diplomas. As well as ratifying procedures
and monitoring decisions taken by its committees, the Diploma Board
advises on standards and considers all matters of quality
assurance.Diploma in Music PerformanceLicentiate in Music
PerformanceFellowship in Music PerformanceQUALIFICATION
ABBREVIATION:DipABRSM, LRSM and FRSMQUALIFICATIONS AND CREDIT
FRAMEWORK LEVELS:DipABRSM level 4 LRSM level 6 FRSM level
7BACKGROUND:The Music Performance diplomas are designed to reect
candidates day-to-day experience as performers, whether amateur or
professional. As well as demonstrating skills as a soloist, from
LRSM there is the opportunity to specialise in one of three roles:
orchestral musician, chamber ensemble member or keyboard
accompanist. Subjects: piano, harpsichord, organ, violin, viola,
cello, double bass, guitar, harp, recorder, ute, oboe, clarinet,
bassoon, saxophone, horn, trumpet, cornet in B at, ugelhorn, E at
horn, trombone, baritone, euphonium, tuba, percussion, singing.
PREREQUISITES:DipABRSM ABRSM Grade 8 Practical in the instrument
presented or a permitted substitution.LRSM DipABRSM (Music
Performance) in the instrument presented or a permitted
substitution.Qualications currently ofered20UK QUALIFICATIONSFRSM
LRSM (Music Performance) in the instrument presented or a permitted
substitution.ASSESSMENT METHOD:DipABRSM and LRSM Instrumental/vocal
recital (with programme notes), Viva Voce and Quick Study. FRSM
Instrumental/vocal recital, Written Submission, Viva Voce and Quick
Study.EXAM TIMING:Exams are held throughout the year.GRADING
SYSTEM:Distinction, Pass or fail. Detailed criteria outlining the
various levels of achievement and attainment descriptions are
included in the syllabus.QUALITY ASSURANCE:A Diploma Board oversees
all matters relating to diplomas. As well as ratifying procedures
and monitoring decisions taken by its committees, the Diploma Board
advises on standards and considers all matters of quality
assurance.Access to Higher Education DiplomaQUALIFICATION
ABBREVIATION:Access to HE DiplomaNATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS FRAMEWORK
LEVEL:The Access to HE Diploma stands outside the NQF and QCF. It
was recognised as a level 3 qualication in the Labour Force Survey
and is regarded as level 3 equivalent for funding
purposesBACKGROUND:The Access to Higher Education Diploma replaced
the Access to HE certicate in 2008/9. All Access to HE courses now
lead to the award of the Access to HE Diploma. Applicants who
started an Access to HE course prior to 2008-09 may ofer the Access
to HE certicate. The rst Access to HE courses were introduced in
the late 1970s to provide a route into HE for mature students. A
national framework for course recognition, now managed by the
Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA), has been in
place since 1989. The QAA Recognition Scheme for Access to Higher
Education (the Recognition Scheme) describes the regulatory and
quality assurance arrangements for Access to HE courses, which are
managed at local level by Access Validating Agencies (AVAs). Full
details of the Recognition Scheme are available at
www.accesstohe.ac.uk. AVAs develop and validate courses through
partnership arrangements with HE and FE institutions, and act as
the awarding bodies for the Access to HE Diploma. There are
currently 14 AVAs in England and Wales, which are licensed and
regulated by QAA. Contact details for AVAs are given at
www.accesstohe.ac.uk.All recognised Access to HE Diplomas are
listed on the Access courses database, which can be accessed from
the Access to HE website at www.accesstohe.ac.uk.QAA is currently
conducting a review of the Access to HE Diploma specications, to
ensure that the qualication continues to meet the needs both of
adults taking it, and the HE institutions to which those adults
progress. For more information on the review, please
seewww.accesstohe.ac.uk.PREREQUISITES:Access to HE courses are
intended primarily for those who have few, if any, formal
qualications. Some Access to HE courses may require level 2
achievement or completion of a Pre-Access programme, but any specic
prerequisites for individual courses are determined at local
level.NUMBER OF UNITS/STRUCTURE:The Access to HE Diploma is a
credit-based qualication which requires the achievement of 60
credits (with at least 45 achieved at level 3). A course leading to
the Access to HE Diploma has a unitised structure and provides a
planned, coherent programme of study in a dened subject area.
Access to HE Diplomas can be developed in any subject approved by a
validation panel, in order to respond to student demand and HE
progression opportunities.For each separately validated Access to
HE Diploma, the required 60 credits are derived from achievement on
a specied set of units (dened by the rules of combination) which
are approved at an AVA validation panel. Typically, courses include
units in several academic subjects relevant to the particular
Diploma, supported by units in study skills and other core
subjects. Units of Access to HE Diplomas vary in size (credit
value), and the total number on diferent courses may also vary.
However, the total volume of 60 credits is the same for all Access
to HE Diplomas.Titles of Access to HE Diplomas indicate the subject
of study in a standard format, for example, Access to HE (Nursing)
or Access to HE (Business Studies). Access to HE Diplomas may also
provide preparation for HE progression in a number of diferent
areas, for example, Access to HE (Humanities) or Access to HE
(Combined Studies). There is no prescribed or limited set of
titles, and details of curriculum for Access to HE Diplomas are
approved locally. Diplomas issued by AVAs carry the specic award
title, and include the QAA Access to HE logo, accompanied by the
words recognised by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher
Education.ASSESSMENT METHOD:QAA requires assessment methods on
Access to HE courses to provide a range of assessment experiences
which are appropriate for a preparation for HE study in the named
progression route. Student achievement for the award of the Access
to HE Diploma is veried through a system of internal and external
moderation, which is overseen and regulated by the AVA, according
to requirements madeby QAA.EXAMINATION TIMING:Determined by the
provider at local level.DATE OF RESULT PUBLICATION:Determined by
the AVA at local level. Results are normally available from AVAs by
the end of the rst week in August.GRADING SYSTEM:There is a common
system for grading the Access to HE Diploma, which was introduced
in 2009-10 (applicants who completed an Access to HE course prior
to 2010 may present an ungraded qualication). It is a system of
unit grading, with each level 3 unit achieved by a student being
given a grade of pass, merit or distinction. Because the number and
size of units is not the same for all Access to HE Diplomas, the
number of grades achieved by students on diferent courses also
varies. The total number of grades therefore reects the structure
of the particular programme of study and is unrelated to the
students standard of Qualications currently oferedUK QUALIFICATIONS
21performance. Achievement transcripts are issued with Access to HE
Diplomas, which identify the set of named units achieved by a
student, together with the number of credits and grades achieved
for each unit. Grades are not aggregated or averaged. There is no
overall grade.A set of seven generic grade descriptors, specied by
QAA, identies types of performance that are relevant to study in
HE. The descriptors provide the common denitions and a standard
reference point for grading decisions on all Access to HE Diplomas.
The award of a pass grade equates to the achievement of the
learning outcomes of the unit, and there are separate sets of
statements which identify the standard of performance required for
the achievement of merit and distinction grades. Full details of
the grading system and specic advice for HE admissions staf about
making ofers is available at is available at
www.accesstohe.ac.uk.QUALITY ASSURANCE:The quality assurance of
Access to HE is managed at regional and course level by the AVAs,
with requirements specied in QAAs Recognition Scheme. AVAs
procedures and practices are monitored and reviewed by
QAA.PROGRESSION/ARTICULATION:The Access to HE qualication has
national recognition and may be ofered for entry to any UK HE
undergraduate programme.Advanced Level ApprenticeshipNQF/QCF
LEVEL:Advanced Level Apprenticeships (note: Intermediate Level
Apprenticeships and Higher Apprenticeships are also
available)BACKGROUND:Advanced Level apprentices work towards
work-based learning qualications such as NVQ Level 3, Key Skills
and, in most cases, a relevant knowledge based certicate such as a
BTEC. To start this programme, apprentices should ideally have ve
GCSEs (grade C or above) or have completed an Intermediate Level
Apprenticeship.Apprenticeships are increasingly recognised as the
gold standard for work-based training. There are over 85,000
employers ofering Apprenticeships in more than 130,000 locations;
there are over 200 Apprenticeships suitable for hundreds of job
roles.The Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act, which
received royal assent on 12 November 2009, incorporates the
governments plans for expanding and extending the apprenticeship
programme. The act incorporates proposals that were originally
published in July 2008 as the Draft Apprenticeships Bill, which
stated that In the coming years the government wants
apprenticeships to be seen alongside university as a great option
for young people who want the best jobs, the best careers and the
best chance to get on in life. Apprenticeships are key to the
strategy to raise the age of participation in education or training
for all young people to 17 from 2013 and to 18 from 2015, with
high-quality vocational training clearly recognised as a mainstream
route for young people.National strategic responsibility for
apprenticeships lies with the National Apprenticeship Service.
Local provision is commissioned with local authorities. The
Specication of Apprenticeship Standards for England (SASE) and The
Specication of Apprenticeship Standards for Wales (SASW) released
in early 2010 outline a standard Framework constitution for
Advanced Apprenticeships (AA):gcompetence and knowledge
qualications must be underpinned by National Occupational Standards
(NOS)gqualications must be regulated by Ofqual to Qualications and
Credit Framework level 3 and be approved by the relevant Sector
Skills Councilgto include functional skills in Mathematics and
English at level 2, plus ICT at level 2 where it is directly
relevant to performance in the sectorgAA frameworks at minimum of
37 credits on QCF, with 10+ credits from competence-based
qualications, and 10+ from knowledge-based qualicationsAll Advanced
Apprenticeship frameworks in England and Wales started after 6
April 2011 will comply with these revised specications.Potential
changes in the new 2010 governments approach to Welfare to Work are
likely to create 400,000 new apprenticeships and work-based
training places over two years. More information on apprenticeships
can be found at www.apprenticeships.org.ukDATE OF FIRST
TEACHING:1995DATE OF FIRST AWARD:1997PREREQUISITES:Sector Skills
Councils (SSCs) and Sector Bodies are responsible for determining
and publishing entry criteria. SSCs and Sector Bodies design the
content of each Advanced Apprenticeship along with their
employers.NUMBER OF UNITS/STRUCTURE:Dependent upon NVQ and other
qualications in the Advanced Apprenticeship framework. All advanced
apprentices pursue a competence element (which can be either a
National Vocational Qualication or a qualication accredited in the
new Qualications and Credit Framework) at a minimum of level 3, Key
Skills at a level set by each sector, and additional elements
including technical certicates, dened by employers as required in
their sectors (eg underpinning knowledge and understanding as dened
by relevant vocational education qualications). The technical
certicate is often in the form of a BTEC or similar qualication,
and is usually taken by the apprentice on a day-release basis. The
Apprenticeship Blueprint (2005) acknowledged that exibility can be
achieved by moving away from the three-qualications approach and
puts emphasis on the need for apprentices to develop occupational
competence, with the necessary underpinning knowledge and the
transferable or Key Skills with appropriate qualications.
ASSESSMENT METHOD:See NVQ. Most technical certicates may be
assessed by examination.GRADING SYSTEM:Pass/Fail of each element of
the Advanced Apprenticeship framework: NVQ, Key Skills, technical
certicate.Qualications currently ofered22UK QUALIFICATIONSQUALITY
ASSURANCE:Awarding
organisation/Ofsted.PROGRESSION/ARTICULATION:Progression to FE and
HE, including foundation degrees.Advanced Extension
AwardQUALIFICATION ABBREVIATION:AEANATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
FRAMEWORK LEVEL: Level 3BACKGROUND: AEAs were introduced for
advanced level students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in
summer 2002. They replaced Special (S) papers and were designed to
challenge the most able advanced level students, ensuring that they
were tested against standards comparable with the most demanding
found in other countries. Candidates were assessed on their ability
to apply and communicate efectively their understanding of the
subject, using the skills of critical analysis, evaluation and
synthesis.They were available to students whatever their school or
college and whichever specication they were studying, and required
no extra content to be taught. They also helped universities
diferentiate between the most able candidates, particularly in
subjects with a high proportion of A grades at advanced
level.Following the changes made to GCE A levels in 2008,
specically the introduction of the A* and stretch and challenge, it
was decided that AEAs were no longer required. They were therefore
withdrawn after the June 2009 examinations.The exception to this is
the Mathematics AEA ofered by Edexcel, which will continue to be
available until at least August 2015.For a list of the subjects in
which AEAs were available, please see Appendix F.DATE OF FIRST
TEACHING: 2000DATE OF FIRST AWARD:2002PREREQUISITES: A candidate
did not have to enter for the relevant awarding organisations
corresponding GCE A level. However, AEAs were aimed at the top 10%
of students nationally in each subject. Teachers should have been
condent that candidates who were entered for AEAs were likely to
obtain grade A at A level in the subject concerned.NUMBER OF
UNITS/STRUCTURE: One unit. ASSESSMENT METHOD: AEAs were 100%
externally assessed. There was a single national examination
available in each subject. EXAMINATION TIMING: JuneDATE OF RESULT
PUBLICATION: August (the same time as GCE A level results). GRADING
SYSTEM: Assessment materials and mark schemes led to awards on a
two-point scale: Distinction and Merit, Distinction being the
higher. Candidates who did not reach the minimum standard for Merit
were recorded as ungraded. AEAs are included in the UCAS Tarif the
points for AEAs are over and above those gained from theA level
grade and came into efect for entry to HE in 2006.GradeUCAS Tarif
pointsDistinction40Merit20QUALITY ASSURANCE: All the quality
assurance procedures that apply to GCE A level and AS examinations
also apply to AEAs and are covered in the same Code of Practice.
PROGRESSION/ARTICULATION: AEAs may be taken into account for entry
to HE, particularly for high-demand courses. VARIANTS: AEAs are
based on GCE A level subject criteria where they exist rather than
on individual specications. AQA Baccalaureate QUALIFICATION
ABBREVIATION: AQA BaccNATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS FRAMEWORK LEVEL:
Level 3BACKGROUND: The AQA Baccalaureate is an overarching
qualication comprising four elements which together demonstrate
that post-16 students have the depth and breadth of academic
achievement and the skills necessary to succeed as undergraduates.
The AQA Bacc requires students to develop skills in: independent
research, critical/analytical thinking, academic report
writing/presentation, self-reective and self-directed learning
alongside participation in hands-on, structured extra-curricular
activity such as volunteering, work experience and personal
development activity that develops skills and personal qualities
such as team work, initiative and perseverance.The qualication was
piloted by 36 schools and colleges for awards in 2008, by 60
schools and colleges in 2009, and was available nationally from
September 2008 for rst awards in 2010. Over 320 schools and
colleges are now approved to deliver the AQA Baccalaureate.DATE OF
FIRST TEACHING:Pilot 2007 and Main 2008DATE OF FIRST AWARD: Pilot
2008 and Main 2010NUMBER OF UNITS/STRUCTURE:Four key
elements:gDepth of study Students three main GCE A level
choicesgBroader study one of the following at AS: Citizenship,
Critical Thinking, General Studies, Science in Society or World
DevelopmentgExtended Project qualication (EPQ)gEnrichment
activities at least 100 hours in two/three of the following core
areas: work-related learning, community participation, personal
development. These activities must have been undertaken during
years 12 and 13. Activities must be structured and hands-on
allowing students to develop skills and personal qualities such as
self-reection, initiative, team work, commitment etc. Students must
record and reect on their enrichment participation and submit this
work to AQA for vericationQualications currently oferedUK
QUALIFICATIONS 23ASSESSMENT METHOD: GCE A and AS levels as per
specications.EPQ as per specication (internally assessed and
externally moderated). Enrichment activities centres schemes are
quality assured by AQA. Students enrichment outcomes are internally
marked and externally veried. See AQA Bacc Enrichment Guide on the
AQA website for further information. EXAMINATION TIMING:Available
each Summer series.DATE OF RESULT PUBLICATION: AugustGRADING
SYSTEM: Prior Attainment: Candidates must have achieved GCSE grades
A*-C in ve subjects including English and Mathematics. Prior
attainment requirements for international students are agreed on a
case-by-case basis. AQA Bacc attainment: Candidates must have
achieved 3 GCE A levels, the EPQ and an AS breadth subject at grade
A-E. They must also meet the AQA Baccalaureate enrichment
requirements.The enrichment element is graded Pass/Fail.Overall AQA
Baccalaureate grades are based on consistency of performance and
determined as follows:Three A levels and extended project each at
Grade E or above = AQA Bacc each at Grade C or above = AQA Bacc
with Merit each at Grade A or above = AQA Bacc with
DistinctionCandidates must also achieve a pass in the enrichment
element and a grade E or above in the AS breadth subject. The grade
for the AS breadth subject is not counted in the overall AQA Bacc
grade.The grades for the component parts are the nal GCE grades
(the ones which will appear on candidates GCE certicates) which are
available to candidates in the year that they are entered for the
AQA Bacc (generally end of Year 13). The grades could comprise
units which have been retaken. The A levels could have been taken
in more than one sitting. QUALITY ASSURANCE: The constituent GCEs
and EPQ meet the quality assurance requirements associated with
these qualications. AQA quality assures every AQA Bacc school or
colleges enrichment programme and moderates student
outcomes.PROGRESSION/ARTICULATION: Students will progress to higher
education, training and employment.ASCENTISAscentis is the new name
for OCNW. It is an Ofqual accredited awarding organisation and is
also a licensed Access Validating Agency for Access to Higher
Education. Information on Ascentis and its qualications is
available on the Ascentis website at www.ascentis.co.uk and on the
Register of Regulated Qualications at
http://register.ofqual.gov.uk.ASCENTIS Level 3 Certicatein
Understanding Substance Misuse QCF LEVEL: Level 3BACKGROUND: This
qualication aims to develop knowledge and understanding within the
area of substance misuse. In particular, the qualication focuses on
a variety of drugs, their uses and efects. It also looks at
relevant government legislation and advises on methods that can be
used in responding to substance misuse.DATE OF FIRST TEACHING:
2009NUMBER OF UNITS/STRUCTURE:This is a three-unit qualication. All
three units are mandatory in order to achieve this qualication.A
minimum of 13 credits is required overall. ASSESSMENT METHOD:
Coursework and portfolio of evidence.GRADING SYSTEM:
Pass/FailPROGRESSION/ARTICULATION: This qualication prepares the
learner for more detailed study of related issues at the same level
or above. It prepares the learner for dealing with related issues
within their employment, thus improving their employability.
ASCENTIS Level 3 Certicatein Learning Support QCF LEVEL:Level
3BACKGROUND: The aim of the certicate is to provide those who want
to be learning support practitioners with the underpinning
knowledge, understanding and skills in order to efectively full the
generalist learning support practitioner role.The main purpose of
this qualication is:gto provide a sound educational basis for
supporting learning in a wide range of learning institutions within
the lifelong learning sectorgto develop the necessary knowledge,
skills and attributes for supporting learning in a wide range of
learning institutions within the lifelong learning sectorgto
promote personal and professional developmentgto promote evaluation
and reection on personal and learning support practice.DATE OF
FIRST TEACHING: 2009NUMBER OF UNITS/STRUCTURE: 6 credits must be
obtained from group 1. This can be achieved at level 2 or 3.18
credits must be obtained from group 2. All credits within this
group must be achieved at level 3.A minimum of 6 credits must be
obtained from group 3. This can be achieved at level 2 or 3.
Learners can opt to take an additional 6 credits from group 3 if
they wish. Qualications currently ofered24UK QUALIFICATIONSA
minimum of 30 credits is required to achieve this qualication.
ASSESSMENT METHOD: Portfolio of evidence and practical
demonstration/assignment. GRADING SYSTEM:
Pass/FailPROGRESSION/ARTICULATION:Completion of this qualication
can lead to employment as a learning support assistant. ASCENTIS
Level 3 Certicatein Teaching in the LifelongLearning Sector QCF
LEVEL: Level 3BACKGROUND: The aim of the certicate is to provide
teachers, trainers and tutors in an associate teaching role with
the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills in order to
efectively full the associate teacher role.ObjectivesgTo provide a
sound educational basis for teaching in a wide range of learning
institutions.gTo develop the necessary knowledge, skills and
attributes for teaching in a wide range of learning
institutions.gTo encourage personal and professional
development.gTo encourage evaluation and reection on personal and
professional practice. DATE OF FIRST TEACHING: 2009NUMBER OF
UNITS/STRUCTURE: This is a 24 credit qualication made up of three
units from Group 1 totalling 18 credits, and optional units from
Group 2 totalling at least 6 credits. To complete the qualication
all three mandatory units in Group 1 must be achieved. A candidate
must also complete 6 credits from Group 2. ASSESSMENT METHOD:
Portfolio of evidence. 30 hours of teaching practice needs to be
completed, of which there must be at least three observations
totalling a minimum of three hours. GRADING SYSTEM:
Pass/FailPROGRESSION/ARTICULATION:Students wishing to progress to a
full teaching role, and seeking Qualied Teacher Learning and Skills
Status, will need to progress to the Level 5 Diploma in Teaching in
the Lifelong Learning Sector. Some of the achievement from this
certicate can count towards achievement of the diploma
qualication.Bedales Assessed CoursesBACKGROUND: Bedales Assessed
Courses (BACs) are exclusive to Bedales School, and were devised
and introduced in 2006. They replaced the schools previous GCSE
provision in 10 subject areas, and were a response to the
perception of staf, students and parents that GCSEs in these
subjects were too restrictive, insufciently stimulating, and too
narrowly assessed. They are designed to be better preparation for A
level, incorporate a wider range of assessment methods, encourage
more independent learning, and stimulate cross-curricular thinking.
DATE OF FIRST TEACHING:September 2006DATE OF FIRST AWARD: August
2008PREREQUISITES: These courses are only undertaken by students in
years 10-11 of Bedales School, an independent secondary school in
Hampshire. NUMBER OF UNITS/STRUCTURE:There are Bedales Assessed
Courses in Ancient Civilisations, Art, Classical Music, Dance,
Design, English Literature, Geography, Outdoor Work, Philosophy,
Religion and Ethics, and Theatre Arts. Each student takes 2-5 BAC
courses alongside a core of 5-8 GCSEs. BACs are given the same
timetable and homework time as GCSEs. Most Bedales students thus
study and are assessed in either nine or 10 subjects. ASSESSMENT
METHOD: A range of assessment methods is employed, including
coursework, terminal exams, oral assessment, performance and
continuous assessment.EXAMINATION TIMING:There are assessment
points throughout the two year courses. DATE OF RESULT PUBLICATION:
Bedales School publishes the BAC results to coincide with GCSE
results in August. GRADING SYSTEM: A*-G grades are awarded, in line
with the GCSE scheme. U represents unclassied, ie of insufcient
standard to be recorded. It is intended that a grade in a BAC is at
least as difcult to achieve as the equivalent GCSE grade, though
precise comparison is not possible, since assessment objectives in
BACs are tailored to the demands of each subject and are often more
focused on creativity, independence of thought and cross-curricular
awareness as well as the more traditional areas of knowledge,
understanding and evaluation. QUALITY ASSURANCE: Each course is
internally assessed and moderated, but nal moderation is undertaken
by an independent external specialist in the subject area.
PROGRESSION/ARTICULATION:Bedales Assessed Courses are intended to
be rigorous and stimulating preparation for sixth form study. The
British Horse Society QualicationsThe British Horse Society (BHS)
is Britains leading equestrian charity. It is also the governing
body for professional qualications for those wishing to work in the
horse industry. The specic aims of the Society centre on equine
welfare. The BHS achieves these by constantly striving towards
improved knowledge through education, Qualications currently
oferedUK QUALIFICATIONS 25training and advice. It lobbies
government on issues concerning equestrian-related
issues.Equestrian Qualications GB Limited (EQL) is a subsidiary
company of the British Horse Society and is the Awarding Body for
Equestrian Activity. EQL awards vocational qualications on behalf
of the BHS and awards the government-backed Scottish Vocational
Qualications and Work Based Diplomas. EQL also awards the UKCC
Endorsed Certicates in Coaching on behalf of the British Equestrian
Federation. The British Horse Society has restructured its
qualications in line with QCF requirements and now ofers bite-sized
awards and certicates as well as the traditional qualications.EQL
Level 3 Diploma in BHS Horse Knowledge and CareHolders will have
demonstrated their ability to look after up to four horses in
stables and at grass. During the examination, they will have shown
competent use of time and will have given practical demonstrations,
as well as showing knowledge and understanding to the level
required as outlined in the examination syllabus.GRADING
SYSTEM:Pass/FailGradeUCAS Tarif pointsPass35EQL Level 3 Certicate
in Horse CareHolders will be able to t tack and equipment to horses
for competition and to analyse the consequences of ill-tting tack.
They will know procedures for travelling horses to and from
competition and understand the aftercare and welfare of the
competition horse. Holders will be able to evaluate a horses
conformation and how it may afect its way of going. They will also
be able
