Level 4, 5 and 6 Qualifications

This band of qualifications includes those taken at Higher Education institutes and some Further Education colleges.

Level 4 qualifications recognise specialist learning and involve detailed analysis of a high level of information and knowledge in an area of work or study. Learning at this level is appropriate for people working in professional or technical jobs, or for those who manage and develop others. Qualifications include:

• Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE)
• Higher National Certificate (HNC)
• Key Skills

Level 5 qualifications recognise the ability to increase the depth of knowledge and understanding of an area of work or study, which will enable appropriate solutions to be found for complex situations and problems. Learning at this level is appropriate for people working as higher grade technicians, professionals or managers. Qualifications include:

• Diplomas of Higher Education (DipHE)
• Higher National Diplomas (HND)
• Foundation Degrees
• Level 5 BTECs

Level 6 qualifications recognise a specialist high level knowledge of an area of work or study, which will enable the learner to use their own ideas and research to solve to complex situations and problems. Learning at this level is appropriate for people working as knowledge-based professionals or in professional management positions. Qualifications include:

• Bachelor's degrees
• Graduate Certificates and Diplomas