Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF)
The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) is a way of comparing the wide range of Scottish qualifications to show how different learning programmes relate to each other and how one level of study can lead on to the next.
Higher education refers to all the courses and qualifications at levels 7-12 of the SCQF. The table below shows how different qualifications fit into the framework. Levels 7-10 in the university sector column cover the four years of a full-time Scottish Honours Degree. Degree study at these levels is also described as 'undergraduate' study. Higher National courses (levels 7 and 8) are offered by Scotland's Colleges. Levels 5 and 6 (and the level 7 ‘Advanced Higher’ qualification, which can be taken in the sixth year at school) indicate the qualifications obtained when leaving secondary school. These are the traditional entry qualifications for universities.
Levels 7, 8, 9 and 10 of the SCQF normally each take a year of full-time study to complete. It is possible to study full or part time at a college or university. You can also study part time by distance learning. Part-time study will mean it may take longer to complete your qualification but it allows you to work at the same time as you study.
Distance learning means studying at home or wherever is convenient for you rather than in a college or a university building.
Higher education and the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework
| SCQF level | SQA National Units, Courses and Group Awards | Higher education in the university sector | Higher education in the Scottish Colleges | Scottish Vocational Qualifications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | Doctorates | |||
| 11 | Masters | SVQ 5 | ||
| 10 | Honours degree Graduate diploma |
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| 9 | Ordinary degree Graduate certificate |
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| 8 | Diploma in Higher Education | Higher National Diploma (HND) | SVQ 4 | |
| 7 | Advanced Higher | Certificate in Higher Education | Higher National Certificate (HNC) | |
| 6 | Higher | SVQ 3 | ||
| 5 | Intermediate 2 Credit Standard Grade | SVQ 2 |
This table omits levels 1 to 4, which include courses studied at school, non-advanced courses at Scotland's Colleges and work-based qualifications at SVQ levels 1-3.
Scottish Vocational Qualifications are based on what people actually do at work. They are assessed by reference to nationally agreed standards and are designed to allow people to show that they have achieved competence in their occupation through assessment in the workplace.