Our qualifications are made up of the Regulated Qualification Framework (RQF) rules which provides flexible ways to get a qualification. Qualifications at the same level are a similar level of difficulty, but the size and content of the qualifications can vary.
The Level 3 qualifications improve subject knowledge and study skills, and prepare learners for undergraduate course at UK universities. UCAS allocates tariff points to all Level 3 UK regulated qualifications. Please use the UCAS Calculator to find out more.
The Level 4, 5 and 6 diploma qualifications are equivalent to Year 1, 2 and 3 (Final year) respectively of a three-year UK Bachelor's degree. Each level consists of 120 credits. Completing any of the level 4, 5 and 6 qualifications will enable learners a progression to the next level of higher education at UK universities.
Postgraduate diplomas are taught courses at level 7 on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) - the same level as Masters degrees. However, they are shorter (120 credits) and learners will have to proceed to the dissertation stage (60 credits) with university to achieve a full Masters or MBA.
Level 8 diplomas are taught programmes on the Regulated Qualification Framework (RQF). They also sit on the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) at level 8 which is equivalent to DF-EHEA third cycle qualifications, comparable to doctorate level of study.
OTHM qualifications at level 8, represent knowledge, skills and competencies that are recognised in academic terms as being comparable level to Doctoral Degrees and Vocational Qualifications at Level 8.