Qualifications
There are many different types of qualification available within the UK Education system which can be confusing. This glossary aims to explain the differences between various qualification types and the level of education to which they relate. For example, an A to C grade at GCSE is considered to be a level 2 qualification whereas a PhD or Doctorate is a level 8 qualification. The list below is not exhaustive but does contain some of the most well-known qualifications, for further information visit: www.gov.uk/what-differentqualification-levels-mean/overview
Explained Qualification
Description
Level
GCSE
GCSE stands for General Certificate of Education. They are usually studied for two years in school or can be taken over one year in Further Education colleges. Subjects range from English and maths to foreign languages, technology and social sciences.
Level 1: Grades D-G Level 2: grades A- C
GNVQ
General National Vocational Qualifications were career-focused qualifications that used to be offered but have now been replaced with GCSEs, AS and A-Levels.
A-Levels
Advanced Level and Advanced Supplementary Level (AS) qualifications can be studied in 6th form and further education colleges. There are a wide range of subjects available and they are the traditional route for entry into university. The AS level is the 1st year of study and may count as 50% of the final A-Level grade. A2 is the second year of study. An AS-Level is also a qualification in its own right.
Level 3
BTEC
BTEC Qualifications are available in a variety of work-related subjects. All BTEC qualifications can lead to jobs, training or higher level courses. BTECs can be achieved as ‘Awards, Diplomas and Certificates’ depending on the number of credits completed.
Levels available from Level 2 to Level 5
BTEC National Certificate / Diploma
A BTEC National Diploma or Certificate is taken at an advanced level and builds on the knowledge gained in previous qualifications.
Level 4: National Certificate Level 5: National Diploma
Welsh Baccalaureate
A relatively new qualification that is similar to the international Baccalaureate. Students combine AS/A level subjects with other core skills and subjects.
Level 3
HNC
Higher National Certificates are designed to be work-related and vocational in nature.
Level 4
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