Not sure what our qualification levels mean? We’re here to help 👍
Knowing about the different levels of qualifications means that you can compare what you have achieved already against what employers are looking for. You’ll also be able to plan your next steps and find the right qualification to help you achieve your goals.
In the UK, most qualifications fit into one of nine levels. In the most basic terms: the higher the qualification level is, the bigger the challenge. The levels are based on the standards of knowledge, skills, and competence a person needs to achieve each qualification.
Check out our guide below to better understand our levels and what they can give you through studying them.
Looking to progress to the next level in your NHC pathway?
We’re here to help you achieve your goals – that’s why we support students to progress internally and step up to the next qualification level with us.
Progression from one level to the next is not automatic, but eligible students will be invited to progress during the academic year. This may be subject to your level of ability and the performance you’ve shown at NHC so far, including in any English and maths classes.
Entry level qualifications are typically not geared towards specific occupations and careers. These qualifications do what they say on the tin – they’ll help you enter the job market.
By studying an Entry level qualification, you’ll build basic skills and knowledge in a subject. You’ll then be able to apply this learning in everyday situations.
Examples: Entry level awards, certificates, and diplomas; Skills for Life; Essential skills at entry level.
Progression opportunities after this qualification:
Level 1 courses, traineeships, employment, supported internships.
Level 1 qualifications start moving into teaching job competencies, which means they’ll set you up with the skills, knowledge, abilities, and personal characteristics that will help you perform well in a particular field or career.
Once you’ve finished a Level 1 qualification, you’ll be able to apply your learning in your chosen industry with some guidance and/or supervision.
Examples: GCSE grades D-G or 3 – 1; NVQs, Music grades 1 – 3; Key Skills Level 1; Level 1 awards, diplomas, and certificates.
NHC’s entry requirements for these qualifications:
Typically, the entry requirements for level 1 qualifications at NHC are:
- A minimum of four GCSEs at grade 2 or above, including maths and English
- Or, an entry level qualification, as well as maths and English at grade 2 or above.
You will also be invited to meet the teaching team so we can check this is the right course for you.
Entry requirements may vary by course. To check the entry requirements for your pathway, please check the course profile.
Progression opportunities after this qualification:
Level 2 courses, apprenticeships, employment.
Please note that progression is not an automatic process and may be subject to your ability and previous performance at NHC, including your level 1 programme and any maths and English classes.
Level 2 qualifications are suitable for many different job roles. They provide you with a good level of knowledge and experience in a specific area, helping you start to carve their career path.
Once you complete a Level 2 qualification, you’ll be able to complete a variety of tasks in your chosen industry with some guidance or supervision.
Examples: GCSE grades A* – C or 9 – 4; Intermediate apprenticeships; Music grades 4 and 5; OCR Nationals; Level 2 essential skills and functional skills; Level 2 awards, diplomas, certificates, and NVQs.
NHC’s entry requirements for these qualifications:
Typically, the entry requirements for level 2 qualifications at NHC are:
- A minimum of four GCSEs at grade 3 or above, including maths and English
- Or, a level 1 qualification, as well as maths and English at grade 3 or above.
You will also be invited to meet the teaching team so we can check this is the right course for you.
Entry requirements may vary by course. To check the entry requirements for your pathway, please check the course profile.
Progression opportunities after this qualification:
T Levels, Level 3 courses, level 3 apprenticeships, employment.
Please note that progression is not an automatic process and may be subject to your ability and previous performance at NHC, including your level 2 programme and any maths and English classes.
Level 3 qualifications involve more complex work and skill-building, as well as some leadership development. These qualifications will help you gain or apply a range of knowledge, skills, and understanding at a detailed level.
You’ll also have the option to go to university, work independently, or (in some industries) supervise and train others in their field of work once you achieve this level of qualification.
Examples: T Levels, AS and A Levels, Access to Higher Education diploma, Advanced apprenticeships, International Baccalaureate, BTEC Level 3 diplomas, certificates, and awards; Music grades 6 – 8.
NHC’s entry requirements for these qualifications:
Typically, the entry requirements for level 3 qualifications at NHC are:
- A minimum of four GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including maths and English
- Or, a level 2 qualification, as well as maths and English at grade 4 or above.
T Level entry requirements are slightly different. Typically, T Levels at NHC require:
- A minimum of four GCSEs at grade 5 or above, including maths and English
- Or, a level 2 qualification, as well as maths and English at grade 5 or above.
You will also be invited to meet the teaching team so we can check this is the right course for you.
Entry requirements may vary by course. To check the entry requirements for your pathway, please check the course profile.
Progression opportunities after this qualification:
Higher education, higher apprenticeships, employment.
Level 4 qualifications are best suited for junior managerial staff or employees who have experience in a supervisory role. They’re also a good choice for people working in technical and professional jobs.
These qualifications involve specialist learning, including a detailed analysis of a high level of information and knowledge in a particular field or industry.
Examples: Higher National Certificates (HNCs), Certificates of Higher Education (CertHE), Higher apprenticeships, NVQ Level 4, BTEC Level 4 Professional diplomas, certificates, and awards.
Level 5 qualifications offer similar benefits to Level 4 qualifications but with a greater emphasis on building technical and managerial skills. They involve a high level of work expertise and competencies, including learning how to manage and train others.
A Level 5 qualification gives you a greater depth of knowledge and understanding of an area of work or study. As a result, you’ll be able to respond confidently to complex problems and situations.
Examples: Higher National Diplomas (HNDs), BTEC Level 5 Professional diplomas, certificates, and awards, Foundation Degrees, Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE), NVQ Level 5.
Level 6 qualifications are suited to people working as knowledge-based professionals or in professional management positions.
By studying a Level 6 qualification, you’ll build a specialist high-level knowledge of a particular area of work or study. You’ll also be able to use your own ideas and research in response to complex problems and situations.
Examples:
Bachelor’s degrees with honours.
Graduate diplomas.
BTEC Advanced Professional diplomas, certificates, and awards.
Degree apprenticeships.
Level 7 qualifications are suitable for senior professionals and managers. They provide learners with highly developed and complex levels of knowledge, enabling them to develop original responses to complicated and unpredictable problems and situations.
Examples:
Master’s degrees.
Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
Postgraduate certificates and diplomas.
Level 8 is the highest vocational qualification available and is equivalent to a doctoral fellowship. They provide the opportunity to develop new and creative approaches that take existing knowledge or professional practice further, either through extending or redefining what we know.
They’re suitable for leading experts or practitioners in a particular field.
Examples:
Doctoral degrees.
Specialist awards, certificates, and diplomas.
Ready to find your perfect qualification?
North Hertfordshire College is proud to offer a range of qualifications across a broad variety of subjects and topics. These are open to anyone from 16+ school leavers, professionals preparing for a career change, or adult learners looking to discover a new hobby.
Find the course that’s right for you and start your NHC journey today.