Understanding Course Entry Requirements
The majority of qualifications listed follow the frameworks that are used in the UK. To help you understand these, we have prepared this short guide.
Qualification Frameworks Across the UK
The UK has different qualification frameworks depending on the region:
- Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF): Used in England and Northern Ireland, and often applied as a reference point for other regions.
- Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF): Used in Scotland, with its own structure that can be compared to the RQF.
- Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales (CQFW): Used in Wales and similar in structure to the RQF.
All qualifications, whether academic or vocational, can be mapped to the RQF or its regional equivalents. This helps provide a clear understanding of the level of knowledge, skills, and complexity involved.
| RQF | SCQF Equivalence | Example Qualification |
| 8 | 12 | PhD/DPhil |
| 7 | 11 | Master’s degreeMedicine, Veterinary Medicine and Dentistry degreesPGCE/PGDEs |
| 6 | 10 | Undergraduate degree |
| 5 | 8 | Foundation DegreeDipHEHND |
| 4 | 7 | CertHEHNCSQA Advanced Higher |
| 3 | 6 | A Level/Pre-USQA HigherAccess to HE DiplomaIB DiplomaT Level |
| 2 | 5 | GCSE Grades A*-C, 9 – 4.SQA National 5 |
| 1 | 4 | GCSE Grades D-G, 3-1.SQA National 4 |
Understanding Credits and Learning Hours
Within each qualification level, awards carry different amounts of credits, which reflect the learning time required. According to the Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS), 1 credit equals approximately 10 hours of study. For example, a year of full-time university study typically equals 120 credits.
Every course will have slightly different entry requirements. These are usually expressed in the format that most applicants apply with. While you should never assume that just because your qualifications aren’t listed, that you are not qualified, it is advised that you contact the institution directly to ask them as to whether you are qualified if what they display is different to your own academic record.
Understanding Exam Boards in the UK
In the UK, qualifications are usually overseen by exam boards, which ensure the quality and standards of the qualifications. Universities often act as their own exam boards, while colleges typically offer qualifications regulated by external exam boards, though this can vary.
In Scotland, the main exam board is the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), which oversees qualifications in schools and colleges, and also has links to UKCC Sports Coaching qualifications.
For the rest of the UK, there are five main exam boards:
- AQA (Assessment and Qualifications Alliance)
- CCEA (Council for the Curriculum, Examinations & Assessment)
- Pearson Edexcel
- OCR (Oxford, Cambridge and RSA Examinations)
- WJEC (Welsh Joint Education Committee)
These boards ensure that qualifications meet consistent standards across different regions and institutions.
Other Qualifications
Entry requirements are often listed in the format the majority of applicants apply using. However, if you have followed a different curriculum or qualifications, you may still be qualified.
It’s worth noting that just because a qualification is equivalent, does not mean that it is accepted by the university or college you are applying to. It’s always best to check with the admissions team if you are unsure about whether or not you are qualified. They will have their own internal documentation about which qualifications have been approved and how they assess them.
At EQUK we have an understanding of international qualifications, as well as those offered by independent providers. If you have questions about what you have studied and want to understand how they relate to the UK’s qualification structure in a general way, you can get in touch for advice.