Before delving into the definition of a Diploma or Degree, it is essential to grasp the concept of different 'levels' of study. In this context, we will focus on the levels associated with England (qaa.ac.uk, ofqual.gov.uk), Wales (cqfw.net), and Northern Ireland (ccea.org.uk). However, it is worth noting that Scotland (scqf.org.uk) follows a slightly different level structure. For more detailed information, please click here.
IIn England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, there exist eight levels of study, each representing the depth of knowledge imparted at each stage and the expected quality of student output. This level structure aligns with the various stages of the educational system and can be further categorized as follows:
Level 1 (13-120 credits) = GCSE level (grades D-G, or 3-1), Level 1 Cert/Diploma = Basic Knowledge & Skills.
Level 2 (13-120 credits) = GCSE level (grades A*-C, or 9-4), Level 2 Cert/Diploma = Good Knowledge & Skills.
Level 3 (13-180 credits) = AS, A level, Level 3 Cert/Diploma = Apply of Knowledge & Skills.
Level 4 (13-120 credits) = Year 1 of Bachelor's Degree, Level 4 Cert/Diploma = Analysis of Knowledge & Skills.
Level 5 (13-120 credits) = Year 2 of Bachelor's Degree, Level 5 Cert/Diploma = Advanced Knowledge & Skills.
Level 6 (13-120 credits) = Year 3 of Bachelor's Degree, Level 6 Cert/Diploma = Specialist-level Knowledge & Skills.
Level 7 (13-180 credits) = Master’s Degree, Level 7 Cert/Diploma = Highly Developed Knowledge & Skills.
Level 8 (120-540 credits) = Doctorate, DBA, DPhil, PhD, Level 8 Diploma = Research New Knowledge & Skills.
Credits play a crucial role in the UK education system as they gauge the amount of effort required to complete a particular course or module. One credit is equivalent to 10 hours of study, encompassing both contact time (lectures, seminars, tutorials, etc.) and independent study. The number of credits needed to obtain a qualification varies depending on the level of study and the subject area. For instance, a diploma typically requires 120 credits, while a bachelor's degree demands 360 credits, and a master's degree necessitates 180 credits.
A Diploma is a qualification that represents the number of learning credits a student will study and aim to achieve in a course. It can be awarded at any level, ranging from level 1 to level 8. For example, there are Level 2 diplomas, Level 3 diplomas, Level 4 diplomas, Level 5 diplomas, and so on. To receive an award, students need to complete 1 to 12 credits, while a certificate requires 13 to 26 credits. However, to receive a diploma, students must complete 37 credits or more.
Diploma qualifications can be used to advance to degree programmes:
1) Completing a Level 3 Diploma means you'll be studying at an A-Level standard and earning a qualification that can help you get into a 3 Year Undergraduate Degree programme (360 credits).
2) 2) If you finish a Level 4 & 5 Diploma (240 credits), you'll be studying at the equivalent of years 1 & 2 of an Undergraduate Degree and earning a qualification that can be used for entry into a Degree Top-Up or Year 3 of an Undergraduate Degree programme (120 credits).
3) 3) A Level 6 Diploma (120 credits) student will be studying at the level of year 3 of an Undergraduate Degree and earning a qualification that can be used to enter a Postgraduate Diploma or Master's Degree programme.
4) By completing a Level 7 Diploma (120 credits), you'll be studying at a level similar to two-thirds of a Master's Degree and earning a qualification that can help you enter a Master's Degree Top-Up programme (60 credits).
5) Achieving a Level 8 Diploma (160 credits) means you'll be studying at a level similar to a portion of a Doctorate Degree (DBA) and earning a qualification that can help you gain admission to a Doctorate Degree (DBA) programme with advanced standing through RPL.
After completing A levels or Level 3 Diplomas, the next step in education is usually pursuing a Bachelor's degree (Level 4, 5, and 6). The most common titles for Bachelor degrees are Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BSc). Students have the option to study for an honours degree, which requires 360 credits, while a non-honours degree requires 300 credits. Additional credits are often earned through a research project, like a dissertation (60 credits). The honours designation is indicated in the degree title, such as BA (Hons).
Moving on to the next level of study after a Bachelor's degree is a Masters degree (Level 7). The most common titles for Master degrees are Master of Arts (MA) and Master of Science (MSc). An MBA is a specialized type of Masters degree that requires business work experience in addition to a Bachelor's degree or equivalent. It is designed for professionals aiming for executive and senior management roles.
The highest academic degree is a Doctorate (PhD/DBA) at Level 8. Doctoral students must complete an independent research project that can span several years. A Doctorate is highly esteemed, and many graduates pursue careers as academics or industry researchers.
UCAS Tariff points serve as a means to assess the academic accomplishments of students who are applying to pursue degree programs at UK universities. These points are determined by the grades and qualifications obtained during their post-16 education. Each qualification and grade carries a specific value in terms of UCAS Tariff points, and universities typically establish a minimum requirement of these points for admission consideration. For further details, please click here. SBC provides qualifi level 3 diploma qualifications that are worth 24-96 UCAS Tariff points.
UK ENIC is the official agency in the United Kingdom responsible for recognizing and evaluating international qualifications and skills. They ensure that these qualifications and skills are compared to the standards set in the UK. UK ENIC issues Statements of Comparability, which indicate the equivalent UK level and qualification of an international qualification. Additionally, they provide a Certificate of Comparability, which presents the same information as the statement but in a visually appealing document.
UK diploma fees usually range from £1,000 to £6,000 per level/year, whereas UK degree fees typically fall between £6,000 and £20,000 per level/year.
Foundation Courses
Undergraduate Courses
Postgraduate Courses
