Qualification Frameworksand
Specifications The European Qualifications Framework
Ken CurrieCAPDM
Godollo, September 2013
This Talk
• An introduction to the European Qualifications Framework (EQF)
• An National example– The Scottish Qualifications Authority
• How they relate
• Implications for SME2
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The EQF
• A non-binding recommendation of the European Parliament Council 2008– Provides a common reference framework
as a translation device between different qualifications systems and their levels
– Complements ECTS, Europass, Erasmus• national qualifications systems to relate to the
EQF by 2010• A requirement of all Member States in 2012?
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Key Recommendations
• a reference tool to compare the qualification levels of different systems
• all new qualifications refer to an appropriate EQF level
• use an approach based on learning outcomes when defining qualifications
• promote the validation of non-formal and informal learning, and hence LLL
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It does not ...
• describe specific qualifications– Specific qualifications are mapped to the
appropriate EQF level through National qualifications systems or Authorities
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An Example: the SQA
• The Scottish Qualifications Authority– The only accrediting body for Schools and
Further Education in Scotland– does not accredit Higher Education
• Our universities are granted a charter by the Government
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Qualifications Framework
• 12 Levels in Scotland; 8 in Europe– See http://www.sqa.org.uk/files_ccc/readyreckoner.html
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Qualifications
• Higher National Certificates/Diplomas– Designed to meet the needs of employers
both locally and nationally– Large range of subjects
• Vocational Qualifications– Modern Apprenticeships, Scottish VQs
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Higher National Award
• Made up of HN Unit credits, at level 7/8 (Level 5 EQF)– one credit = 40 hours timetabled learning
• HN Certificates =12 credits– usually takes one year to complete
• HN Diplomas = 30 credits– usually takes two years to complete
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Arrangement Documents
• HNC/Ds specified by an Arrangement Document – a validation document– information about the Award
• its aims• guidance on access• details of the Award structure• guidance on delivery
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HN Courses
• Courses have a formal specification– Purpose– Credit points and level– Core skills– Context for delivery– Assessment of Outcomes– Outcomes themselves
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Summary
• Formal structures & Specifications– Quite demanding, as SME2 found out
• All courses accredited through the SQA, at a point on the SCQF automatically ‘levelled’ in the EQF
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