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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