What is more advanced: a Level 4 Diploma or a Level 5 Award?

username6199337

Hi all

This is my second question: looking at the different qualification framework structures across the UK such as FHEQ, RQF, EQF, SCQW, CQFW, and especially the further division in RQF Levels into Awards, Certificates and Diplomas, with the credit brackets for each being 0-13, 13 to 37 and 37+ respectively. I can't help but ask which is more worthwhile in a given subject: a Level 4 Diploma which would be worth 37-120 credits or a Level 5 Award which would only be worth a max of 13 credits, despite being a higher level.

I guess, that assuming a Level 5 qualification is only begun, with the assumption that the learner has performed the learning associated with preceding levels, then a Level 5 Award would indeed have higher status/authority/CV power?

Appreciate any thoughts
Best
Tom

Reply 1

PQ

Clearing and Applications Advisor

21

What do you hope to use the qualification for?

Reply 2

username6199337

OP

3

Original post by PQ

What do you hope to use the qualification for?

At the moment I have several qualifications in mind, pending which one seems most appropriate. Namely the subject areas are Managerial, Computer Science and Business.

From my time in employment, it seems that the use of Awards and Certificates are best for front line roles in a company, but when it comes to 2nd and 3rd line roles as well as roles of specialisation and superior management, then Diplomas become more appropriate. Also once you get past 1st line, that sort of places you in the Level 5 bracket.

(edited 6 months ago)

Reply 3

PQ

Clearing and Applications Advisor

21

Original post by 13tfiles

At the moment I have several qualifications in mind, pending which one seems most appropriate. Namely the subject areas are Managerial, Computer Science and Business.

From my time in employment, it seems that the use of Awards and Certificates are best for front line roles in a company, but when it comes to 2nd and 3rd line roles as well as roles of specialisation and superior management, then Diplomas become more appropriate. Also once you get past 1st line, that sort of places you in the Level 5 bracket.

That explains what qualifications you’re looking into.

What, exactly, are you hoping to use the qualification FOR?

Reply 4

username6199337

OP

3

Original post by PQ

That explains what qualifications you’re looking into.

What, exactly, are you hoping to use the qualification FOR?

To qualify my prior experience.

Reply 5

PQ

Clearing and Applications Advisor

21

Original post by 13tfiles

To qualify my prior experience.

For what purpose?

Reply 6

username6199337

OP

3

Original post by PQ

For what purpose?

To enhance my employment prospects, further professional and personal development, and enhance and optimise what I can contribute to the workplace.

Reply 7

PQ

Clearing and Applications Advisor

21

Original post by 13tfiles

To enhance my employment prospects, further professional and personal development, and enhance and optimise what I can contribute to the workplace.

In which case rather than looking at levels or size of qualifications you'd be better off speaking to potential employers about specific qualifications

What is more advanced: a Level 4 Diploma or a Level 5 Award?

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