🔹 Level 4 – Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) / Higher National Certificate (HNC)
Difficulty: First year of university
Examples:
- Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE)
- Higher National Certificate (HNC)
- NVQ Level 4
Leads to: Level 5 or a full bachelor’s degree
Who it's for: People starting university-level study or advancing vocationally
🔹 Level 5 – Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) / Foundation Degree / Higher National Diploma (HND)
Difficulty: Equivalent to second year of university
Examples:
- Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE)
- Foundation Degree
- Higher National Diploma (HND)
- NVQ Level 5
Leads to: Final year of a bachelor’s degree or Level 6
Who it's for: People preparing for specific careers or upskilling
🔹 Level 6 – Bachelor's Degree
Difficulty: Full undergraduate degree
Examples:
- Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BSc), etc.
- Graduate Certificate
- NVQ Level 6
Leads to: Postgraduate study (Level 7)
Who it's for: Those seeking a full undergraduate education or professional careers
🔹 Level 7 – Master’s Degree / Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma
Difficulty: Postgraduate level
Examples:
- Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MSc), Master of Research (MRes)
- Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip), Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert)
- Level 7 NVQ
Leads to: Level 8 (PhD/Doctorate)
Who it's for: Graduates who want to specialize or move into advanced professions
