Level Descriptors

SCQF Levels

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework has 12 levels ranging from Access at SCQF level 1, up to Doctorate at Level 12. The different levels indicate the level of difficulty of a particular qualification and increases in levels relate to factors such as:

  • the complexity and depth of knowledge and understanding;

  • links to associated academic, vocational or professional practice

  • the degree of integration, independence and creativity required;

  • the range and sophistication of application/practice; and

  • the role(s) taken in relation to other learners/workers in carrying out tasks.

SCQF Level Descriptors

The Level Descriptors outline the general outcomes of learning at SCQF levels under five broad headings:

  • knowledge and understanding (mainly subject based);

  • practice (applied knowledge and understanding);

  • generic cognitive skills (e.g. evaluation, critical analysis);

  • communication, numeracy and IT skills; and

  • autonomy, accountability and working with others.

The Descriptors allow broad comparisons to be made between the outcomes of any learning and allow learners, employers and the public in general to understand the range of skills and learning that should be achieved at each level. SCQF levels are increasingly used in job advertisements to help employers articulate the skills they require for a particular role and to help potential employees to highlight their skills thus ensuring the right person gets the right job. More details can be found in the Employers section of the website.

They are also used by Education Providers as the basis for credit rating learning provision. More information on this can be found in the Education Providers and Advisers section.