General - Frequently Asked Questions
- Why does Scotland need a framework of levels and credits?
- Do I aim to get as many credits as possible, or as many qualifications at the highest level?
- Do credits entitle me to study for another qualification or job?
- How do I work out what credits I have?
- What's the difference between general and specific credits?
- Are all qualifications on the same level equal?
- All Higher Courses are positioned at SCQF level 6. Does it still matter how many I get, or do I just get one level 6?
- Does it not matter what subjects I study so long as I get levels and credits?
- Are qualifications like Doctorates, Degrees and HNC/Ds going to become obsolete?
- Does the framework only cover schools, colleges and universities?
- Is it the SCQF's job to award qualifications?
- Does the SCQF measure the quality of teaching?
- Does the funding that schools, colleges and universities get depend on the SCQF level of the courses they teach?
- Why does Scotland need a framework of levels and credits?
There are many different qualifications - Standard Grades, Highers, SVQs, HNC/Ds, Degrees - and the Framework is a way of showing how they relate to one another. It shows that qualifications are broadly comparable, but it does not mean they are equal.
- Do I aim to get as many credits as possible, or as many qualifications at the highest level?
You should aim for the programmes of learning that are best for you at different times of your life. For example, at school you might try for Advanced Highers that are at SCQF level 7. Later on, you might want to learn a new skill as a hobby and that qualification could be at SCQF level 5 or during your working life you may take an SVQ at SCQF level 8.
- Do credits entitle me to study for another qualification or job?
No. It's up to the SQA and individual universities and colleges to decide how relevant one piece of learning is to the programme of learning that you want to move to. Employers are more likely to be interested in the level of your qualifications.
- How do I work out what credits I have?
Your community learning and development worker, or school, college or university staff, or training provider will tell you how many credit points each qualification represents. Or you can access further information about SCQF level descriptors and credit points that explains the specific features in the Framework, in our publications.
- What's the difference between general and specific credits?
SCQF credit points are general credit points to show the amount of learning you need to acquire to gain a qualification. The SQA and individual colleges and universities will decide how relevant that piece of learning is for the new programme of learning you want to do and award specific credit points.
- Are all qualifications on the same level equal?
No. The Framework does not describe qualifications on the same level as being equal. And qualifications on the same level are not interchangeable. But different qualifications can be equally hard to achieve. It means they are at a comparable level in terms of knowledge, skills or competence required. They make similar demands on the learner. That is why they are positioned at the same level in the Framework.
- All Higher Courses are positioned at SCQF level 6. Does it still matter how many I get, or do I just get one level 6?
You will still be awarded the number of individual Highers that you pass. The level of an award in the SCQF is a guide to the general level of knowledge and skill you need to achieve to gain that award. It will still matter how many you get, depending on what you want to do next.
- Does it not matter what subjects I study so long as I get levels and credits?
You will still enter the programmes of learning that you think will be best for you to go on to further or higher education, to get a job or start a career.
- Are qualifications like Doctorates, Degrees and HNC/Ds going to become obsolete?
No. You will still be awarded a Degree or a Diploma. The Framework shows how one qualification is broadly comparable with another.
- Does the framework only cover schools, colleges and universities?
No, it covers vocational training like SVQs that can also give you a better chance of getting a job, or getting promotion. The Framework also covers the learning you can do in the community.
- Is it the SCQF's job to award qualifications?
No, the SCQF is not a regulatory framework or an awarding body. Awarding and accrediting qualifications is still the job of organisations like the SQA, universities, colleges and statutory and professional bodies.
- Does the SCQF measure the quality of teaching?
No. That is no part of the SCQF's purpose. The Framework is a new way of looking at, comparing and understanding Scottish qualifications. Other organisations review the quality of teaching, like HMIE.
- Does the funding that schools, colleges and universities get depend on the SCQF level of the courses they teach?
No. That is not part of the SCQF's purpose. The Framework is a new way of looking at, comparing and understanding Scottish qualifications. Other organisations review the quality of teaching, like HMIE.