The National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) Explained

If you have decided to do an accredited course, one of the first things you’ll need to know is where the qualification falls of the NFQ. The NFQ – the National Framework of Qualifications – has ten levels. The more difficult or specialised a course, the higher the level. Your Junior Cert is falls at Level 3; if you were to do a PhD, that’s a Level 10 award.

Let’s have a brief look at the ten levels.

Level 1 and 2 Awards

These awards cover basic literacy and numeracy. They are used for a wide range of people, including the young, the old, and people with intellectual or other disabilities. Adults returning to training, or learners with few or no previous qualifications may also study for Level 1 awards.

Level 3 Awards

This award recognises knowledge, as well as personal and practical skills, including some transferable skills.

Junior Certificate

In order to receive Junior Certificate, students must pass their examinations from first three years of secondary school. Most students return to school to do the Leaving Certificate.

Level 4 Award

The Level 4 award is for vocational and personal skills. In addition, this certificate means the recipient has a specific standard of knowledge and understanding.

Level 5 Award

This certificate is vocationally specific. It also means the recipient has acquired a general theoretical understanding of a field of work. Anyone with a Level 5 can start working or apply for further study programmes.

Leaving Certificate

The Leaving Certificate falls at NFQ Levels 4 and 5.

Level 6: Advanced Certificate

Advanced Certificate programmes teach a comprehensive range of skills. Some are specific to a particular vocation. Students develop a detailed theoretical understanding as well as vocational and occupational skills.

Level 6: Higher Certificate

A Level 6 Higher Certificate takes about two years to complete. School leavers, or anyone with an equivalent qualification, can apply.

Level 7: Ordinary Bachelor Degree

An Ordinary Bachelor Degree takes, on average, three years. You need a Leaving Certificate or its equivalent to apply. However, if you have a Higher Certificate, you may be able to transfer or do a one-year programme to get an Ordinary Bachelor Degree.

Level 8: Honours Bachelor Degree

The Honours Bachelor Degree generally takes three to four years to complete. Some courses, like architecture and medicine take longer. There are also several one-year programmes for people with an Ordinary Bachelor Degree to obtain an Honours Bachelor Degrees.

Level 8: Higher Diploma

A Higher Diploma takes a year to complete. Generally speaking, you need an Honours Bachelor Degrees to do a Higher Diploma. Students generally do the Higher Diploma when they switch to a different field of study from their Honours Bachelor Degree.

Level 9: Postgraduate Diploma

It generally takes a year to do the Postgraduate Diploma. It is an intermediate qualification.Applicants normally have an Honours Bachelor Degree, but if you have an Ordinary Bachelor Degrees you can also apply.

Level 9: Master’s

There are taught as well as research Master’s Degrees in Ireland. Firstly, the taught Master’s takes one to two years of study. Most students have Honours Bachelor Degrees. Most Research Master’s Degree programmes last two years.

Level 10: Doctorate

Depending on the discipline, you will need an Honours Bachelor Degree or Master’s Degree before you can begin a PhD. Most Doctoral programmes take three and four years to complete.

Level 10: Higher Doctorate

Finally, the High Doctorate is for career progression to advanced levels of academia and research. This award recognises the recipient’s contributions to the body of knowledge.