UK qualification levels explained
Every regulated UK qualification has a level from Entry Level to Level 8. See what each level is equivalent to in the UK and in Europe, which level suits your background, and where it can lead.
- Level 2Same level as GCSEs (9 to 4)
- Level 3Same level as A levels
- Level 4Same level as a CertHE or HNC
- Level 5Same level as a foundation degree or HND
- Level 5 ExtendedLevel 4 and 5 study, 240 credits
- Level 6Same level as a bachelor's degree
- Level 7Same level as a master's degree
What does "Level" mean?
The same level means a similar level of difficulty, so a Level 5 diploma is as demanding as the first two years of a degree. Here is how each level compares in the UK and in Europe.
| Level England, Wales, NI | Same level as | Scotland SCQF | Europe EQF | Our courses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | GCSEs at grades 3 to 1, Functional Skills Level 1 | 4 | 2 | Not offered |
| Level 2 | GCSEs at grades 9 to 4, Functional Skills Level 2 | 5 | 3 | 3 diplomas Functional Skills |
| Level 3 | A levels | 6 | 4 | 17 diplomas |
| Level 4 | Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE), HNC | 7 | 5 | 14 diplomas |
| Level 5 | Foundation degree, HND, Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) | 8 | 5 | 13 diplomas |
| Level 5 Extended | A larger Level 5 qualification: 240 credits covering Level 4 and Level 5 study | 8 | 5 | 9 extended diplomas |
| Level 6 | Bachelor's degree with honours | 9 and 10 | 6 | 7 diplomas |
| Level 7 | Master's degree, postgraduate diploma | 11 | 7 | 14 diplomas |
| Level 8 | Doctorate (PhD) | 12 | 8 | Not offered |
Sources: GOV.UK, "What qualification levels mean"; "Qualifications can cross boundaries", the official comparison of UK and Irish qualification levels with the European Qualifications Framework. The same level is not the same qualification: universities and employers set their own entry requirements.
Which level should you start at?
Start one level above the highest qualification you already hold. Each course page lists its exact entry requirements, and an advisor can check your background for free.
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You have no formal qualifications, or GCSEs below grade 4
Start at Level 2
Level 2 is the same level as GCSEs at grades 9 to 4, including Functional Skills in English and maths.
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You have GCSEs at grades 9 to 4
Start at Level 3
Level 3 is the same level as A levels. Without formal qualifications, relevant work experience may be accepted.
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You have A levels or a Level 3 qualification
Start at Level 4
Level 4 is the same level as a CertHE or HNC: the first step of higher education.
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You have a Level 4, an HNC or some university study
Start at Level 5
Level 5 is the same level as a foundation degree, HND or DipHE.
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You have A levels and want a larger qualification
Start at Level 5 Extended
A Level 5 Extended Diploma combines Level 4 and Level 5 study in one qualification (240 credits), the size of the first two years of a degree.
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You have a Level 5, an HND or a foundation degree
Start at Level 6
Level 6 is the same level as a bachelor's degree with honours.
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You have a bachelor's degree or a Level 6
Start at Level 7
Level 7 is the same level as a master's degree, for senior and strategic roles.
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Not sure where you fit?
Ask an advisor
Tell us your qualifications and experience, and we will suggest the right level. We reply within 1 working day.
Where a diploma can lead
Common next steps after each level. Universities and employers set their own entry requirements, so always check with them.
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Level 3
Higher education or a supervisory role
A Level 3 diploma can lead to a Level 4 diploma, a university foundation year or more responsibility at work.
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Level 4, 5 and 5 Extended
A university top-up degree
Many UK universities accept a regulated Level 5 diploma or Extended Diploma for entry to the final year of a related bachelor's degree.
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Level 6
Postgraduate study or senior roles
Level 6 is the same level as a bachelor's degree and can support applications for postgraduate study.
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Level 7
Master's study or leadership roles
Some universities accept a Level 7 diploma towards a master's programme, often with fewer modules to complete.
Qualification levels: your questions answered
Can't find your answer? Our team will check your level for free.
What does "Level" mean?
UK qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland sit on numbered levels from Entry Level to Level 8 (the Regulated Qualifications Framework, RQF). Qualifications at the same level are a similar level of difficulty, even when their size and subject are different.
What is a Level 3 qualification equivalent to?
Level 3 is the same level as A levels. It is a common step towards higher education or a supervisory role.
What is a Level 4 qualification equivalent to?
Level 4 is the same level as a Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) or a Higher National Certificate (HNC).
What is a Level 5 qualification equivalent to?
Level 5 is the same level as a foundation degree, a Higher National Diploma (HND) or a Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE). Many UK universities accept a regulated Level 5 diploma for entry to the final year of a related bachelor's degree (a "top-up"), but each university sets its own entry criteria.
What is a Level 6 qualification equivalent to?
Level 6 is the same level as a bachelor's degree with honours.
What is a Level 7 qualification equivalent to?
Level 7 is the same level as a master's degree or a postgraduate diploma. A Level 7 diploma is not a master's degree itself; some universities accept it towards a master's programme.
What is an extended diploma?
An extended diploma is a larger qualification at the same level: it has more credits (for example 240 credits at Level 5 instead of 120). The level of difficulty is the same; the extra units give broader coverage.
Is "the same level" the same as having that qualification?
No. The same level means a similar level of difficulty, not the same qualification. Universities and employers set their own entry requirements, so check with them before you rely on an equivalence.
How do UK levels compare with Scotland and Europe?
Scotland uses its own framework (SCQF, levels 1 to 12) and Europe uses the European Qualifications Framework (EQF, levels 1 to 8). The table on this page shows the matching level in each, from the official UK and Ireland comparison "Qualifications can cross boundaries".
Find the right level for you
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