The National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) Explained

By Anne Sexton - Last update


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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.

 


Anne Sexton

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Comments

  1. CAROLINE hogan 24/02/2019 at 17:09

    Hi I completed a diploma in retail management course through musgraves distance learning over a part time 3 yr period and I was wondering what level this course qualifies under

    1. Gemma Creagh 20/03/2019 at 16:07

      Hello Caroline,

      You’d have to get that clarified by the training provider. I’d give them a call and check. You can get them via +353 (0) 21 4803000. It’s well worth getting in contact!

      All the best,

      Gemma

  2. Anna Poznanska 14/03/2021 at 21:44

    Hi, I am a foreign and I cannot proof my education from my country. How can I get level 1 and 2 certificate for the start? With pleasure will go for any exam but cannot find anything.
    Thank you.
    Anna

  3. Julie Buckley 04/06/2021 at 20:41

    Hi I am wondering what a degree diploma over 2 years in a university in health and safety equals in levels in the NQI.
    Thanks.

  4. Julie Clinton 12/08/2021 at 12:10

    Hi
    Hoping you can help.
    I completed a certificate of business studies in DKIT in 1989_1991.
    Is this qualification still valid?
    Would it still allow me to start a course at level 6?
    Many thanks
    Julie

  5. Siji Varghese 15/11/2021 at 05:37

    I would like to know more about course in level 8.

  6. George Ikechukwu Emeka 05/03/2022 at 09:43

    Hello, I am interested in doing a level 7 course please advise

  7. Margaret 09/09/2022 at 22:18

    I completed a Diploma in Health Promotion in NUIG in 1997, one year full time
    Wondering what level award this course was?

  8. Marion 17/10/2022 at 20:23

    Hello could you please tell me what is the NVQ level 1 (UK) equivalent in NFQ levels please.
    Thank You.

  9. Cathy 05/03/2023 at 00:38

    Hi,
    What 1 year courses are available to bring the level 7 Ordinary Batchelors to the level 8 Honours Bachelors and is it subject specific to the subject at ordinary level. Not sure if my degree course still runs, was a while ago.

    Thank you,

  10. Ese-idehen Aiwansosa 27/09/2023 at 22:18

    Please how can I apply for a level six class

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