THE NATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS FRAMEWORK
Level
10
The creation and interpretation of new knowledge, through original research or other advanced scholarship, of a quality to satisfy peer review, extend the forefront of the discipline, and merit publication. A systematic acquisition and understanding of a substantial body of knowledge which is at the forefront of an academic discipline or area of professional practice. A systematic acquisition and understanding of a substantial body of knowledge which is at the forefront of an academic discipline or area of professional practice. The ability to conceptualise, design and implement a project for the generation of new knowledge, applications or understanding at the forefront of the discipline, and to adjust the project design in the light of unforeseen problems. A detailed understanding of applicable techniques for research and advanced academic enquiry. A detailed understanding of applicable techniques for research and advanced academic enquiry.
9
A systematic understanding of knowledge and a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights at the forefront of their academic discipline, field of study, or area of professional practice. A systematic understanding of knowledge and a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights at the forefront of their academic discipline, field of study, or area of professional practice. A comprehensive understanding of relevant techniques applicable to their research or adA comprehensive understanding of relevant techniques applicable to their research or advanced scholarship. Originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the discipline. Originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the discipline. Conceptual understanding that enables the student to evaluate critically current research and advanced scholarship in the discipline and to evaluate critically methodologies and where appropriate, to propose new hypotheses.
8
A systematic understanding of key aspects of their field of study, including acquisition of a coherent and detailed knowledge, at least some of which are at or informed by, the forefront of defined aspects of a discipline. An ability to deploy accurately established analytical techniques and enquire within their discipline. An ability to deploy accurately established analytical techniques and enquire within their discipline. An ability to devise and sustain arguments and/or to solve problems using ideas or techniques some of which will be at the forefront of a discipline and to describe; and comment upon particular aspects of current research or equivalent scholarship in the discipline. An ability to devise and sustain arguments and/or to solve problems using ideas or techniques some of which will be at the forefront of a discipline and to describe; and comment upon particular aspects of current research or equivalent scholarship in the discipline. An appreciation of the uncertain, ambiguity and limits of knowledge. The ability to manage their own learning and to make use of scholarly reviews and primary sources (e.g. refereed research articles and/or original materials appropriate to the discipline).
7
Knowledge and critical understanding of the well-established principles of their area(s) of study, including an understanding of some advanced aspect(s) of their area(s) of study. Ability to apply underlying concepts and principles outside the context in which they were first studied, including, where appropriate, the application of those principles in an employment context. Ability to apply underlying concepts and principles outside the context in which they were first studied, including, where appropriate, the application of those principles in an employment context. Knowledge of the main methods of enquiry in their subject(s), and ability to evaluate critically the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems in the field of study. Knowledge of the main methods of enquiry in their subject(s), and ability to evaluate critically the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems in the field of study. An understanding of the limits of that knowledge and how this influences analysis and interpretation based on that knowledge.
6
Demonstrate specialised in-depth knowledge in their area(s) of study. Demonstrate specialised in-depth knowledge in their area(s) of study. Have command of analysis, diagnosis, planning and evaluation across a broad range of technical and/or management functions. Be able to formulate appropriate responses to resolve problems. Communicate, in a variety of forms and with structured and coherent arguments, the results of their study/work accurately and reliably, and identify the broader principles, issues and impacts. Communicate, in a variety of forms and with structured and coherent arguments, the results of their study/work accurately and reliably, and identify the broader principles, issues and impacts. Display qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment in situations requiring the exercise of some personal responsibility and in contexts where they are contributing to decision-making processes.
5
Demonstrate broad knowledge base with substantial depth in area(s) of study Demonstrate broad knowledge base with substantial depth in area(s) of study Have command of analytical interpretation of a range of data Be able to determine appropriate methods and procedures to respond to a range of problems Communicate the results of their study/work accurately and reliably, and with structured and coherent arguments Communicate the results of their study/work accurately and reliably, and with structured and coherent arguments Display qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment in situations requiring the exercise of some personal responsibility
4
Demonstrate a broad knowledge base incorporating some technical concepts Have command of analytical interpretation of information Express informed judgement Be able to display a range of known responses to familiar problems Be able to display a range of known responses to familiar problems
3
Demonstrate basic operational knowledge Master readily available knowledge Master readily available knowledge Be able to use known solutions to familiar problems Display/generate some new ideas
2
Demonstrate narrow range of knowledge and cognitive skills
1
Demonstrate basic numeracy, literacy and basic IT skills
Primary/Secondary Education
HSC/GCE 'A' Level/ BAC/IBAC/HSC Professional
The level at which National Certificates at level 5 are registered
SC/GCE 'O' Level
The level at which National Certificates at level 3 are registered
National Certificate of Education (NCE)
The level at which National Certificates at level 2 are registered
Primary School Achievement Certificate (PSAC)
Level at which PSAC is registered
TVET/Workplace
National Diploma Level 6
The level at which National Certificates at level 6 are registered
National Certificate Level 5
The level at which National Certificates at level 5 are registered
National Certificate Level 4
The level at which National Certificates at level 4 are registered
National Certificate Level 3
The level at which National Certificates at level 3 are registered
National Certificate Level 2
The level at which National Certificates at level 2 are registered
National Certificate Level 1
Level at which PSAC is registered
Tertiary Education
Doctorate
The level at which Doctorates are registered
Masters Degrees. e.g MA, MSc, M Phil, Post-Graduate Diploma, Post-Graduate Certificate
The level at which Masters degrees, e.g. MA, MSc, and M.Phil are registered. Also at this level are advanced programmes, such as Postgraduate Certificates and Postgraduate Diplomas. However, differentiation between Masters Degrees and Postgraduate Certificates and Postgraduate Diplomas is made on the basis of the lesser number of credits obtained and no practical understanding of techniques of research for the latter qualifications.
Bachelor Degree with Honours
The level at which Bachelors Degree with honors, often referred to as honors degrees is registered. Also at this level are conversation programmes based largely on undergraduate material
Bachelor (Ordinary Degree)
The level at which Bachelors Degree (Ordinary Degree) is registered
Diploma
The level at which National Certificates at level 6 are registered
Certificate
The level at which National Certificates at level 5 are registered
Level
10
The creation and interpretation of new knowledge, through original research or other advanced scholarship, of a quality to satisfy peer review, extend the forefront of the discipline, and merit publication. A systematic acquisition and understanding of a substantial body of knowledge which is at the forefront of an academic discipline or area of professional practice. A systematic acquisition and understanding of a substantial body of knowledge which is at the forefront of an academic discipline or area of professional practice. The ability to conceptualise, design and implement a project for the generation of new knowledge, applications or understanding at the forefront of the discipline, and to adjust the project design in the light of unforeseen problems. A detailed understanding of applicable techniques for research and advanced academic enquiry. A detailed understanding of applicable techniques for research and advanced academic enquiry.
9
A systematic understanding of knowledge and a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights at the forefront of their academic discipline, field of study, or area of professional practice. A systematic understanding of knowledge and a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights at the forefront of their academic discipline, field of study, or area of professional practice. A comprehensive understanding of relevant techniques applicable to their research or adA comprehensive understanding of relevant techniques applicable to their research or advanced scholarship. Originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the discipline. Originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the discipline. Conceptual understanding that enables the student to evaluate critically current research and advanced scholarship in the discipline and to evaluate critically methodologies and where appropriate, to propose new hypotheses.
8
A systematic understanding of key aspects of their field of study, including acquisition of a coherent and detailed knowledge, at least some of which are at or informed by, the forefront of defined aspects of a discipline. An ability to deploy accurately established analytical techniques and enquire within their discipline. An ability to deploy accurately established analytical techniques and enquire within their discipline. An ability to devise and sustain arguments and/or to solve problems using ideas or techniques some of which will be at the forefront of a discipline and to describe; and comment upon particular aspects of current research or equivalent scholarship in the discipline. An ability to devise and sustain arguments and/or to solve problems using ideas or techniques some of which will be at the forefront of a discipline and to describe; and comment upon particular aspects of current research or equivalent scholarship in the discipline. An appreciation of the uncertain, ambiguity and limits of knowledge. The ability to manage their own learning and to make use of scholarly reviews and primary sources (e.g. refereed research articles and/or original materials appropriate to the discipline).
7
Knowledge and critical understanding of the well-established principles of their area(s) of study, including an understanding of some advanced aspect(s) of their area(s) of study. Ability to apply underlying concepts and principles outside the context in which they were first studied, including, where appropriate, the application of those principles in an employment context. Ability to apply underlying concepts and principles outside the context in which they were first studied, including, where appropriate, the application of those principles in an employment context. Knowledge of the main methods of enquiry in their subject(s), and ability to evaluate critically the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems in the field of study. Knowledge of the main methods of enquiry in their subject(s), and ability to evaluate critically the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems in the field of study. An understanding of the limits of that knowledge and how this influences analysis and interpretation based on that knowledge.
6
Demonstrate specialised in-depth knowledge in their area(s) of study. Demonstrate specialised in-depth knowledge in their area(s) of study. Have command of analysis, diagnosis, planning and evaluation across a broad range of technical and/or management functions. Be able to formulate appropriate responses to resolve problems. Communicate, in a variety of forms and with structured and coherent arguments, the results of their study/work accurately and reliably, and identify the broader principles, issues and impacts. Communicate, in a variety of forms and with structured and coherent arguments, the results of their study/work accurately and reliably, and identify the broader principles, issues and impacts. Display qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment in situations requiring the exercise of some personal responsibility and in contexts where they are contributing to decision-making processes.
5
Demonstrate broad knowledge base with substantial depth in area(s) of study Demonstrate broad knowledge base with substantial depth in area(s) of study Have command of analytical interpretation of a range of data Be able to determine appropriate methods and procedures to respond to a range of problems Communicate the results of their study/work accurately and reliably, and with structured and coherent arguments Communicate the results of their study/work accurately and reliably, and with structured and coherent arguments Display qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment in situations requiring the exercise of some personal responsibility
4
Demonstrate a broad knowledge base incorporating some technical concepts Have command of analytical interpretation of information Express informed judgement Be able to display a range of known responses to familiar problems Be able to display a range of known responses to familiar problems
3
Demonstrate basic operational knowledge Master readily available knowledge Master readily available knowledge Be able to use known solutions to familiar problems Display/generate some new ideas
2
Demonstrate narrow range of knowledge and cognitive skills
1
Demonstrate basic numeracy, literacy and basic IT skills