 The UK QCF
| Q1: What is the UK QCF?
The UK Qualifications and Credit Framework (or UK QCF) is a new way of recognising skills and qualifications. It does this by awarding credits for units (small steps of learning), enabling learners to gain qualifications at their own pace and along flexible routes.
The UK QCF replaced the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) for England, Wales and Northern Ireland in September 2010.
Q2: What are the main objectives of the new framework?
The UK QCF aims to:
- ensure that a wider range of achievements can be recognised within a more inclusive qualifications framework
- establish a qualifications system that is more responsive to individual and employer needs
- establish a simpler qualifications framework that is easier for all users to understand
- reduce the burden of bureaucracy in the accreditation and assessment of qualifications.
Q3: What qualifications have been updated for the UK QCF?
The following qualifications have been updated for and accredited in the UK to the new framework:
- Edexcel BTEC Firsts
- Edexcel BTEC Nationals
- Edexcel BTEC Higher Nationals
- Edexcel BTEC Foundation Learning suite (formerly Entry Levels)
- Edexcel BTEC Specialist Courses (formerly Short Courses)
- Edexcel BTEC Professional Qualifications
Q4: Why should I move to the updated specifications?
Edexcel is determined to offer international centres the best, most up-to-date and well supported qualifications available. We believe that we honour this commitment by helping you make the transition to the latest specifications.
By adopting the updated specifications, international centres will be teaching the most up-to-date vocational qualifications from Edexcel, ensuring that learners continue to receive an education that is modern and relevant. In addition, your learners will benefit from more flexibility and more control over the pace of their learning.
Moving forward, UK QCF-accredited qualifications will be better supported with new resources such as Student Books and online materials (see Approvals and Support).
In future, recognition and progression pathways will be bolstered on the value of the updated specifications.
Q5: How is achievement measured on the new framework?
Achievement is measured in credits. Every unit and qualification on the new framework will have a credit value which will reflect the size of the qualification. One credit represents content achievable in 10 hours of learning time.
Q6: The new framework references learning time. What is it and how is it different to Guided Learning Hours (GLH)?
Learning time is the average amount of time a learner is expected to take to complete the learning outcomes of a unit to the standard defined by the assessment criteria. GLH include only teacher-supervised or directed study time. Learning time includes all the time needed to achieve a unit, including contact time, directed learning, assessment preparation time and assessment time. However, it does not include learner initiated study. The learning time cannot be less than the GLH.
What constitutes learning time changes according to the level. At Entry Level and Level 1, the majority of the learning time is directed learning. At higher levels such as Level 5, more independent learning is expected away from the tutor.
As with GLH, learning time is notional and is intended only as a guide. Centres should allocate the amount of contact time appropriate for the needs of their learners.
Q7: Are the rules of combination (RoC) different?
The rules of combination under the new framework, that is, how credits can be combined to form a qualification, are not significantly different to the NQF way of defining qualifications, but they are now based on credits rather than GLH and more complexity will be possible. The rules are contained within the specifications and accompanying supplementary notes.
Please note that the rules will now refer to mandatory units (instead of core units) and optional units (instead of specialist units)*.
* Higher National specifications will still refer to optional units
Q8: Are the levels of qualifications the same as they were on the NQF?
Yes. The levels of the qualifications on the new framework correspond exactly with the current NQF levels. For instance, the Level 2 BTEC First Certificate on the NQF is at the same level as a BTEC Level 2 Extended Certificate on the new framework.
Q9: Can I import units from another UK QCF qualification or locally devised units?
Broadly speaking, yes. Where the specification allows it you may import units from another QCF programme to satisfy your specific local needs. However, this must be done strictly within the rules of combination that are set out in the specification for each programme. Rules for importing locally devised units vary by region. Please contact your local Edexcel office for guidance before implementing this option.
| | Programmes and specifications
| Q10: Will international centres teach the same specification as UK centres?
In general, yes. In the unlikely event that a specification is deemed unsuitable for the international market, we will consider internationalisation or localisation of the specification. Should this happen, learners and centres will be notified in advance of any recognition/progression variations from the standard, off-the-shelf qualification.
Q11: When will I be able to teach the updated specifications?
They may be taught from September 2011.
Q12: Are the updated programmes accredited internationally?
No. The updated programmes were updated to conform to the new national framework in the UK and as such have only been accredited in the UK. However, we continue to work with governments around the world to ensure that our BTEC qualifications provide learners with an increasing number of progression and recognition opportunities both in-country and internationally.
Q13: Have all BTEC specifications been updated?
While the vast majority of BTEC programmes have been updated for the new framework, a small number have been withdrawn or have been absorbed into other programmes. Some affected programmes are list below:
- NQF Firsts & BTEC Nationals in Retail
- NQF Firsts & BTEC Nationals in Logistics
- NQF Nationals in Hairdressing
- NQF Nationals in Communications Technology
- NQF Higher Nationals in Housing
- NQF Higher Nationals in Agriculture
- NQF Higher Nationals in Facilities Management
- NQF Higher Nationals in Musical Instrument Technology
- NQF Higher Nationals in Applied Physics
- NQF Higher Nationals in Biomedical Science
- NQF Higher Nationals in e-Business
- NQF Higher Nationals in Retail Management
- NQF Higher Nationals in Nautical Science
Some Specialist Courses (formerly Short Courses) and Foundation (Entry level) courses have also been withdrawn. If your programme has withdrawn please contact your local Edexcel office to discuss suitable alternatives. You will need to apply for approval for any new programmes in the normal manner.
Q14: My programme has not been withdrawn but the UK QCF version is not yet available. What are my options?
Some NQF programmes, although not withdrawn, have yet to be accredited to the UK QCF. If you run any of these programmes your current approval has been extended to 31 August 2012. Programmes that are currently affected are listed below:
- Advanced Practice in Work With Children and Families (Higher Nationals)
- Marine Engineering (Higher Nationals)
- Aviation Operations (Nationals)
- Children's Care, Learning and Development (Nationals)
- Contact Centre Skills (Short/Specialist Course)
- Contact Centre Supervisory Skills (Short/Specialist Course)
- Introduction to Contact Centres (Short/Specialist Course)
Q15: I run a programme that predates the UK NQF (2003). Do the changes affect me?
If you offer a programme that predates the UK NQF (also referred to as legacy programmes) you may have been advised by your Edexcel representative to move to an equivalent QCF programme. This is part of our ongoing commitment to provide you with vocational programmes that are relevant and up to date. If you have not done so, please contact your Edexcel representative as soon as possible to discuss your options.
Q16: I run BTEC Banking and Finance/BTEC Effective Behaviours for Work. Do I have to migrate to new specifications in September too?
No. These programmes do not formally sit on the UK NQF and therefore you will be able to continue to run them in their current forms beyond September 2011.
Q17: I run a customised programme. Do the changes affect me?
Only standard, off-the-shelf qualifications have been updated for the new framework. Centres running qualifications customised for their centre will not be affected at this stage. We have extended approval for such programmes to 31 August 2012. If you run a customised programme please check your Edexcel Online account to ensure that your programme has been extended.
Q18: What about NVQs?
Edexcel NVQs are currently not available to international centres. Please speak to your Edexcel representative to discuss other options.
Q19: How do I know what has changed for each programme?
The differences between the NQF and QCF-accredited units for each programme have been mapped and details can be found at the end of each of the updated specifications.
Q20: Where can I view the updated specifications?
The majority of the updated specifications can be downloaded directly from our website now:
Q21: Will I get hard copies of the specifications?
Yes. We have sent hard copies of the specifications to international centres. You are entitled to one free specification for each programme for which you were automatically approved (see Q28).
Additional copies can be downloaded and printed at your convenience from our website using the links listed above.
| | New titling
|
Q22: Are programme titles on the new framework different from current titles?
Yes. The new framework comes with its own titling conventions. The title of a UK QCF qualification will now accurately reflect that qualification’s size and difficulty, making qualifications more transparent and consistent across the whole framework. The title will immediately tell universities, employers, learners, teachers and other awarding bodies the volume and difficulty of the qualification.
Q23: Why do I have to adopt the new titles?
Because international centres are invited to transition to the updated programmes, the titles must logically change to ensure consistency with centres in the UK and to aid progression and recognition in the future.
Q24: What are the new titles?
The exact title of a qualification can be found within its specification. See the table below for a general outline:
|
Level |
Qualification title |
GLH |
Qualification title |
Credits |
Comparable to |
|
BTEC Level 4/5 Higher Nationals |
|
4/5 |
Edexcel Level 5 BTEC Higher National Diploma |
960 |
Edexcel BTEC Level 5 HND Diploma |
240 |
Foundation Degrees, Dip HE |
|
Edexcel Level 5 BTEC Higher National Certificate |
600 |
Edexcel BTEC Level 4 HNC Diploma |
120 |
Intermediate level qualifications |
|
BTEC Level 3 Nationals |
|
3 |
Edexcel Level 3 BTEC National Diploma |
1080 |
Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma |
180 |
3 GCE A Levels |
|
Edexcel Level 3 BTEC National Certificate |
720 |
Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Diploma |
120 |
2 GCE A Levels |
|
Edexcel Level 3 BTEC National Award |
360 |
Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma |
60 |
1 GCE A Level |
|
|
|
Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Certificate |
30 |
1 GCE AS Level |
|
BTEC Level 2 Firsts |
|
2 |
Edexcel Level 2 BTEC First Diploma |
360 |
Edexcel BTEC Level 2 Diploma |
60 |
4 IGCSEs (A*-C) |
|
Edexcel Level 2 BTEC First Certificate |
180 |
Edexcel BTEC Level 2 Extended Certificate |
30 |
2 IGCSEs (A*-C) |
|
|
|
Edexcel BTEC Level 2 Certificate |
15 |
1 IGCSE (A*-C) |
|
BTEC Level 1 Introductory and Foundation Learning |
|
1/2 |
Edexcel Level 1 BTEC Introductory Diploma |
variable |
Edexcel BTEC Level 1 Diplomas, Certificates & Awards
(vocational component of
Foundation Learning) |
variable |
IGCSE (D-G) |
|
Edexcel Level 1 BTEC Introductory Certificate |
variable |
variable |
IGCSE (D-G) |
|
Entry Level BTEC/Certificates and Foundation Learning |
|
Entry |
Edexcel Entry Level BTEC Certificate in Life Skills |
variable |
Edexcel BTEC Entry Level Diplomas, Certificates & Awards (vocational component of Foundation Learning) |
variable |
n/a |
|
Edexcel Entry Level BTEC Certificate in Skills for Working Life |
variable |
variable |
n/a |
Q25: How can I tell the size of a qualification by its title?
Every qualification on the new framework will have a credit value which will reflect the size of the qualification. One credit represents 10 hours of learning time.
Q26: If the titles have changed, why do you still use the terms ‘First’ and ‘National’ etc?
For ease of reference, Edexcel will continue to use ‘First’, ‘National’ and ‘Higher National’ and so on in promotional materials and in correspondence with you. However, these terms will not appear on the final certificate. | | Approval and support
|
Q27: Will the updated specifications be supported by new resources?
Yes. Study Skills Guides (Levels 1-3) and Study Guides (Levels 4-5) have been developed specifically for the updated programmes. You are eligible for one free copy per registration. Dispatch is triggered by registrations made via Edexcel Online.
For Firsts and Nationals, Study Skills Guides are available for the majority of sectors. There are also Student Resources, Teaching Resource Packs and Assessment Resources for a wide range of sectors to aid learning and delivery of the updated specifications.
For Higher Nationals, Study Guides are available for five key sectors:
- Computing and Systems Development
- Business
- Engineering
- Travel and Tourism Management
- Sport and Exercise Sciences
In addition, we're currently developing a comprehensive set of online teaching and learning resources which will broaden the options for delivery and learning of our Higher National suite.
We expect to pilot the online resources for the eight core units of the HND in Business in January 2012. Plans to develop similar online resources for other units in Business and for other key sectors are being considered.
If you would like to find out more about the online resources for the Higher National qualifications in Business or if you would like to participate in a pilot of these resources, please email int@edexcel.com or contact your regional Edexcel office.
Q28: How do I get approval for the updated versions of programmes I currently teach?
We have automatically given your centre approval for the QCF version of all programmes for which you already had NQF approval and have made registrations against in the last two years. This excludes programmes that have no direct replacement on the QCF (see Q13 and Q14). You should now have all the relevant approvals and can view them by logging in to your Edexcel Online account.
Q29: How can I get approval for an updated version of a programme that I am not currently teaching under the NQF?
You may add any additional QCF-accredited programmes via the normal qualification approval process.
Q30: When will I be able to register learners for the updated programmes?
Centres will be able to register learners for the updated programmes from 1 September 2011.
Q31: Will I be able to register learners for the NQF programmes after 31 August 2011?
No. You will not be able to make any new registrations on existing NQF programmes after August 2011. Any new learners enrolled from September 2011 should be registered on the updated qualifications where available.
Q32: What will this mean for learners already registered on NQF programmes?
Existing candidates will be able to complete the qualifications on which they are registered. They are not required (and are not advised) to switch their registration over to the QCF version of the programme. From September 2011, new learners will need to register on the updated version of a given qualification.
Q33: Can I transfer learners between an existing programme and its updated version?
While possible, we strongly advise that learners complete the qualification which they originally started as unit achievement and credit for completing components may not always be transferable from the NQF to the QCF version. Furthermore, such a transfer will only be possible following a thorough mapping exercise which must be undertaken by your centre for each student. You will also need to pay any difference in fees between the two versions.
If you require additional guidance on this matter, please contact your local Edexcel office.
Q34: Will the transition to the updated specifications require my centre to invest in additional resources or to develop new processes?
The impact of the updated specifications on your centre’s day-to-day activities will be minimal. As far as possible, the newer specifications have been kept consistent with previous versions. For many qualifications, the differences between specifications are minor. In general, your centre will not be required to significantly change the way you currently deliver the course content and assessments will remain criteria-based. Further guidance is offered within the specifications.
| | Quality assurance
|
Q35: Will quality assurance be different for newer qualifications?
Not for the majority of international centres. International centres have told us that they are comfortable with the current quality assurance methodology, which is up to two ISV (previously ‘EV’) visits per year, so this will remain unchanged. This excludes those European centres that migrated over to the new specifications with UK centres in September 2010. These centres will follow UK QA procedures.
Q36: If the QA process for international centres is different from that of the UK, how can I be sure programmes taught internationally are of the same standard as the UK?
Edexcel is an approved awarding organisation in the UK and is itself monitored by the UK regulator. This means that all Edexcel qualifications are developed following strict processes and are subject to standardisation.
Our quality assurance procedures are and will continue to be as robust and thorough as those deployed by Ofqual. This means that international centres can be sure that the quality of the BTEC programmes they teach will be comparable to that of centres in the UK and around the world.
Q37: Who are ISVs?
International Standards Verifier is the new title given to External Verifiers (EVs).
Q38: Who else can advise me on quality issues?
All Edexcel BTEC qualifications are underpinned by our commitment to quality. Our robust quality assurance model ensures that your learners get the best internationally benchmarked vocational qualifications available today. Your regional office is well placed to support you with any quality issues. They are in turn supported by a new team of International Quality and Assessment Advisors (IQAAs).
The primary function of the IQAAs will be to help international centres meet and maintain BTEC standards. As such they will be able to help you with the interpretation of specifications, approvals, assessments and ISV decisions.
IQAAs will supplement the support you currently get from regional Edexcel staff and International Standards Verifiers. To find out more or to get in touch with your nearest Advisor, please contact your regional Edexcel office.
Q39: Will certificates look the same?
Certificates will look more or less the same. Please note that certificates issued internationally will not contain the logo of the UK regulator Ofqual. This is current practice and does not represent a change for international centres.
Q40: Will the transition to the new framework affect progression and recognition of BTEC qualifications?
Generally, no. The updated programmes will follow the same or similar progression pathways as their NQF equivalents. Universities and colleges in the UK will accept QCF-accredited versions of BTEC qualifications. We continue to work with our partners worldwide to bolster progression and recognition for QCF-accredited BTEC qualifications internationally.
| | Training
| Q41: Will training be available for the updated specifications?
An initial series of free, face-to-face training events took place from May to September 2011 in locations across the world where the majority of our BTEC centres are based, focusing primarily on our Higher Nationals suite. If you have received our training we would be delighted to hear from you. Please email your feedback to int@edexcel.com. Your comments will help us improve the service for future events.
Q42: What will be covered in the training? Training sessions run over two days and cover sector-specific content and generic information on programme delivery based on the QCF. Below is an outline of what is covered: Day one – Generic
- Learn about the UK Credit and Qualifications framework (QCF) and what this means for you
- Review changes to Higher Nationals brought about by the introduction of the Qualification and Credit Framework in the UK
- Explore what moving to the credit rated QCF specification means in terms of structure and rules of combination
- Understand the implications for existing learners
- Explore approaches to assessment, including assignment writing and student motivation and achievement
- Review the requirements of the Quality Assurance model
- Have opportunity to ask questions and network
- Review support
Day two – Subject-specific
- Review the structure and content of the qualification including new units and changes to the core
- Explore approaches to devising and delivering a Higher National programme of study, looking at varying programme types, first and second year programmes, delivering the project unit/s, employer engagement and relationship to degree provision
- Explore approaches to assessment, with opportunities to share good practice regarding assessment methodology to boost student motivation and achievement and approaches to assignment writing
- To have the opportunity to plan and write an assignment or modify a current assignment to meet the QCF specification criteria
- Review support
- To have an opportunity to ask questions, share good practice and network
Subject-specific training will cover these sectors:
- Engineering
- Business
- Hospitality & Catering
- Travel & Tourism
- IT
- Art & Design
- Creative Media Production
- Health & Social Care
Beyond these we also offer bespoke training. For further information or to discuss your training needs, please contact your Edexcel regional office.
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