springboard

Parking Fine 11

Hi All,

I'm looking into doing a springboard course. Could someone explain something that maybe quite simple but is completely lost on me. Level 8 courses seem to have different ranks. Example you can do a level 8 higher certificate, level 8 diploma or level 8 BA. What is the difference between all 3 apart form the credits awarded to each one.

Also if I complete a level 8 in one year is that recognized as the same as somebody doing a level 8 over 3 years in a university??

Many thanks

antix80

My understanding is you would not be permitted to progress to do a masters without a level 8 degree.

If you have a level 8 degree business degree and want to do a level 9 masters in I.T., or get a job in a business & I.T. area, you could do a 1-year level 8 higher diploma in I.T. designed for this purpose. You probably wouldn't have the same level of I.T. knowledge as someone who did a level 8 I.T. degree.

It's unlikely you'll be permitted to enter a level 9 without a degree, and it's unlikely you'd be permitted to enter a level 9 without a level 8 award (either degree, or unrelated bachelors degree and a higher diploma in the area.)

If you have an academic path in mind, be sure you know the entry requirements and which courses can act as feeder courses.

RPL (recognition of prior learning) can come into play in certain courses, which would allow you to enter a course without meeting academic entry requirements because you have work experience etc.

A level 8 cert is not a degree. If a degree is an entry requirement for a job, you won't get it (unless the recruiter isn't familiar with the difference).
It's a cert at level 8 standard, and might be in a particular area. For example, a Level 8 nurse might do a level 8 cert in a specialist topic .. cardiology critical care for example. This would not be the same as doing a nursing degree and you wouldn't get on the course with a 4 year business degree.

HelloPeeps

Here's a link to an overview of the National Qualifications Framework - in case that helps - http://www.nfq-qqi.com/index.html