National Framework of Qualifications
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The National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) is a system used to describe levels of educational qualifications in Ireland. Responsibility for maintaining and developing the framework lies with Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI).
Launched in 2003, the NFQ was developed by the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland as a means of comparing training and qualifications between institutions of education at all levels. It encompasses learning at primary and second level, as well as acting as a benchmark for required standards for graduates of courses offered by QQI, and universities.{{cite web|url=http://www.nfq.ie/nfq/en/learner.html|title=National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422214146/https://www.qqi.ie:443/Articles/Pages/National-Framework-of-Qualifications-(NFQ).aspx| archive-date=2021-04-22|website=www.nfq.ie}} The framework consists of 10 "Levels", ranging from Certificates at Level 1 which signify initial learning to degrees at doctoral level. A 'fan diagram'{{cite web|url=http://www.nfq.ie/nfq/en/images/FanDec2006.jpg|title=National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)|website=www.nfq.ie}} is used to illustrate the progression of the levels.{{cite web|url=http://www.nfq.ie/nfq/en/public_resources/presentation.html|title=National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)|website=www.nfq.ie}}
Framework
| class="wikitable" |
| EQF level
! EHEA cycle ! NFQ level ! Major award types |
|---|
| rowspan="2" | 1
| rowspan="6" | | 1 | Level 1 Certificate |
| 2
| Level 2 Certificate |
| 2
| 3 | Level 3 Certificate |
| 3
| 4 | Level 4 Certificate |
| 4
| 5 | Level 5 Certificate |
| rowspan="2" | 5
| rowspan="2" | 6 | Advanced Certificate |
| Short cycle within 1st
| Higher Certificate |
| 6
| rowspan="2" | 1st | 7 | Ordinary bachelor's degree |
|
| 8 | Honours bachelor's degree |
| 7
| 2nd | 9 | Master's Degree |
| 8
| 3rd | 10 | Doctoral Degree |
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [http://www.nfq.ie/nfq/en/index.html National Framework of Qualifications website]
- [http://www.nqai.ie/interdev_efl.html Relationship] between the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and the National Framework of Qualifications
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