What are Level and Credit Points in the SCQF?

 

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The SCQF is a way of comparing the wide range of Scottish qualifications, by giving each qualification a Level and a number of Credit Points. The Level of a qualification shows how difficult the learning is; the Credit Points show the size of the qualification and how much work is involved in achieving that qualification. It covers achievements from school, college, university and many work-based qualifications.

Levels

There are 12 SCQF levels; increases in level of demand relate to factors such as: complexity and depth of knowledge and understanding; links to academic, vocational or professional practice; the degree of integration, independence and creativity required; the range and sophistication of application/practice and the role(s) taken in relation to other learners/workers in carrying out tasks.

Each level of the SCQF from 2 to 12 has a descriptor, which sets out its characteristic general outcomes under five broad headings:

  • knowledge and understanding - mainly subject based

  • practice (applied knowledge and understanding)

  • generic cognitive skills, e.g. evaluation, critical analysis

  • communication, numeracy and IT skills

  • autonomy, accountability and working with others

The level descriptors are designed to allow broad comparisons to be made between the outcomes of any learning that has been, or can be, subject to valid, reliable, and quality-assured assessment.

Credit Points

SCQF Credit Points are used to quantify the outcomes of learning and give them a value or currency. These general SCQF Credit Points are allocated to outcomes of learning that are subject to valid, reliable methods of assessment.

The number of SCQF Credit Points is worked out on the basis of the amount of time that an 'average' learner at a specified level might expect to take to achieve the outcomes. In common with other credit systems, the SCQF works on the basis that one Credit Point represents the outcomes of learning achieved through a notional 10 hours of learning time. However, this is merely a guide and no points are added or taken away if more or less time is taken to achieve the outcomes. No points are 'earned' by a learner if the outcomes of learning are not achieved.