Frameworks for higher education qualifications

The frameworks for higher education qualifications describe the achievement represented by higher education qualifications. They apply to degrees, diplomas, certificates and other academic awards granted by a higher education provider with degree awarding powers. QAA has developed two frameworks:

The framework for higher education qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (FHEQ)
(second edition revised August 2008, web versions updated October 2008) - HTML | PDF

The framework for qualifications of higher education institutions in Scotland - HTML

Other reference points

• Qualifications can cross boundaries - a rough guide to comparing qualifications in the UK and Ireland
• The Bologna Process in higher education - Compatibility of The framework for higher education qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland with the Framework for Qualifications of the European Higher Education Area November 2008
• Verification of the compatibility of The framework for higher education qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (FHEQ) with The framework for qualifications of the European higher education area (FQ-EHEA) (full report)
• Self-certification of the FHEQ with the framework of the European Higher Education Area
• The Higher education credit framework for England and a statement about its relationship to the FHEQ
• The framework for Scotland is an integral part of the wider Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF).
• The Bologna process in higher education - Compatibility of the framework for qualifications of higher education institutions in Scotland with the European Higher Education Area
• Details about the Credit and Qualifications Framework in Wales are available on the Welsh Assembly Government website.
  
• Statement for use by UUK, SCOP, QAA, UCET - PGCE qualification title - April 2005
• Information on our work on doctoral programmes

Feedback on events and consultations

• Report on the round table discussion meeting, UK master's: 2010 and beyond
• Report on Series 1 round table discussion meetings: review and revision of The framework for higher education qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
• Background and consultation documents on the development of the frameworks