The National Framework of Qualifications

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The National Framework of Qualifications
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A Framework of Qualifications why?

• a coherent national policy approach to
  qualifications
• lifelong learning society
• need for a more flexible system of qualifications
• need for portability of qualifications
• international comparison and alignment
• European policy trends and agreements Lisbon,
  Copenhagen and Bologna, European Qualifications
  Framework (EQF)

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Change is under way..

• Qualifications (Education and Training) Act, 1999
• three new organisations, 2001
• National Qualifications Authority of Ireland
• Further Education and Training Awards Council
• Higher Education and Training Awards Council
• awards Councils bring coherence to the system
• replace seven previous systems of awards
• now one awarding body for further education and
  training

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Recent events and decisions

• National Framework of Qualifications launched in
  October 2003
• one National Framework for all education and
  training awards
• includes Junior and Leaving Certs, higher
  education awards, further education and training
  awards
• 10 Levels, 15 award-types
• new arrangements to promote access, transfer and
  progression
• new system of awards in higher education
  introduced, July 2004
• most existing further education and training
  awards placed in the Framework, January April
  2005
• New FETAC system of awards by mid-2006

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The Framework a blueprint for change

• a new concept of an award
• an award is a recognition of learning outcomes
• new awards, new titles
• new terminology

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The Framework in outline

• a structure of 10 levels
• each level based on standards of knowledge, skill
  and competence
• award-types defined at each level
• 16 major award-types e.g. Honours Bachelor
  Degree
• also minor, supplemental and special-purpose
  award-types
• named awards defined for achievement in a
  specific field of learning
• e.g. Honours Bachelor Degree in Electronic
  Engineering

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Framework structure levels, award-types and
named awards
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Awards in the Framework

• new awards across all 10 levels
• to be made by FETAC, HETAC DIT
• new standard-setting for these awards has begun
• new HETAC and DIT systems of awards in use, from
  autumn 2004
• school and university awards are accommodated
• general manner of inclusion is set out
• to be included or referenced to the Framework
• professional awards
• international awards

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Further Information

• National Qualifications Authority of Ireland
  www.nqai.ie
• Framework website www.nfq.ie
• the awards Councils websites
• www.fetac.ie
• www.hetac.ie