Qualifications explained
It can sometimes be confusing trying to get to grips with the different qualifications and levels offered by providers. Have a look below at the information we have compiled to help make things a little clearer for you (when searching for a course, or a practitioner).
1 - Qualification frameworks
2 - Qualifications/types of courses
3 - SPS qualifications
4 - Qualification levels
5 - National Occupational Standards
Education qualifications in the UK are presented in frameworks in order to make them more easily understood. The frameworks also demonstrate how people can gain qualifications along flexible routes. There are three educational frameworks in the UK:
- Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF)
- Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF)
- Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ)
The QCF sets out the level at which a qualification can be recognised in England, Northern Ireland and Wales. The SCQF sets out the level at which a qualification can be recognised in Scotland. The FHEQ has been designed by the higher education sector, and offers a framework of levels and guidance for higher education qualifications.
The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) is the regulatory body for publicly funded qualifications. It is responsible for the quality assurance of vocational qualifications. It is also the authority that recognises and regulates awarding bodies in Further Education (FE). Vocational qualifications are placed in the Qualification and Credit Framework (QCF).
N.B. QCA is to be replaced by OfQual and Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency (QCDA) - OfQual has responsibility for approving awarding bodies and qualifications on the QCF
The Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) is an independent body funded by UK universities to safeguard public interest in standards of higher education qualifications and to define academic standards and quality. Qualifications in Higher Education (HE), can be viewed at each University web-site.
Qualifications that are in the frameworks will have been subject to quality assurance by both the awarding body and the regulatory authorities. This ensures that all qualifications within the frameworks are of high quality, and meet the needs of learners and employers. In addition, qualifications that are in the frameworks will provide a route by which a practitioner may advance their education and progress to additional/advanced qualifications.
2 - Qualifications/types of courses
Courses run at education centres and private organisations generally fall into one of two categories:
- University qualifications
- Vocational qualifications
Generally speaking university qualifications are listed in the faculties/departments of each university and vocational qualifications are placed in the QCF.
If you obtain qualifications awarded by a body, which is not government recognised/regulated, then these qualifications may not be accepted by a prospective employer.
Ask your education provider if their course is placed in the Qualification and Credit Framework (QCF) or is a University qualification.
You can search for an accredited qualification on the QCF website.
VTCT recently announced a new 20 credit (200 hour) level 4 certificate, which has been placed in the QCF.
All SPS sports massage courses are either University qualifications or give access to University qualifications.
The courses offered by SPS are awarded by Teesside University and can be viewed at Teesside University School of Health & Social Care.
The courses offered by SPS franchisees that are awarded by Oxford, Cambridge & RSA Examinations (OCR) are not in the QCF. However, Teesside University has awarded Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) to candidates who have completed the SPS (OCR) award, which means that practitioners will have access to advanced qualifications in the Higher Education Framework.
The levels in both frameworks refer to ‘difficulty'. One of the principal differences between QCF and University qualifications is in relation to the size (time) of qualifications. With QCF, Awards are given for courses of 10-120 hours, Certificates are given for courses of 130-360 hours and Diplomas are given for courses of 370 hours or more. The table below shows that University qualifications require greater learning in terms of time.
|
Qualification and Credit Framework |
Qualification and Credit Framework Hours |
University Qualifications |
Higher Ed Hours |
|
Level 8 - Award/Certificate/Diploma |
|
PHd |
|
|
Level 7 - Award/Certificate/Diploma |
|
‘Masters' |
|
|
Level 6 - Award/Certificate/Diploma |
120/360/370+ |
Honours Degree |
3600 hours |
|
Level 5 - Award/Certificate/Diploma |
120/360/370+ |
Foundation Degree |
2400 hours |
|
Level 4 - Award/Certificate/Diploma |
120/360/370+ |
SPS UCAPD & Cert HE |
600/1200 hours @ Level 4 |
|
Level 3 - Award/Certificate/Diploma |
120/360/370+ |
|
|
|
Level 2 - Award/Certificate/Diploma |
120/360/370+ |
|
|
|
Level 1 - Award/Certificate/Diploma |
120/360/370+ |
|
|
There are providers in the marketplace that advertise sports massage courses at level 5, however, these qualifications cannot be found in either of the regulated frameworks. They exist in ‘customised frameworks' belonging to the awarding body and are not subject to the same scrutiny and assurance provided by the national frameworks. In addition, awards in these ‘customised frameworks' do not link with the regulated frameworks and therefore do not provide the opportunity to advance professionally.
5 - National Occupational Standards
National Occupational Standards (NOS) describe skills, knowledge and understanding needed to undertake a task or job to a nationally recognised level of competence. Employers use NOS to describe skills they need in the workplace. Awarding bodies and education providers use NOS to develop training and qualifications.
NOS are not in themselves descriptors of course syllabus or curriculum.
The NOS's related to massage sit with Skills for Health and the three units (CNH20, CNH21 and CNH22) which were transferred from SkillsActive apply to sports massage only. There is a separate unit - CNH7, that applies to generic massage and covers areas including complementary and natural healthcare.
