The architecture of the QCF

Newham Adult Learning Service

Newham Adult Learning Service

SIZE AND LEVEL

• Every unit and qualification in the framework will have a credit value and a level

• Three sizes of qualifications: Award / Certificate / Diploma

• Nine levels: the level of a unit of qualification shows you how difficult it is

• Credits: 1 credit = 10 hours of learning time

Newham Adult Learning Service

UNITS

A unit (unit of assessment) is defined as a coherent set of learning outcomes and related assessment criteria, with a title, credit value and level– Each unit must be capable of being individually assessed– Each unit must be capable of contributing towards at least

one qualification– Information on delivery, content/coverage, assessment

methods or learning modes are not included– There are no restrictions on the size of units– Units can be generic and applicable to a range of contexts

and qualifications

STRUCTURE OF A UNITTitle Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector

Level 4

Credit value 6

Learning outcomesThe learner will:

Assessment criteriaThe learner can:

1. Understand own role, responsibilities and boundaries of role in relation to teaching

1.1 Review own role and responsibilities, and boundaries of own role as a teacher1.2 Summarise key aspects of relevant current legislative requirements and …. etc.…etc.

2. Understand appropriate teaching and learning approaches in the specialist area

2.1. Identify, adapt and use relevant approaches to teaching and learning in relation to the specialist area…etc.

3. etc 3.1 etc.

Newham Adult Learning Service

UNITS AND CREDIT VALUE

• Credit value: specifies the number of credits that will be awarded to a learner who has achieved the learning outcomes of the unit

• The credit value of the unit remains consistent in all contexts

• Learners are only awarded credit through completion of whole units

• One credit is awarded for learning outcomes achieved in 10 hours of learning time

Newham Adult Learning Service

Qualifications, Units and Credits

A qualification can be made up of individual units which in turn can be made up different numbers of credits.

• There are 3 sizes of qualifications: Award, Certificate & Diploma.

• The size of the qualification indicates how long it will take to complete:

1-12 credits = Award 13-36credits = Certificate 37+ credits = Diploma• 1 credit = 10 hours of learning time• There are 9 levels of difficulty – An A level is equivalent to

level 3 whilst a PhD is equivalent to level 8• Everything below level 2 comes under the foundation

Learning Tier

SUMMARY