National Diploma (UK)

A National Diploma is a standard academic qualification, offered by most further education colleges and universities in the United Kingdom. The title National Diploma is used in a variety of ways, however most are undergraduate qualifications rated at levels 3 on the National Qualifications Framework and rising to Level 5 for the Higher National Diploma. Some professional National Diplomas are rated at Level 6, but these are usually awarded by an independent body, recognising specialist study in a particular field.

The most common National Diplomas in the UK are those awarded by BTEC. BTEC National Diplomas are awarded in numerous subjects, standardised programmes of study which are offered by colleges and universities nationwide. Many colleges, universities and externally examining bodies will also offer their own independently devised National Diploma courses.

National Qualifications Framework in England and Wales and Northern Ireland
For higher levels, compare with the FHEQ system.
Level 8 City & Guilds Fellowship, Level 5 NVQ
Level 7 City & Guilds Membership, National Diploma*, BTEC Advanced Professional Diploma*, Level 5 NVQ
Level 6 City & Guilds Associateship, City & Guilds Graduateship, NEBOSH National Diploma, National Diploma*, BTEC Advanced Professional Diploma*, Level 5 NVQ
Level 5 Higher National Diploma, Higher National Certificate, Level 4 NVQ
Level 4 City & Guilds Licentiateship, Level 4 NVQ
Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma, BTEC National Certificate, City & Guilds Level 3, Level 3 NVQ, A-level, National Diploma*, Ordinary National Certificate, Advanced Diploma, NEBOSH National General Cerificate, Access to Higher Education Diploma, Advanced Extension Award, International Baccalaureate, Extended Project Qualification
Level 2 City & Guilds Level 2, Level 2 NVQ, GCSE (grades A* to C), BTEC First Diploma, OCR Nationals, Skills for Life*
Entry English as a foreign or second language (up to level 3), Skills for Life*, Functional Skills, Entry level certificates
* certain subjects fall under this level.

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