Qualifications frameworks 

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)

The framework for qualifications of higher education institutions in Scotland

Other reference points

• Qualifications can cross boundaries - a rough guide to comparing qualifications in the UK and Ireland
• The Bologna Process in higher education: 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)
• 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 for Wales are available on the Welsh Government website.
• Statement for use by UUK, SCOP, QAA, UCET - PGCE qualification title - April 2005
• Document defining the characteristics of a master's degree
• Information on our work on doctoral programmes