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Characteristics Statements

Short-cycle qualifications


Characteristics Statement

Characteristics Statements describe the distinctive features of qualifications at particular levels within the qualifications frameworks. They describe the qualifications in terms of their purpose, general characteristics and generic outcomes, but do not include subject-level detail.


On this page, you will find the Characteristics Statement for short-cycle qualifications, alongside a short summary for students and employers.

About this Characteristics Statement

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Short-cycle qualifications are higher education qualifications that sit between secondary education and a full degree. They are more commonly known as Level 4 or 5 qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and Level 7 or 8 qualifications in Scotland.

 

Common examples include Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs), Certificates of Higher Education (CertHEs), Diplomas of Higher Education (DipHEs) and foundation degrees.

 

The term 'short cycle' is used to allow clearer alignment with the level descriptors in the Framework for Qualifications of the European Higher Education Area. 

 

These short-cycle qualifications are typically characterised by: 

  • 1-2 years of full-time study (or part-time equivalent) 
  • a focus on applied skills and job-ready knowledge
  • links to specific occupations or sectors.

They can be standalone awards or used as stepping stones to a full degree. 

 

In England, short-cycle qualifications in some subjects may be recognised as Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs). To support providers who wish to develop Level 4 and Level 5 programmes that are ready for HTQ approval, we have partnered with the Gatsby Foundation to publish an HTQ Toolkit that will help them navigate the approval process. 


This Characteristics Statement for short-cycle qualifications describes the distinctive features of these courses in terms of their purpose, common design features and the attributes of a short-cycle graduate. The accompanying 'At A Glance' summary explains why students might choose a short-cycle qualification and why employers might value them.

View more Characteristics Statements

Visit our Characteristics Statements page to find more statements, including those for Higher Education in Apprenticeships and micro-credentials.

View more Characteristics Statements