Last updated: 20 Nov 2008

The Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) and higher education

If the Qualifications and Credit Framework is to meet the needs of learners it must offer genuine progression opportunities into higher education (HE). As a result of this, QCA is working with partners in the HE sector to ensure articulation between the QCF and the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ).

Joint Forum for Higher Levels

The purpose of Joint Forum for Higher Levels (JFHL) is to provide a forum to assist with collaborative working between QAA, QCA, SQA, DCELLS and CCEA in the development of a coherent and progressive framework of qualifications and credit that meets the needs of individuals, the economy and society, and that promotes lifelong learning.

The forum will contribute to:

• clarification of relations and articulation between credit and qualifications frameworks within a UK context
• clarification of relations and articulation between credit and qualifications within a European context
• identification of, and support for, progression between credit and qualifications frameworks
• the provision of guidance to learners and others on such articulation and progression matters.
  

Overarching principles and operational criteria for a common approach to credit

During 2006 JFHL developed a set of 'draft overarching principles and operational criteria for a common approach to credit'. From October through to December 2006 the principles and criteria were tested via a semi-structured questionnaire with 42 practitioners and a facilitated discussion meeting.
The questionnaire and discussion meeting provided evidence from practitioners on the appropriateness of the draft principles and operational criteria, of their understanding and perceptions of the assumptions underpinning them, and the key factors for success or obstacles to their adoption. The credit principles and operational criteria were sent to the Minister in January 2007. Phase 2 of the project involves further trialing and dissemination.

Update on progress

Phase 2 sought to involve the identification of case studies or action research projects involving a minimum of four practitioner networks with the aims of:
- developing and sharing practice by identifying models and approaches that can be offered as examples of effective practice and 'their suitability / transferability' to other settings and context examined.
-providing evidence and examples that can be developed into recommendations on the practical application of credit to support learner progression.
This project was conducted by SQW and the outcomes were presented to the Joint Forum in December 2007.

The Forum will concentrate on the following throughout 2008:

• Continued interest in the Overarching principles and operational Criteria for a common approach to credit, provided in an update by a representative from JPS
• Dissemination of Overarching Principles and Operational Criteria
• Workforce Development
• Paper on SSCs / from an SSC on current issues
• Information on the new commission
• Information on organisational changes
• Progress on articulation between FHEQ and QCF
• UCAS implications/changes due to the QCF

A factsheet, introducing the QCF and it's key principles to higher education instiutions, is available to download from this page.

For further information on the QCF and HE please contact Elizabeth Vidis at vidise@qca.org.uk.