Understanding Qualification Levels and Credits: a guide for engineering students

1. Introduction to Qualification Levels

When exploring pathways in engineering education, one of the most common points of confusion for learners is understanding where a qualification fits within the broader academic framework. This is especially true for those considering flexible or online learning options, which often differ in structure from traditional university programmes.

To make informed choices about an educational journey, it is essential to grasp how engineering qualifications are structured, what academic levels they correspond to, and how they can lead to professional opportunities or further study.

Why Understanding Levels Matters

Qualification levels offer a standardised system for comparing different types of learning in terms of complexity, depth, and expected outcomes. Whether someone is a recent school leaver, a professional seeking to upskill, or an individual transitioning into the engineering field, understanding how qualification levels operate can help:

• Identify an appropriate entry point based on prior knowledge or experience,
• Clarify the progression routes available through increasingly advanced qualifications,
• Recognise how achievements may be viewed by employers, academic institutions, or professional bodies.

Many UK-based qualifications, including those delivered online, align with the country’s Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ). This framework organises academic awards into levels, ranging from undergraduate to doctoral study. Levels 4 to 6 represent the undergraduate stages of higher education and are commonly used to benchmark qualifications in engineering and related fields.

The UK Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ)

The FHEQ is a national system established to define the outcomes and credit expectations at each stage of higher education in the United Kingdom. Its purpose is to ensure consistency and comparability across academic awards, regardless of the institution or mode of delivery. At the undergraduate level, the structure is as follows:

• Level 4: Equivalent to the first year of a bachelor’s degree, focusing on foundational knowledge and skills.
• Level 5: Equivalent to the second year, with increased emphasis on subject specialisation and applied learning.
• Level 6: Equivalent to the final year of a bachelor’s degree, with a focus on critical analysis, independent study, and preparation for professional or postgraduate pathways.

Each level carries an associated number of credits, which represent the volume of learning required. Understanding how these levels and credits relate provides learners with a clear roadmap for progression and recognition—both academically and professionally.

Comparing International Qualifications

Even when qualifications originate from outside the UK and use different naming conventions or level numbers, they can typically be aligned with the FHEQ by considering which year of a bachelor’s degree they correspond to. For instance, a qualification labelled as “Level 3” in one country might actually reflect the academic outcomes of a UK Level 5, depending on its content and depth.

This comparative approach helps learners and employers find common ground across systems, ensuring that qualifications remain meaningful and portable in an increasingly global education landscape.

2. What Are Credits and Why Do They Matter?

When considering an engineering qualification—whether in the UK or internationally—it is essential to understand not only what level it sits at, but also how many academic credits it carries. Credits are a cornerstone of modern education. They indicate the volume of learning required, provide a structure for progression, and allow for flexibility in how qualifications are achieved.

In the UK higher education system, one credit represents approximately 10 hours of notional learning time. This includes all activities associated with a module—such as reading, studying, completing assignments, and preparing for assessments.

• 40 credits equates to roughly 400 hours of learning.
• 120 credits reflects a typical full-time year of undergraduate study.
• 360 credits constitutes the learning required for a full UK bachelor’s degree (Levels 4 to 6).

These credit values form the basis of many engineering qualifications offered through providers such as iLearn Engineering®, and allow learners to accumulate achievements incrementally.

While 120 credits is broadly equivalent to one academic year, in traditional university settings this would usually be delivered across approximately 39 weeks with fixed timetables. In contrast, asynchronous learning models—such as those offered by iLearn Engineering®—allow students to study at their own pace, enabling faster or more flexible completion based on individual circumstances.

Why Credits Matter for Learners

Credits are more than just a number. They provide learners with the ability to:

• Progress through qualifications in stages, moving from Level 4 to Level 6 over time.
• Combine multiple shorter awards—such as several 40-credit diplomas—into larger qualifications, depending on subject compatibility.
• Transfer credit between providers or across borders, thanks to international recognition frameworks.
• Leverage Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to avoid repeating previously acquired knowledge, whether from academic, vocational, or professional contexts.

This structure also makes credit-based learning highly accessible to:

• Adult learners returning to study
• Working professionals balancing study with employment
• International students navigating different qualification systems

Credits as a Universal Language

Credit systems are used widely across the globe, and although frameworks differ, common principles apply. UK credits, for instance, can be mapped to the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS)—where typically 2 UK credits = 1 ECTS credit. Many national qualification authorities use similar mechanisms to assess equivalence based on level, duration, and learning outcomes.

Even when international qualifications use different level numbers or naming conventions, they can often be compared by considering which year of a bachelor’s degree they correspond to, rather than relying solely on the level label. For instance:

• A qualification referred to as “Level 3” in one country might, in practice, represent learning outcomes equivalent to the second year of a UK bachelor’s degree, and thus align more closely with Level 5 in the UK Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.

This approach—focusing on learning outcomes, depth of study, and credit value—helps ensure that qualifications are meaningfully recognised across borders, even when the numbering systems differ.

3. International Recognition & Equivalence

In an increasingly globalised world, learners and employers seek qualifications that are recognised across national borders. UK-based engineering qualifications—such as those offered by iLearn Engineering®—are aligned to the UK’s national framework and are designed to be easily compared with qualifications in other countries.

Understanding how these qualifications map to global education systems can help learners make informed decisions about further study, professional recognition, or employment abroad.

UK Equivalence

Engineering qualifications aligned with the UK’s Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ) are well understood and respected both in academia and industry.

• Level 5
  = Foundation Degree or Higher National Diploma (HND)
  Typically equivalent to the first two years of a bachelor’s degree. Suitable for entry-level engineering roles or further academic progression.
• Level 6
  = Honours Bachelor’s Degree
  Equivalent to a full three-year undergraduate degree in the UK. Recognised as the standard qualification for graduate-level employment or postgraduate study.

US Equivalence

In the United States, qualifications are structured differently, but broad equivalencies can be established based on academic outcomes and credit volume:

• Level 5
  = Associate Degree
  A two-year post-secondary qualification typically awarded by community colleges.
• Level 6
  = Bachelor’s Degree
  A four-year undergraduate degree offered by colleges and universities.

While the number of study years may differ, UK Level 6 qualifications align with US bachelor’s degrees in terms of depth, complexity, and graduate outcomes.

Canadian Equivalence

In Canada, education is managed at the provincial level, but common benchmarks apply nationally:

• Level 5
  = Diploma or Advanced Diploma
  Awarded by colleges after two to three years of study.
• Level 6
  = Bachelor’s Degree
  Typically a three- or four-year degree offered by universities.

Canadian employers and regulatory bodies often reference UK qualifications through credential evaluation services such as WES (World Education Services), which recognise Level 6 as equivalent to a Canadian bachelor’s degree.

Australian Equivalence

Australia uses the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), which closely mirrors the UK’s level structure.

• Level 5 (UK)
  ≈ AQF Level 6: Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree
• Level 6 (UK)
  ≈ AQF Level 7: Bachelor’s Degree

Australian institutions and employers frequently accept UK qualifications, especially those with clear credit and level structures.

European Equivalence

Within Europe, academic alignment is facilitated by the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS):

• Generally, 2 UK credits = 1 ECTS credit
• A UK Level 6 bachelor’s degree (360 UK credits) equates to 180 ECTS credits, matching standard European bachelor’s degree structures.

The UK also participates in the Bologna Process, which supports qualification transparency and recognition across Europe. This allows smooth progression into European master’s programmes or professional roles.

Global Context and Recognition Tools

Beyond these specific comparisons, many countries use national qualification frameworks and services like:

• ENIC-NARIC centres (Europe)
• SAQA (South Africa)
• NZQA (New Zealand)
• WES (Canada and the US)

These organisations assess UK qualifications for equivalence and recognition, helping learners gain acceptance for immigration, employment, or academic progression.

Summary of University Level Qualifications in Different Countries

Region	Level 5 Equivalent	Level 6 Equivalent
UK	Foundation Degree / HND	Honours Bachelor’s Degree
US	Associate Degree (2 years)	Bachelor’s Degree (4 years)
Canada	College Diploma / Advanced Diploma	Bachelor’s Degree
Australia	AQF Level 6: Associate Degree	AQF Level 7: Bachelor’s Degree
Europe	First two years of Bologna bachelor’s	Full Bologna Bachelor’s (180 ECTS)

These alignments ensure that UK qualifications—when properly levelled and credit-rated—are internationally credible and widely recognised. This is especially valuable for learners pursuing global careers or further study abroad.

Learn More about Engineering Courses and Qualifications

If you’re considering a future in engineering or looking to advance your current career, iLearn Engineering® offers a flexible and internationally recognised pathway to success. With qualifications ranging from entry-level certificates to full bachelor’s degree equivalents, there’s an option to suit every stage of your journey. To explore the full range of courses and find the right fit for your goals, visit the iLearn Engineering® Qualifications Page.