What Is the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications? FHEQ Levels Explained
Introduction
When comparing online courses, university-level qualifications or professional diplomas, you may come across the term Framework for Higher Education Qualifications, often shortened to FHEQ.
The FHEQ is a UK higher education framework used to describe the academic level of higher education qualifications. It helps students, employers and education providers understand how different qualifications compare in terms of academic demand, complexity and progression [1].
For Click College students, the FHEQ is useful because it helps explain how qualifications at Level 4, Level 5 and Level 6 fit into a wider university-level pathway. Click College explains its qualification levels clearly so learners can compare course levels, credits and progression routes before choosing a programme.
You can view Click College’s qualification level guide here.
What is the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications?
The Framework for Higher Education Qualifications is a structure used in UK higher education to classify qualifications by academic level.
In simple terms, it helps answer questions such as:
- What level is this qualification?
- Is it similar in level to the first year of university?
- Is it similar in level to a Foundation Degree, HND or second year of university?
- Is it at bachelor’s degree level?
- What could I progress to after completing it?
The FHEQ is especially useful for learners comparing different qualifications, because names alone can be confusing. For example, a certificate, diploma and degree may all sit at different academic levels and have different credit values.
The FHEQ focuses on the level of learning, not just the title of the qualification [1].
What are FHEQ levels?
FHEQ levels describe how academically advanced a qualification is.
For higher education in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the FHEQ uses Levels 4 to 8. These levels sit within the wider UK qualification system and help learners understand how higher education qualifications compare [1].
A simple way to understand the levels is:
| FHEQ level | Common comparison | Typical academic stage |
|---|---|---|
| Level 4 | Certificate of Higher Education / HNC / Higher International Certificate | First year of undergraduate study |
| Level 5 | Foundation Degree / HND / Higher International Diploma | Second year of undergraduate study |
| Level 6 | Bachelor’s degree / Graduate Diploma | Final year of undergraduate study |
| Level 7 | Master’s degree level / Postgraduate Diploma | Postgraduate study |
| Level 8 | Doctoral degree level / Doctoral Diploma | Advanced research-level study |
GOV.UK also explains qualification levels across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, listing examples such as HNCs at Level 4, HNDs and Foundation Degrees at Level 5, and bachelor’s degrees at Level 6 [2].
Click College focuses on career-focused qualifications across Levels 4, 5 and 6, giving learners a structured pathway from introductory university-level study through to bachelor’s degree-level learning.
You can explore Click College qualifications here:
What is a Level 4 qualification?
A Level 4 qualification is the first stage of higher education. It is commonly compared with the first year of undergraduate study, a Higher National / International Certificate or a Certificate of Higher Education [2].
At Level 4, learners begin to develop university-level knowledge, academic confidence and subject-specific understanding. It is often a good starting point for learners who want a structured introduction to higher education without committing immediately to a full degree.
At Click College, the Higher International Certificate is a 120-credit Level 4 qualification designed for UK and international learners seeking a recognised route into university-level study.
View the Higher International Certificate.
Level 4 may be suitable for learners who:
- are returning to study after a break
- want to build academic confidence
- are moving into a new career area
- want a recognised higher education-level qualification
- are looking for a flexible online alternative to traditional study
What is a Level 5 qualification?
A Level 5 qualification is usually compared with the second year of undergraduate study, a Higher National / International Diploma or a Foundation Degree [2].
At this level, learners are expected to show a deeper understanding of their subject area. They begin to apply concepts more independently, evaluate information more critically and develop more advanced problem-solving skills.
Click College’s Higher International Diploma is a Level 5 qualification designed to build on Level 4 study and support learners who want to progress further in their chosen career-focused subject area.
Learn more about the Higher International Diploma.
Level 5 may be suitable for learners who:
- already have some higher education or professional experience
- want to progress beyond introductory study
- are aiming for supervisory, management or specialist roles
- want a qualification that supports progression towards Level 6 study
- are looking for an online alternative to a traditional HND-style route
What is a Level 6 qualification?
A Level 6 qualification is bachelor’s degree level. This means the learning is academically comparable to the final year of undergraduate degree study [2].
At Level 6, learners are expected to demonstrate more advanced knowledge, critical analysis, independent judgement and the ability to apply ideas to complex professional situations.
For many learners, Level 6 is an important target because it shows they have reached a recognised level of higher education study associated with graduate-level learning.
At Click College, the International Graduate Diploma provides a Level 6 route for learners who want to develop higher-level knowledge in areas such as business, management and professional practice.
>> View the International Graduate Diploma
How do credits fit into FHEQ levels?
A qualification level tells you how advanced the learning is.
Credits tell you how much learning is involved.
This is an important distinction. Two qualifications may be at the same level but have different credit values. For example, a short professional diploma may sit at a particular level but be smaller in size than a full 120-credit qualification.
The QAA’s Higher Education Credit Framework for England explains that credit is used to recognise the amount of learning achieved. The framework is designed to support transparency, progression and comparison across higher education qualifications [3].
A common UK credit principle is that 1 credit represents around 10 hours of learning [3].
This means:
| Credits | Approximate total learning time |
|---|---|
| 40 credits | Around 400 hours |
| 120 credits | Around 1,200 hours |
| 240 credits | Around 2,400 hours |
| 360 credits | Around 3,600 hours |
Click College explains its qualifications using both level and credit value, helping learners understand both the academic demand and the size of the qualification.
Read more about Click College qualification credits.
How does EduQual relate to FHEQ?
EduQual is an awarding organisation that accredits qualifications aligned to recognised academic standards.
For Click College learners, EduQual is particularly relevant because Click College’s Level 4 and Level 5 qualifications are accredited by EduQual and aligned to the UK Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.
You can read more about Click College accreditation here.
This matters because learners often want to understand whether an online qualification has a clear academic level. FHEQ alignment helps make that level more transparent.
For example:
| Click College qualification type | Level | Broad comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Higher International Certificate | Level 4 | First year of undergraduate study |
| Higher International Diploma | Level 5 | Second year of undergraduate study |
| International Graduate Diploma | Level 6 | Bachelor’s degree-level study |
This makes it easier for learners to compare study routes and choose a qualification that fits their existing experience, career goals and future progression plans.
Why does the FHEQ matter when choosing an online course?
The FHEQ matters because it gives learners a clearer way to compare qualifications.
Without a framework, it can be difficult to know whether a course is introductory, intermediate, advanced or postgraduate. Marketing terms can also be confusing, especially when words such as “certificate”, “diploma”, “professional diploma” and “graduate diploma” are used by different providers in different ways.
The FHEQ helps by providing a recognised reference point for higher education qualifications [1].
When choosing an online course, you should look at:
- the qualification level
- the credit value
- the awarding or accrediting body
- the subject area
- the assessment method
- the progression route
- whether the qualification supports your personal or career goals
This is why Click College clearly presents its qualifications by level, including Level 4 Higher International Certificates, Level 5 Higher International Diplomas and Level 6 International Graduate Diplomas.
Is FHEQ the same as RQF?
No. The FHEQ and RQF are related, but they are not exactly the same.
The FHEQ is specifically used for higher education qualifications. The RQF, or Regulated Qualifications Framework, is used for regulated qualifications in England and Northern Ireland more broadly.
Ofqual explains that RQF level descriptors describe the generic knowledge and skills associated with qualifications at each level. It also states that Levels 4 to 8 are intended to be consistent with the five levels of the FHEQ in England, Wales and Northern Ireland [4].
In simple terms, the frameworks are designed to be comparable at higher levels, but they are used for different purposes.
For most learners comparing university-level study, the key point is that FHEQ Levels 4, 5 and 6 represent undergraduate higher education levels.
How do UK qualification frameworks compare internationally?
Qualification frameworks are important because they help learners, employers and education providers compare qualifications across different systems.
UK ENIC explains that the UK has several qualification frameworks, including the FHEQ, RQF, SCQF and CQFW. These frameworks help describe the level and purpose of qualifications across different parts of the UK [5].
This is particularly useful for international learners because it provides a clearer way to understand the level of a UK qualification, even if the qualification title is unfamiliar in their own country.
However, it is important to remember that recognition decisions are usually made by individual employers, universities, professional bodies or national authorities. Learners who need a qualification for a specific job, visa, professional membership or university entry requirement should always check directly with the relevant organisation.
Which FHEQ level should I choose?
The right level depends on your background, confidence and career goals.
| Your situation | Possible starting point |
|---|---|
| You are new to higher education | Level 4 |
| You have prior study or relevant professional experience | Level 4 or Level 5 |
| You already have Level 5 study or equivalent experience | Level 6 |
| You want a shorter career-focused course | Professional Diploma |
| You want a full progression pathway | International Graduate Diploma as this incorporates Level 4 → Level 5 → Level 6 |
For many learners, Level 4 is the most accessible starting point because it introduces university-level study in a structured way. Learners who already hold relevant qualifications may be able to consider higher-level entry, depending on the programme and recognition of prior learning.
Open Access Level 4 Study
Click College programmes are open-access at Level 4, meaning anyone can enrol thereby providing an accessible entry-point to higher education study to anyone.
FHEQ levels explained in plain English
Here is the simplest way to think about FHEQ levels:
Level 4 is the start of higher education.
It is suitable for learners building a foundation in a new subject area.
Level 5 is the next stage.
It develops more advanced knowledge and is often compared with the second year of undergraduate study.
Level 6 is bachelor’s degree level.
It involves more advanced analysis, independent thinking and professional application.
Together, Levels 4, 5 and 6 create a clear pathway through undergraduate-level learning.
Study online with Click College
Click College offers flexible, career-focused online qualifications designed for learners who want to develop knowledge and confidence in areas such as business, management, marketing, finance, human resources, hospitality and tourism, and project management.
By understanding the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications, you can make a more informed decision about which course level is right for you.
To compare Click College qualification levels and choose your next step, click here.
FAQ
What does FHEQ stand for?
FHEQ stands for Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. It is used to describe the academic level of higher education qualifications in the UK [1].
What are FHEQ levels?
FHEQ levels are qualification levels used in UK higher education. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, higher education levels run from Level 4 to Level 8 [1].
What is Level 4 equivalent to?
Level 4 is commonly compared with the first year of undergraduate study, a Higher National Certificate, Higher International Certificate or a Certificate of Higher Education [2].
What is Level 5 equivalent to?
Level 5 is commonly compared with the second year of undergraduate study, a Higher National Diploma, Higher International Diploma or a Foundation Degree [2].
What is Level 6 equivalent to?
Level 6 is bachelor’s degree level. It is commonly associated with undergraduate degree study [2]. Graduate Diplomas and International Graduate Diplomas are examples of alternative Level 6 qualifications aligned to Bachelor’s level study.
Is EduQual aligned to the FHEQ?
Click College states that its Level 4 and Level 5 EduQual-accredited qualifications are aligned to the UK Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.
You can read more here:
https://clickcollege.com/about-us/course-accreditation
Is IEAC aligned to the FHEQ?
Click College states that it’s Level 6 IEAC-accredited qualifications are aligned to the UK Framework for Higher Education Qualifications at Level 6.
You can read more here:
https://clickcollege.com/about-us/course-accreditation
Why are credits important?
Credits show the size of a qualification. A level tells you how advanced the learning is, while credits show how much learning is involved [3].
Can I study FHEQ-aligned qualifications online?
Yes. Click College offers online career-focused qualifications across Levels 4, 5 and 6, allowing learners to study flexibly while working or managing other commitments.
You can explore available courses here:
https://clickcollege.com/ourcourses
References
[1] The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA)
The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies
Used to explain the purpose and structure of the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/quality-code/the-frameworks-for-higher-education-qualifications-of-uk-degree-awarding-bodies-2024.pdf
[2] GOV.UK
What qualification levels mean: England, Wales and Northern Ireland
Used to support comparisons between Level 4, Level 5, Level 6 and common qualification examples such as HNCs, HNDs and bachelor’s degrees.
https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
[3] The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA)
Higher Education Credit Framework for England: Advice on Academic Credit Arrangements
Used to explain how credit values represent learning volume and support comparison between qualifications.
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/quality-code/higher-education-credit-framework-for-england.pdf
[4] Ofqual / GOV.UK
Qualification and Component Levels
Used to explain how RQF levels describe knowledge and skills, and how Levels 4–8 are intended to be consistent with FHEQ levels.
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5b75448c40f0b60be2544ca8/qualification-and-component-levels.pdf
[5] UK ENIC
Guide to the Education Systems of the UK
Used to support the explanation that the UK has several qualification frameworks, including the FHEQ, RQF, SCQF and CQFW.
https://www.enic.org.uk/Documents/Guide%20to%20the%20UK%20education%20systems_final.pdf
Click College offers a structured and flexible pathway for aspiring managers and professional to achieve accredited qualifications equivalent to traditional university degrees. As a leader in providing online courses, Click College emphasises accessibility, affordability, and quality, designing programmes that cater to a global audience. Visit the Click College home page to explore their full range of offerings.
Take Your Next Step Today
Ready to advance your professional management career with an accredited, flexible qualification? Visit Click College to explore their comprehensive online courses or discover detailed information about their range of qualifications.
For further enquiries or to enrol today, visit the Click College website and begin your journey toward professional excellence.
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