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These level descriptors have been developed by SEEC members on behalf of the wider community. They are provided free of copyright for educational and ‘not for profit’ purposes. Any use should acknowledge SEEC as the original source: SEEC (2010). Credit level descriptors for Higher Education. Southern England Consortium for Credit Accumulation and Transfer see www.seec.org.uk
4 Introducing the descriptors
4 Background
4 Developing the new Guidelines
5 What are credit level descriptors?
5 Relationship to the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications
5 How are credit level descriptors used?
5 A. The assignment of credit and the writing of learning outcomes
6 B. Curriculum design
6 C. Assessment criteria and the setting of standards
6 D. The accreditation of prior learning
6 E. Communicating expectations to learners
6 F. Staff development
7 The SEEC Descriptors
7 Format and structure
7 Principles underpinning the use of the descriptors
Contents
8 Further information
9 SEEC descriptors: By level
10 Level 3
11 Level 4
12 Level 5
13 Level 6
14 Level 7
15 Level 8
16 SEEC descriptors: Comparative Summary
23 Glossary
23 Abbreviations
Background
The original SEEC credit level descriptors were
published in 1996 (Credit Guidelines, Models
and Protocols; DfEE 1996). They had been
developed, over two years, by colleagues from SEEC
institutions in collaboration with representatives
from member institutions of the Higher Education
Credit Initiative Wales (HECIW). In 2001/2 these
descriptors were revised to reflect the four
categories adopted the Quality Assurance Agency
for Higher Education (QAA) for subject review and
building on the areas identified in the National
Committee of Inquiry into Higher Education
(Dearing Report, 1997):
Development of Knowledge and Understanding
Cognitive/Intellectual skills
Key/transferable skills
Practical skills
Much of the work for that revision was undertaken
by colleagues at the, then, Anglia Polytechnic
University and further revised by a SEEC working
group. This edition of the credit level descriptors
builds on this previous work and we are indebted
to all those who contributed to earlier versions.
Developing the new Guidelines
Since 2001, a number of developments in credit
and its use prompted the SEEC General Council to
undertake a further review and revision of the level
descriptors. These included:
The revision of the Framework for Higher
Education Qualifications (August 2008, available
at www.qaa.ac.uk/academicinfrastructure/FHEQ/
default.asp )
Introducing the Descriptors
The issuing of guidance on academic credit
arrangements in higher education in England
(August 2008, available at www.qaa.ac.uk/
england/credit )
Moves towards the harmonisation of definitions
and the use of credit across Europe (see A
Framework for Qualification in the European
Higher Education Area; available at www.bologna-
bergen2005.no/Docs/00-Main_doc/050218_QF_
EHEA.pdf ) and through revisions to the European
Credit Accumulation and Transfer System www.
ec.europa.eu/education/lifelong-learning-policy/
doc/ects/guide_en.pdf )
The development of the Qualifications and Credit
Framework (QCF) by the QCA to cover vocational
education up to level 8 (available at http://www.
qcda.gov.uk/qualifications/60.aspx)
Credit and Qualifications Framework for
Wales available at http://wales.gov.uk/
topics/educationandskills/learningproviders/
creditqualificationsframework/?lang=en
The Scottish Credit and Qualifications (see SCQF
Handbook, volumes 1 and 2, available at www.
scqf.org.uk )
In 2009 SEEC undertook a review of the use made
by member institutions of the existing credit level
descriptors which showed that they had often
become embedded within institutional frameworks
and provided a useful reference source. However,
extended experience of the use of credit,
particularly in relation to work-based learning
and accreditation, suggested the need to review
the descriptors to more clearly reference higher-
level learning in these contexts and to ensure
that they remained appropriate for likely future
developments. A SEEC working group produced
revised descriptors which were further reviewed
though consultation with members and their
representatives. The descriptors in this document
represent the outcome of this process.
What are credit level descriptors?
Credit level descriptors define the level of
complexity, relative demand and autonomy
expected of a learner on completion of a module or
programme of learning. They provide a description
of levels of learning through a hierarchy of
knowledge and skills.
Credit level descriptors are a useful reference point
for anyone with a responsibility for contextualising
and credit-rating learning whether this learning
derives from within or without the formal
curriculum. Their considered use aids consistency
and transparency of expectations and outcomes
for all parties: academics, employers, professional
bodies and learners.
Relationship to the Framework for Higher
Education Qualifications
The Framework for Higher Education Qualifications
in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (QAA,
2008) defines the expectations of awards within the
FHEQ through qualification descriptors. Whereas
the more detailed SEEC credit level descriptors
describe the characteristics and context of learning
expected at each level and against which specific
learning outcomes and assessment criteria can be
derived in order to develop modules and assign
credit for the achievement of learning.
The essential difference between qualification
descriptors and credit level descriptors is that
the former relate to whole qualifications and
encompass all qualifications at a particular level.
Any specific qualification is likely, however, to
consist of a range of modules at different credit
levels and credit volumes appropriate to the
qualification. Individual institutions may define
the volume and nature of the credit required at
each level within the overall expectations of the
FHEQ. Thus, for example, some institutions allow
the use of a limited amount of level 6 credit (final
year undergraduate) towards a level 7 (Master’s)
award.
In summary, credit level descriptors are essentially
aids to programme development by describing
broad outcomes whilst qualification descriptors are
aids to the quality assurance of programmes and
terminal qualifications.
How are credit level descriptors used?
The six principal uses of the level descriptors are:
(a) to guide the assignment of credit through the
writing of learning outcomes, (b) in curriculum
design, (c) to assist in writing assessment criteria
and the setting of standards, (d) to support
the recognition of prior learning, (e) to aid the
communication to learners of expectations, and
(f) for the purposes of staff development. Their
use in these contexts is amplified in the following
sections and further details and guidance can be
found on the SEEC web site at www.seec.org.uk.
A. The assignment of credit and the writing of
learning outcomes.
The main purpose of credit level descriptors is to
help assign the correct level of credit to a module.
This is usually achieved through the credit level
descriptors being used by module designers
to help write learning outcomes which clearly
4 5
articulate the level of learning expected. Individual
learning outcomes within a module may span a
range of related levels but, overall, the outcomes
should clearly locate the module at a particular
level. Only one level can be assigned to any given
module. When the module forms part of a larger
programme of learning it should be located at the
appropriate level for that module irrespective of
the overall level of the ultimate award.
Since the credit level descriptors are ‘generic’;
course teams need to translate the generic
descriptors, or those adapted by their own
institution, into learning outcomes which identify
the subject specific requirements of a programme
of study.
B. Curriculum design
Credit level descriptors can be used in a number of
ways to help aid effective curriculum design.
They can:
Provide a means by which each subject area
can check that the level of demand, complexity,
depth of study and degree of learner autonomy
expected at each level of a programme of study
are appropriately established.
Provide a means of establishing that there is
broad coverage of the various aspects of the level
descriptors across a programme of study. Whilst
programmes are not necessarily expected to
cover all aspects of the level descriptors, there is
often a need to ensure that a breadth and balance
of skills development is demonstrated.
Help write learning outcomes in a way which
supports learner progression through a course
of study.
Help establish broad comparisons across
subject areas facilitating credit accumulation
and transfer schemes, the design of joint and
combined awards and the sharing of modules
between programmes.
C. Assessment criteria and the setting of standards
Although the credit level descriptors are not
‘standards’, they provide useful indicators of
the learning outcomes expected at any stage and
therefore may be used as the basis for judgements
about the standard of work required for particular
modules and their associated assessment. Thus
they can assist tutors, external examiners and
validation and approval panels in their various
roles in the standard setting process.
D. The accreditation of prior learning
Credit level descriptors are useful in the
accreditation of prior learning (APL) processes.
They provide a reference point for ascribing credit
to certificated learning (APCL) which has not
been credit rated and enable learners and tutors
to identify the appropriate level at which prior
or concurrent experiential learning (APEL) can be
recognised for the award of credit.
E. Communicating expectations to learners
Whilst level descriptors have been primarily
designed to help module designers and quality
assurance processes, they can be used to help
articulate to learners the outcomes expected of
their learning and how this should develop as they
progress with their studies. Learners will need help
and guidance in interpreting what is intended by
the language of the descriptors.
F. Staff development
The credit level descriptors can be used for
different types of staff development related to the
functions described above, including course and
module design, writing learning outcomes and
assessment criteria, and the accreditation of prior
experiential learning.
Format and structure
There are many ways in which learning can be
described and categorised. The format adopted by
the SEEC credit level descriptors reflects the nature
of learning commonly recognised by SEEC members
in a variety of learning situations and across a
range of subjects.
The SEEC credit level descriptors are not meant to
be prescriptive or limiting, or to devalue aspects
which are not strongly reflected but which might
be relevant to particular subjects or contexts.
Rather the intention is to define a set of skills and
attributes which can act as a guide for academics
and others seeking to define or recognise learning
and ascribe it to a particular academic level.
The descriptors are grouped under five headings.
The level descriptors are generally used to assign
credit to taught HE-level work: however, to provide
a context and demonstrate development, we
have included level 3 (sub-degree level) and level
8 (doctoral level) descriptors for comparative
purposes.
In order to support their use in a variety of
contexts, the descriptors are set out in two
different formats; by level and by heading
showing comparative development across levels.
The descriptors themselves are identical in
both formats.
Setting
Operational context
Autonomy and responsibility for actions
The context in which learning takes place and the
autonomy expected of the learner is an important
aspect of defining the level at which learning
is taking place. These two descriptors describe
how complexity and autonomy increase with
level. The setting in which a learner is operating
is particularly important in interpreting other
descriptors thus this dimension is highlighted first.
Knowledge and Understanding
Knowledge and Understanding
These descriptors describe the growing factual
and/or conceptual base of the subject or field of
study and the degree of complexity expected as the
learner progresses. Knowledge and understanding
provide the basis for the development of many of
the other skills and attributes in the descriptors.
Cognitive skills
Conceptualisation and Critical Thinking
Problem Solving, Research and Enquiry
Synthesis and Creativity
Analysis and evaluation
These descriptors capture the developing cognitive
skills which are expected of learners as they
progress towards higher-level work. There are
many cognitive skills and possible groupings
which might have been included in this area.
Those indicated are the ones which SEEC members
believed to be most generally relevant. They have
been grouped to prevent excessive fragmentation
of the descriptors but it is recognised that such
groupings are contestable and that subject contexts
can lead to different nomenclature, groupings and
prioritisation. Users may wish to develop their own
categorisation using those provided as a reference
point.
6 7
The Seec Descriptors
Performance and practice
Adaptation to Context
Performance
Team and organisational working
Ethical awareness and application
These skills have been restructured, revised and
extended from previous versions. SEEC members
requested additional support with the definition of
levels in a range of circumstances, and particularly
in applied areas.
The descriptors use the term ‘team’ rather than
‘group’ to reflect the growing professional nature
of expectations in this area. These two terms,
whilst related and often inter-changeable, are
not synonymous and their use may be context
dependent. Those using the descriptors should
identify the terminology most appropriate to their
circumstances.
Personal and Enabling skills.
Personal evaluation and development
Interpersonal and communication skills
These credit level descriptors have been amended
to reflect the increased emphasis being placed
on personal development planning since the
previous descriptors were written. Interpersonal
and communication skills are located here because
they ‘enable’ the demonstration of the outcomes of
many of the other descriptors.
Principles underpinning the use of the descriptors
The following general principles underpin the
intended use of the credit level descriptors:
i.The descriptors remain credit level descriptors
and are not intended to replace qualifications
descriptors but to assist with the assignment of
credit to elements of learning and the structuring
of learning opportunities towards qualifications.
ii. The descriptors provide an indicative framework
for credit-rating and level-setting and are not
intended to be all encompassing or prescriptive in
nature.
iii. The descriptors represent a benchmarking
of members’ existing practice; institutions are
encouraged to select and adapt the descriptors to
suit their own purposes.
iv. Higher-level descriptors subsume the
descriptors at lower levels.
v.The language of the descriptors has been kept
simple wherever possible.
vi. It is not the intention that all of the descriptors
at a particular level need to be demonstrated
in order for the learning to be ascribed to that
level. Thus they should not be seen as threshold
descriptors but as broad indicators of the level at
which a learner is operating.
vii. Most forms of learning, with the possible
exception of languages, can be encompassed by the
level descriptors. Language learning is not covered
explicitly, as institutions will have their own
arrangements, but elements of the descriptors will
apply to all learning in all subjects and contexts.
viii. The descriptors imply that learners
demonstrate that they can undertake the actions
‘effectively’ in relation to the context in which they
are working or studying.
ix. Modules which focus on the academic,
applied, professional or vocational aspects of the
curriculum will emphasise different aspects of the
descriptors.
Further information
Further information on level descriptors and their
use can be found on the SEEC web site (www.seec.
org.uk )
8
The SEEC Descriptors: by Level
Operational context Operates in predictable and defined contexts that require the use of given techniques andinformation sources.
Knowledge & Understanding
Has an understanding of defined areas of the knowledge base.Demonstrates an awareness of current areas of debate in the field of study
Level 3
Autonomy and responsibility for actions
Acts largely under direction or supervision, within defined guidelines. Takes responsibility for initiating and completing tasks and procedures.
Knowledge and Understanding
Setting
Conceptualisation and Critical Thinking
Relates principles and concepts to underlying theoretical frameworks and approaches.
Problem Solving, Research & Enquiry
Carries out defined investigative strategies and communicates results effectively in a given format.
Cognitive skills
Synthesis and Creativity Collects information to inform a choice of solutions to standard problems in familiar contexts.
Analysis and evaluation Analyses a range of information using pre-defined principles, frameworks or criteria.
Performance and practice
Adaptation to Context Undertakes a given and clearly defined role.
Performance Undertakes given performance tasks that may be complex.
Team and organisational working
Adapts own behaviour to meet obligations to others.
Ethical awareness & application
Has an awareness of the ethical issues in the main areas of study.
Personal and enabling skills
Personal evaluation and development
Assesses own capabilities against given criteria. Engages in guided development activity.
Interpersonal and communication skills
Uses interpersonal and communication skills to clarify tasks and communicate outcomes in narrowly defined contexts.
Operational context Operates in a range of varied but predictable contexts that require the use of a specified range of techniques and information sources.
Knowledge & Understanding
Has a broad understanding of the knowledge base and its terminology or discourse. Demonstrates awareness that areas of this knowledge base are open to ongoing debate and reformulation.
Level 4
Autonomy and responsibility for actions
Acts with limited autonomy, under direction or supervision, within defined guidelines. Takes responsibility for the nature and quality of outputs.
Knowledge and Understanding
Setting
Conceptualisation and Critical Thinking
Identifies principles and concepts underlying theoretical frameworks and begins to identify their strengths and weaknesses.
Problem Solving, Research & Enquiry
Identifies a well-defined focus for enquiry, plans and undertakes investigative strategies using a limited and defined range of methods, collects data from a variety of sources, and communicates results effectively in an appropriate format
Cognitive skills
Synthesis and Creativity Collects information from a variety of authoritative sources to inform a choice of solutions to standard problems in familiar contexts.
Analysis and evaluation Judges the reliability of data and information using pre-defined techniques and/or criteria.
Performance and practice
Adaptation to Context Relates own role to specified and externally defined parameters.
Performance Undertakes performance tasks that may be complex and non-routine engaging in self-reflection.
Team and organisational working
Works effectively with others and recognises the factors that affect team performance.
Ethical awareness & application
Demonstrates awareness of ethical issues and is able to discuss these in relation to personal beliefs and values.
Personal and enabling skills
Personal evaluation and development
Is aware of own capabilities in key areas and engages in development activity through guided self-direction.
Interpersonal and communication skills
Uses interpersonal and communication skills to clarify tasks and identify and rectify issues in a range of contexts.
10 11
Operational context Operates in situations of varying complexity and predictability requiring the application of a wide range of techniques and information sources.
Knowledge & Understanding
Has detailed knowledge of well-established theories and concepts. Demonstrates an awareness of different ideas, contexts and frameworks and recognises those areas where the knowledge base is most/least secure.
Level 5
Autonomy and responsibility for actions
Acts with limited supervision and direction, within defined guidelines accepting responsibility for achieving personal and/or group outcomes and/or outputs.
Knowledge and Understanding
Setting
Conceptualisation and Critical Thinking
Problem Solving, Research & Enquiry
Undertakes research to provide new information and/or explores new or existing data to identify patterns and relationships.Uses appropriate theoretical models to judge the significance of the data collected recognising the limitations of the enquiry.
Cognitive skills
Synthesis and Creativity Collects and synthesises information to inform a choice of solutions to problems in unfamiliar contexts.
Analysis and evaluation Analyses a range of information comparing alternative methods and techniques. Selects appropriate techniques/criteria for evaluation and discriminates between the relative relevance and significance of data/evidence collected.
Performance and practice
Adaptation to Context Identifies external expectations and adapts own performance accordingly.
Performance Undertakes complex and non-routine performance tasks. Analyses performance of self and others and suggests improvements.
Team and organisational working
Interacts effectively within a team, giving and receiving information and ideas and modifying responses where appropriate. Recognises and ameliorates situations likely to lead to conflict.
Ethical awareness & application
Is aware of personal responsibility and professional codes of conduct.
Personal and enabling skills
Personal evaluation and development
Assesses own capabilities using justifiable criteria set by self and others taking the wider needs of the context into account.Uses feedback to adapt own actions to reach a desired aim and reviews impact.
Interpersonal and communication skills
Adapts interpersonal and communication skills to a range of situations, audiences and degrees of complexity.
Identifies, analyses and communicates principles and concepts recognising competing perspectives.
Level 6
Operational context Operates in complex and unpredictable contexts, requiring selection and application from a range of largely standard techniques and information sources.
Knowledge & Understanding
Has a systematic understanding of the knowledge base and its inter-relationship with other fields of study. Demonstrates current understanding of some specialist areas in depth.
Autonomy and responsibility for actions
Acts with minimal supervision or direction, within agreed guidelines taking responsibility for accessing support and accepts accountability for determining and achieving personal and/or group outcomes.
Knowledge and Understanding
Setting
Conceptualisation and Critical Thinking
Problem Solving, Research & Enquiry
Demonstrates confidence and flexibility in identifying and defining complex problems.Identifies, selects and uses investigative strategies and techniques to undertake a critical analysis, evaluating the outcomes.
Cognitive skills
Synthesis and Creativity Applies knowledge in unfamiliar contexts, synthesising ideas or information to generate novel solutions. Achieves a body of work or practice that is coherent and resolved.
Analysis and evaluation Analyses new, novel and/or abstract data using an appropriate range of established subject-specific techniques. Judges the reliability, validity and significance of evidence to support conclusions and/or recommendations suggests reasons for contradictory data/results.
Performance and practice
Adaptation to Context Locates own role within poorly defined and/or flexible contexts requiring a level of autonomy.
Performance Seeks and applies new techniques and processes to own performance and identifies how these might be evaluated.
Team and organisational working
Works effectively within a team, supports or is proactive in leadership, negotiates in a professional context and manages conflict. Proactively seeks to resolve conflict.
Ethical awareness & application
Is aware of personal responsibility and professional codes of conduct and incorporates this into their practice.
Personal and enabling skills
Personal evaluation and development
Takes responsibility for own learning and development using reflection and feedback to analyse own capabilities, appraises alternatives and plans and implements actions.
Interpersonal and communication skills
Sets criteria for, and is effective in, professional and interpersonal communication in a wide range of situations.
Works with ideas at a level of abstraction, arguing from competing perspectives.Identifies the possibility of new concepts within existing knowledge frameworks and approaches.
12 13
Operational context Operates in complex and unpredictable and/or specialised contexts, requiring selection and application from a wide range of advanced techniques and information sources.
Knowledge & Understanding
Has a deep and systematic understanding within a specialised field of study and its interrelationship with other relevant disciplines.Demonstrates an understanding of current theoretical and methodological approaches and how these affect the way the knowledge base is interpreted.
Level 7
Autonomy and responsibility for actions
Acts with initiative in decision-making and accessing support, within professonal or given guidelines, accepting full accountability for outcomes.
Knowledge and Understanding
Setting
Conceptualisation and Critical Thinking
Problem Solving, Research & Enquiry
Designs and undertakes substantial investigations to address significant areas of theory and/or practice. Selects appropriate advanced methodological approaches and critically evaluates their effectiveness.
Cognitive skills
Synthesis and Creativity Flexibly and creatively applies knowledge in unfamiliar contexts, synthesises ideas or information in innovative ways, and generates transformative solutions.
Analysis and evaluation Undertakes analysis of complex, incomplete or contradictory evidence/data and judges the appropriateness of the enquiry methodologies used. Recognises and argues for alternative approaches.
Performance and practice
Adaptation to Context Autonomously adapts performance to multiple contexts.
Performance Autonomously implements and evaluates improvements to performance drawing on innovative or sectoral best practice.
Team and organisational working
Works effectively with multiple teams as leader or member. Clarifies tasks and make appropriate use of the capacities of team members resolving likely conflict situations before they arise.
Ethical awareness & application
Incorporates a critical ethical dimension to their practice, managing the implications of ethical dilemmas and works proactively with others to formulate solutions.
Personal and enabling skills
Personal evaluation and development
Uses personal reflection to analyse self and own actions.Makes connections between known and unknown areas, to allow for adaptation and change.
Interpersonal and communication skills
Identifies, evaluates and maintains capabilities and qualities to support effective communication in a range of complex and specialised contexts.
Uses ideas at a high level of abstraction.Develops critical responses to existing theoretical discourses, methodologies or practices and suggests new concepts or approaches
Operational context Operates in complex and unpredictable and/or specialised contexts at the forefront of knowledge.
Knowledge & Understanding
Works with theoretical/research knowledge at the forefront of the discipline.Demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of techniques and methodologies applicable to the discipline
Level 8
Autonomy and responsibility for actions
Acts autonomously and with initiative, often in a professional capacity with responsibility for self and often others.
Knowledge and Understanding
Setting
Conceptualisation and Critical Thinking
Problem Solving, Research & Enquiry
Acts independently and with originality in problem solving.Develops or adapts appropriate advanced methodological approaches and critically evaluates their effectiveness.
Cognitive skills
Synthesis and Creativity Synthesises and applies new approaches, in a manner that can contribute to the development of methodology or understanding in that discipline or practice.
Analysis and evaluation Undertakes independent analysis or evaluation, managing complexity, incompleteness of data or contradictions in areas of knowledge.
Performance and practice
Adaptation to Context Autonomously adapts performance to contexts requiring professional outputs.
Performance Has technical mastery, performs smoothly with precision and effectiveness, can adapt or develop skills and procedures for new situations
Team and organisational working
Leads and/or works effectively with often multiple teams in multiple roles. Manages the capacities of members to achieve outcomes handling conflict with confidence.
Ethical awareness & application
Analyses and manages ethical dilemmas and works pro-actively with others to formulate and implement solutions.
Personal and enabling skills
Personal evaluation and development
Reflects on own and others’ functioning in order to improve practice.Is independent and self-critical as a learner, guides and supports the learning of others and manages own professional development
Interpersonal and communication skills
Displays consultancy skills. Communicates complex or contentious information clearly and effectively to the target audience.
Develops ideas at a high level of abstraction.Develops theoretical discourses, methodologies or practices critically analysing their development and application.
14 15
SEEC
Des
crip
tors
: Com
para
tive
Stud
y
Leve
l 3Le
vel 4
Leve
l 5Le
vel 6
Leve
l 7Le
vel 8
Setti
ng
Oper
ates
in c
ompl
ex
and
unpr
edict
able
co
ntex
ts, r
equi
ring
sele
ctio
n an
d ap
plica
tion
from
a
rang
e of
larg
ely
stan
dard
tech
niqu
es
and
info
rmat
ion
sour
ces.
Oper
ates
in c
ompl
ex
and
unpr
edict
able
and
/or
spec
ialis
ed c
onte
xts,
requ
iring
sele
ctio
n an
d ap
plica
tion
from
a w
ide
rang
e of
adv
ance
d te
chni
ques
and
in
form
atio
n so
urce
s.
Oper
ates
in c
ompl
ex
and
unpr
edict
able
an
d/or
spec
ialis
ed
cont
exts
at t
he
fore
front
of
know
ledg
e.
Oper
ates
in a
rang
e of
va
ried
but p
redi
ctab
le
cont
exts
that
requ
ire
the
use
of a
spec
ified
ra
nge
of te
chni
ques
an
d in
form
atio
n so
urce
s.
Oper
ates
in si
tuat
ions
of
vary
ing
com
plex
ity a
nd
pred
ictab
ility
requ
iring
th
e ap
plica
tion
of a
wid
e ra
nge
of te
chni
ques
and
in
form
atio
n so
urce
s.
Oper
ates
in
pred
ictab
le a
nd
defin
ed c
onte
xts t
hat
requ
ire th
e us
e of
gi
ven
tech
niqu
es a
nd
info
rmat
ion
sour
ces.
Oper
atio
nal
cont
ext
Auto
nom
y an
d re
spon
sibili
ty fo
r ac
tions
Acts
larg
ely
unde
r dire
ctio
n or
su
perv
ision
, with
in
defin
ed g
uide
lines
. Ta
kes r
espo
nsib
ility
fo
r ini
tiatin
g an
d co
mpl
etin
g ta
sks a
nd
proc
edur
es.
Acts
with
lim
ited
auto
nom
y, un
der
dire
ctio
n or
su
perv
ision
, with
in
defin
ed g
uide
lines
. Ta
kes r
espo
nsib
ility
for
the
natu
re a
nd q
ualit
y of
out
puts
.
Acts
with
lim
ited
supe
rvisi
on a
nd
dire
ctio
n, w
ithin
defi
ned
guid
elin
es a
ccep
ting
resp
onsib
ility
for
achi
evin
g pe
rson
al
and/
or g
roup
out
com
es
and/
or o
utpu
ts.
Acts
with
min
imal
su
perv
ision
or
dire
ctio
n, w
ithin
ag
reed
gui
delin
es
taki
ng re
spon
sibili
ty
for a
cces
sing
supp
ort a
nd a
ccep
ts
acco
unta
bilit
y fo
r de
term
inin
g an
d ac
hiev
ing
pers
onal
an
d/or
gro
up
outc
omes
.
Acts
with
initi
ativ
e in
de
cisio
n-m
akin
g an
d ac
cess
ing
supp
ort,
with
in p
rofe
ssio
nal
or g
iven
gui
delin
es,
acce
ptin
g fu
ll ac
coun
tabi
lity
for
outc
omes
.
Acts
aut
onom
ously
an
d w
ith in
itiat
ive,
ofte
n in
a
prof
essio
nal c
apac
ity
with
resp
onsib
ility
fo
r sel
f and
ofte
n ot
hers
.
16 17
Leve
l 3Le
vel 4
Leve
l 5Le
vel 6
Leve
l 7Le
vel 8
Know
ledg
e &
Unde
rsta
ndin
g
Has a
syst
emat
ic un
ders
tand
ing
of th
e kn
owle
dge
base
and
its
inte
r-rel
atio
nshi
p w
ith
othe
r fiel
ds o
f stu
dy.
Dem
onst
rate
s cur
rent
un
ders
tand
ing
of so
me
spec
ialis
t are
as in
de
pth.
Has a
dee
p an
d sy
stem
atic
unde
rsta
ndin
g w
ithin
a sp
ecia
lised
fie
ld o
f stu
dy a
nd
its in
terre
latio
nshi
p w
ith o
ther
rele
vant
di
scip
lines
.De
mon
stra
tes a
n un
ders
tand
ing
of
curre
nt th
eore
tical
an
d m
etho
dolo
gica
l ap
proa
ches
and
how
th
ese
affe
ct th
e w
ay
the
know
ledg
e ba
se is
in
terp
rete
d.
Wor
ks w
ith
theo
retic
al/re
sear
ch
know
ledg
e at
the
fore
front
of t
he
disc
iplin
e.De
mon
stra
tes a
co
mpr
ehen
sive
unde
rsta
ndin
g of
te
chni
ques
and
m
etho
dolo
gies
ap
plica
ble
to th
e di
scip
line
Has a
bro
ad
unde
rsta
ndin
g of
the
know
ledg
e ba
se a
nd
its te
rmin
olog
y or
di
scou
rse.
Dem
onst
rate
s aw
aren
ess t
hat a
reas
of
this
know
ledg
e ba
se a
re o
pen
to
ongo
ing
deba
te a
nd
refo
rmul
atio
n.
Has d
etai
led
know
ledg
e of
wel
l-est
ablis
hed
theo
ries a
nd c
once
pts.
Dem
onst
rate
s an
awar
enes
s of d
iffer
ent
idea
s, co
ntex
ts a
nd
fram
ewor
ks a
nd
reco
gnise
s tho
se a
reas
w
here
the
know
ledg
e ba
se is
mos
t/lea
st
secu
re.
Unde
rsta
ndin
gHa
s an
unde
rsta
ndin
g of
de
fined
are
as o
f the
kn
owle
dge
base
.De
mon
stra
tes a
n aw
aren
ess o
f cur
rent
ar
eas o
f deb
ate
in
the
field
of s
tudy
Know
ledg
e &
Unde
rsta
ndin
g
The
Burg
ess
Grou
p (s
ee w
ww
.qaa
.ac.
uk/a
cade
mic
infra
stru
ctur
e/FH
EQ/E
WN
I ) re
com
men
ded
that
th
e w
ell-k
now
n an
d w
idel
y us
ed E
ngla
nd, W
ales
and
Nor
ther
n Ire
land
(EW
NI)
sum
mar
y cr
edit
leve
l de
scrip
tors
sho
uld
be a
poi
nt o
f ref
eren
ce in
any
gui
danc
e. T
hese
wer
e kn
own
prev
ious
ly a
s th
e N
ICAT
S de
scrip
tors
and
are
pro
vide
d be
low
. Th
ey h
ave
been
use
d as
a re
fere
nce
poin
t in
deve
lopi
ng th
e m
ore
deta
iled
desc
ripto
rs s
et o
ut in
the
full
SEEC
des
crip
tors
.
Leve
l 3Le
vel 4
Leve
l 5Le
vel 6
Leve
l 7Le
vel 8
Cogn
itive
Ski
lls
Rela
tes p
rincip
les
and
conc
epts
to
und
erly
ing
theo
retic
al
fram
ewor
ks a
nd
appr
oach
es.
Iden
tifies
prin
ciple
s and
co
ncep
ts u
nder
lyin
g th
eore
tical
fram
ewor
ks
and
begi
ns to
iden
tify
thei
r stre
ngth
s and
w
eakn
esse
s.
Iden
tifies
, ana
lyse
s an
d co
mm
unica
tes
prin
ciple
s and
con
cept
s re
cogn
ising
com
petin
g pe
rspe
ctiv
es.
Wor
ks w
ith id
eas a
t a
leve
l of a
bstra
ctio
n,
argu
ing
from
com
petin
g pe
rspe
ctiv
es.
Iden
tifies
the
poss
ibili
ty
of n
ew c
once
pts w
ithin
ex
istin
g kn
owle
dge
fram
ewor
ks a
nd
appr
oach
es.
Uses
idea
s at a
hig
h le
vel o
f abs
tract
ion.
Deve
lops
crit
ical
resp
onse
s to
exist
ing
theo
retic
al d
iscou
rses
, m
etho
dolo
gies
or
prac
tices
and
sugg
ests
ne
w c
once
pts o
r ap
proa
ches
Deve
lops
idea
s at
a h
igh
leve
l of
abst
ract
ion.
Deve
lops
theo
retic
al
disc
ours
es,
met
hodo
logi
es o
r pr
actic
es c
ritica
lly
anal
ysin
g th
eir
deve
lopm
ent a
nd
appl
icatio
n.
Conc
eptu
alisa
tion
and
Criti
cal
Thin
king
Prob
lem
solv
ing,
re
sear
ch &
en
quiry
Carri
es o
ut d
efine
d in
vest
igat
ive
stra
tegi
es a
nd
com
mun
icate
s res
ults
ef
fect
ivel
y in
a g
iven
fo
rmat
.
Iden
tifies
a w
ell-d
efine
d fo
cus f
or e
nqui
ry,
plan
s and
und
erta
kes
inve
stig
ativ
e st
rate
gies
us
ing
a lim
ited
and
defin
ed ra
nge
of
met
hods
, col
lect
s da
ta fr
om a
var
iety
of
sour
ces,
and
com
mun
icate
s res
ults
ef
fect
ivel
y in
an
appr
opria
te fo
rmat
Unde
rtake
s res
earc
h to
pr
ovid
e ne
w in
form
atio
n an
d/or
exp
lore
s new
or
exi
stin
g da
ta to
id
entif
y pa
ttern
s and
re
latio
nshi
ps.
Uses
app
ropr
iate
th
eore
tical
mod
els t
o ju
dge
the
signi
fican
ce
of th
e da
ta c
olle
cted
re
cogn
ising
the
limita
tions
of t
he
enqu
iry.
Dem
onst
rate
s co
nfide
nce
and
flexi
bilit
y in
iden
tifyi
ng
and
defin
ing
com
plex
pr
oble
ms.
Iden
tifies
, sel
ects
and
us
es in
vest
igat
ive
stra
tegi
es a
nd
tech
niqu
es to
un
derta
ke a
crit
ical
anal
ysis,
eva
luat
ing
the
outc
omes
.
Desig
ns a
nd
unde
rtake
s sub
stan
tial
inve
stig
atio
ns to
ad
dres
s sig
nific
ant
area
s of t
heor
y an
d/or
pr
actic
e.Se
lect
s app
ropr
iate
ad
vanc
ed
met
hodo
logi
cal
appr
oach
es a
nd
criti
cally
eva
luat
es th
eir
effe
ctiv
enes
s.
Acts
inde
pend
ently
an
d w
ith o
rigin
ality
in
pro
blem
solv
ing.
Deve
lops
or
adap
ts a
ppro
pria
te
adva
nced
m
etho
dolo
gica
l ap
proa
ches
and
cr
itica
lly e
valu
ates
th
eir e
ffect
iven
ess.
Synt
hesis
and
Cr
eativ
ityCo
llect
s inf
orm
atio
n to
info
rm a
cho
ice o
f so
lutio
ns to
stan
dard
pr
oble
ms i
n fa
mili
ar
cont
exts
.
Colle
cts i
nfor
mat
ion
from
a
varie
ty o
f aut
horit
ativ
e so
urce
s to
info
rm a
ch
oice
of s
olut
ions
to
stan
dard
pro
blem
s in
fam
iliar
con
text
s.
Colle
cts a
nd sy
nthe
sises
in
form
atio
n to
info
rm
a ch
oice
of s
olut
ions
to
prob
lem
s in
unfa
mili
ar
cont
exts
.
Appl
ies k
now
ledg
e in
un
fam
iliar
con
text
s, sy
nthe
sisin
g id
eas o
r in
form
atio
n to
gen
erat
e no
vel s
olut
ions
.Ac
hiev
es a
bod
y of
w
ork
or p
ract
ice th
at is
co
here
nt a
nd re
solv
ed.
Flex
ibly
and
cre
ativ
ely
appl
ies k
now
ledg
e in
un
fam
iliar
con
text
s, sy
nthe
sises
idea
s or
info
rmat
ion
in
inno
vativ
e w
ays,
and
gene
rate
s tra
nsfo
rmat
ive
solu
tions
.
Synt
hesis
es a
nd
appl
ies n
ew
appr
oach
es, i
n a
man
ner t
hat c
an
cont
ribut
e to
the
deve
lopm
ent o
f m
etho
dolo
gy o
r un
ders
tand
ing
in th
at
disc
iplin
e or
pra
ctice
.
18 19
Leve
l 3Le
vel 4
Leve
l 5Le
vel 6
Leve
l 7Le
vel 8
Anal
ysis
and
eval
uatio
nAn
alys
es a
rang
e of
info
rmat
ion
usin
g pr
e-de
fined
pr
incip
les,
fram
ewor
ks o
r cr
iteria
.
Judg
es th
e re
liabi
lity
of
data
and
info
rmat
ion
usin
g pr
e-de
fined
te
chni
ques
and
/or
crite
ria.
Anal
yses
a ra
nge
of
info
rmat
ion
com
parin
g al
tern
ativ
e m
etho
ds
and
tech
niqu
es.
Sele
cts a
ppro
pria
te
tech
niqu
es/c
riter
ia
for e
valu
atio
n an
d di
scrim
inat
es b
etw
een
the
rela
tive
rele
vanc
e an
d sig
nific
ance
of
dat
a/ev
iden
ce
colle
cted
.
Anal
yses
new
, nov
el
and/
or a
bstra
ct d
ata
usin
g an
app
ropr
iate
ra
nge
of e
stab
lishe
d su
bjec
t-spe
cific
tech
niqu
es.
Judg
es
the
relia
bilit
y, va
lidity
an
d sig
nific
ance
of
evid
ence
to su
ppor
t co
nclu
sions
and
/or
reco
mm
enda
tions
su
gges
ts re
ason
s fo
r con
tradi
ctor
y da
ta/re
sults
.
Unde
rtake
s ana
lysis
of
com
plex
, inc
ompl
ete
or c
ontra
dict
ory
evid
ence
/dat
a an
d ju
dges
the
appr
opria
tene
ss o
f the
en
quiry
met
hodo
logi
es
used
. Rec
ogni
ses a
nd
argu
es fo
r alte
rnat
ive
appr
oach
es.
Unde
rtake
s in
depe
nden
t ana
lysis
or
eva
luat
ion,
m
anag
ing
com
plex
ity,
inco
mpl
eten
ess o
f da
ta o
r con
tradi
ctio
ns
in a
reas
of
know
ledg
e.
Leve
l 3Le
vel 4
Leve
l 5Le
vel 6
Leve
l 7Le
vel 8
Perfo
rman
ce &
Prac
tice
Adap
tatio
n to
Co
ntex
tUn
derta
kes a
giv
en
and
clear
ly d
efine
d ro
le.
Rela
tes o
wn
role
to
spec
ified
and
ext
erna
lly
defin
ed p
aram
eter
s.
Iden
tifies
ext
erna
l ex
pect
atio
ns &
ada
pts
own
perfo
rman
ce
acco
rdin
gly.
Loca
tes o
wn
role
w
ithin
poo
rly d
efine
d an
d/or
flex
ible
con
text
s re
quiri
ng a
leve
l of
auto
nom
y.
Auto
nom
ously
ada
pts
perfo
rman
ce to
m
ultip
le c
onte
xts.
Auto
nom
ously
ada
pts
perfo
rman
ce to
co
ntex
ts re
quiri
ng
prof
essio
nal o
utpu
ts.
Perfo
rman
ceUn
derta
kes g
iven
pe
rform
ance
task
s th
at m
ay b
e co
mpl
ex.
Unde
rtake
s per
form
ance
ta
sks t
hat m
ay b
e co
mpl
ex a
nd n
on-
rout
ine
enga
ging
in
self-
refle
ctio
n.
Unde
rtake
s com
plex
and
no
n-ro
utin
e pe
rform
ance
ta
sks.
Anal
yses
pe
rform
ance
of s
elf a
nd
othe
rs a
nd su
gges
ts
impr
ovem
ents
.
Seek
s and
app
lies
new
tech
niqu
es a
nd
proc
esse
s to
own
perfo
rman
ce a
nd
iden
tifies
how
thes
e m
ight
be
eval
uate
d.
Auto
nom
ously
im
plem
ents
an
d ev
alua
tes
impr
ovem
ents
to
perfo
rman
ce d
raw
ing
on in
nova
tive
or
sect
oral
bes
t pra
ctice
.
Has t
echn
ical m
aste
ry,
perfo
rms s
moo
thly
w
ith p
recis
ion
and
effe
ctiv
enes
s, ca
n ad
apt o
r dev
elop
skill
s an
d pr
oced
ures
for
new
situ
atio
ns
Team
and
or
gani
satio
nal
wor
king
Adap
ts o
wn
beha
viou
r to
mee
t ob
ligat
ions
to
othe
rs.
Wor
ks e
ffect
ivel
y w
ith
othe
rs a
nd re
cogn
ises
the
fact
ors t
hat a
ffect
te
am p
erfo
rman
ce
Inte
ract
s effe
ctiv
ely
with
in a
team
, gi
ving
and
rece
ivin
g in
form
atio
n an
d id
eas a
nd m
odify
ing
resp
onse
s whe
re
appr
opria
te. R
ecog
nise
s an
d am
elio
rate
s sit
uatio
ns li
kely
to le
ad
to c
onfli
ct.
Wor
ks e
ffect
ivel
y w
ithin
a
team
, sup
ports
or i
s pr
oact
ive
in le
ader
ship
, ne
gotia
tes i
n a
prof
essio
nal c
onte
xt
and
man
ages
con
flict
. Pr
oact
ivel
y se
eks t
o re
solv
e co
nflict
.
Wor
ks e
ffect
ivel
y w
ith m
ultip
le te
ams
as le
ader
or m
embe
r. Cl
arifi
es ta
sks a
nd
mak
e ap
prop
riate
us
e of
the
capa
citie
s of
team
mem
bers
re
solv
ing
likel
y co
nflict
sit
uatio
ns b
efor
e th
ey
arise
.
Lead
s and
/or w
orks
ef
fect
ivel
y w
ith
ofte
n m
ultip
le
team
s in
mul
tiple
ro
les.
Man
ages
the
capa
citie
s of m
embe
rs
to a
chie
ve o
utco
mes
ha
ndlin
g co
nflict
with
co
nfide
nce.
Ethi
cal
awar
enes
s and
ap
plica
tion
Has a
n aw
aren
ess
of th
e et
hica
l iss
ues
in th
e m
ain
area
s of
stud
y.
Dem
onst
rate
s aw
aren
ess o
f eth
ical
issue
s and
is a
ble
to
disc
uss t
hese
in re
latio
n to
per
sona
l bel
iefs
and
va
lues
.
Is aw
are
of p
erso
nal
resp
onsib
ility
and
pr
ofes
siona
l cod
es o
f co
nduc
t.
Anal
yses
and
m
anag
es e
thica
l di
lem
mas
and
wor
ks
pro-
activ
ely
with
ot
hers
to fo
rmul
ate
and
impl
emen
t so
lutio
ns.
Is aw
are
of p
erso
nal
resp
onsib
ility
and
pr
ofes
siona
l cod
es
of c
ondu
ct a
nd
inco
rpor
ates
this
into
th
eir p
ract
ice.
Inco
rpor
ates
a c
ritica
l et
hica
l dim
ensio
n to
th
eir p
ract
ice, m
anag
ing
the
impl
icatio
ns o
f et
hica
l dile
mm
as a
nd
wor
ks p
roac
tivel
y w
ith
othe
rs to
form
ulat
e so
lutio
ns.
20 21
Leve
l 3Le
vel 4
Leve
l 5Le
vel 6
Leve
l 7Le
vel 8
Pers
onal
en
ablin
g sk
ills
Pers
onal
ev
alua
tion
and
deve
lopm
ent
Asse
sses
ow
n ca
pabi
litie
s aga
inst
gi
ven
crite
ria.
Enga
ges i
n gu
ided
de
velo
pmen
t act
ivity
.
Is aw
are
of o
wn
capa
bilit
ies i
n ke
y ar
eas a
nd e
ngag
es in
de
velo
pmen
t act
ivity
th
roug
h gu
ided
self-
dire
ctio
n.
Asse
sses
ow
n ca
pabi
litie
s usin
g ju
stifi
able
crit
eria
set b
y se
lf an
d ot
hers
taki
ng
the
wid
er n
eeds
of t
he
cont
ext i
nto
acco
unt.
Uses
feed
back
to a
dapt
ow
n ac
tions
to re
ach
a de
sired
aim
and
revi
ews
impa
ct.
Take
s res
pons
ibili
ty
for o
wn
lear
ning
and
de
velo
pmen
t usin
g re
flect
ion
and
feed
back
to
ana
lyse
ow
n ca
pabi
litie
s, ap
prai
ses
alte
rnat
ives
and
pla
ns
and
impl
emen
ts a
ctio
ns.
Uses
per
sona
l refl
ectio
n to
ana
lyse
self
and
own
actio
ns.
Mak
es c
onne
ctio
ns
betw
een
know
n an
d un
know
n ar
eas,
to a
llow
fo
r ada
ptat
ion
and
chan
ge.
Refle
cts o
n ow
n an
d ot
hers
’ fun
ctio
ning
in
ord
er to
impr
ove
prac
tice.
Is in
depe
nden
t an
d se
lf-cr
itica
l as
a le
arne
r, gu
ides
&
supp
orts
the
lear
ning
of
oth
ers a
nd m
anag
es
own
prof
essio
nal
deve
lopm
ent
Inte
rper
sona
l &co
mm
unica
tion
skill
s
Uses
inte
rper
sona
l an
d co
mm
unica
tion
skill
s to
clarif
y ta
sks
and
com
mun
icate
ou
tcom
es in
na
rrow
ly d
efine
d co
ntex
ts.
Uses
inte
rper
sona
l and
co
mm
unica
tion
skill
s to
clarif
y ta
sks a
nd id
entif
y an
d re
ctify
issu
es in
a
rang
e of
con
text
s.
Adap
ts in
terp
erso
nal a
nd
com
mun
icatio
n sk
ills t
o a
rang
e of
situ
atio
ns,
audi
ence
s and
deg
rees
of
com
plex
ity.
Sets
crit
eria
for,
and
is ef
fect
ive
in, p
rofe
ssio
nal
and
inte
rper
sona
l co
mm
unica
tion
in
a w
ide
rang
e of
sit
uatio
ns.
Disp
lays
con
sulta
ncy
skill
s. Co
mm
unica
tes
com
plex
or
cont
entio
us
info
rmat
ion
clear
ly
& ef
fect
ivel
y to
the
targ
et a
udie
nce.
Iden
tifies
, eva
luat
es
and
mai
ntai
ns
capa
bilit
ies &
qua
litie
s to
supp
ort e
ffect
ive
com
mun
icatio
n in
a
rang
e of
com
plex
and
sp
ecia
lised
con
text
s.
GlossaryAccreditation of prior learningThe identification, assessment and formal acknowledgement of prior learning and achievement (APL). This may either be certificated learning (APCL) or prior experiential learning (APEL), where learning achieved outside education or training systems is assessed and recognised for academic purposes.
Assessment regulations The rules governing assessment of a programme of study including marking scheme, pass mark, requirements for progression to subsequent levels or stages of a programme and award and classification requirements (for instance in terms of credits to be achieved and specific marks to be attained).
Credit Credit is awarded to a learner in recognition of the verified achievement of designated learning outcomes at a specified level.
Credit accumulation A process of achieving credits over time in relation to a planned programme of study
Credit level An indicator of the relative complexity, demand and/or depth of learning and of learner autonomy.
Credit transfer A mechanism which allows credit awarded by a higher education (HE) awarding body to be recognised, quantified and included towards the credit requirements for a programme delivered by another HE provider and/or between programmes offered by an HE provider. Each HE awarding body determines what credit it will accept in relation to its individual programmes.
Credit value The number of credits, at a particular level, assigned to a body of learning. The number of credits is based on the estimated notional learning hours (where one credit represents 10 notional hours of learning).
Credit Accumulation and Transfer System (CATS)A system which enables learners to accumulate credit, and which facilitates the transfer of that credit within and between education providers.
Learning outcomes Statement of what a learner is expected to know, understand and/or be able to demonstrate after completion of a process of learning.
Credit level descriptors The generic characteristics of learning at a specific level, used as reference points.
Module/unit A self-contained, formally structured, learning experience with a coherent and explicit set of learning outcomes and assessment criteria.
Notional hours of learning The number of hours which it is expected that a learner will spend, on average, to achieve the specified learning outcomes at that level.
Qualification descriptors Generic statements of the outcomes of study for the main qualification at each level which exemplify the nature and characteristics of that qualification.
Abbreviations APL Accreditation of prior learning APCL Accreditation of prior certificated learning APEL Accreditation of prior experiential learning CIDG Credit Issues Development Group CQFW Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales ECTS European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System EWNI England, Wales and Northern Ireland FQ-EHEA Framework for Qualifications of the European Higher Education Area FHEQ Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) HEI Higher education institution NICATS Northern Ireland Credit Accumulation and Transfer System NUCCAT Northern Universities Consortium for Credit Accumulation and Transfer PSRBs Professional, statutory and regulatory bodies RLTW Recognition of learning through workQCA Qualifications and Curriculum Authority QCF Qualifications and Credit Framework SCQF Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework SEEC Southern England Consortium for Credit Accumulation and Transfer WHECC Welsh Higher Education Credit Consortium
2322
Leve
l 3Le
vel 4
Leve
l 5Le
vel 6
Leve
l 7Le
vel 8
EWNI
(for
mal
ly
NICC
ATS)
Su
mm
ary
cred
it le
vel d
escr
ipto
rs
Criti
cally
revi
ew,
cons
olid
ate
and
exte
nd a
syst
emat
ic an
d co
here
nt b
ody
of k
now
ledg
e, ut
ilisin
g sp
ecia
lised
sk
ills a
cros
s an
area
of
stud
y; cr
itica
lly
eval
uate
con
cept
s and
ev
iden
ce fr
om a
rang
e of
sour
ces;
trans
fer
and
appl
y di
agno
stic
and
crea
tive
skill
s and
ex
ercis
e sig
nific
ant
judg
emen
t in
a ra
nge
of si
tuat
ions
; and
ac
cept
acc
ount
abili
ty
for d
eter
min
ing
and
achi
evin
g pe
rson
al a
nd/
or g
roup
out
com
es
Disp
lay
mas
tery
of
a c
ompl
ex a
nd
spec
ialis
ed a
rea
of k
now
ledg
e an
d sk
ills,
empl
oyin
g ad
vanc
ed sk
ills t
o co
nduc
t res
earc
h, o
r ad
vanc
ed te
chni
cal
or p
rofe
ssio
nal
activ
ity, a
ccep
ting
acco
unta
bilit
y fo
r re
late
d de
cisio
n m
akin
g, in
cludi
ng u
se
of su
perv
ision
Mak
e a
signi
fican
t an
d or
igin
al
cont
ribut
ion
to a
sp
ecia
lised
fiel
d of
in
quiry
, dem
onst
ratin
g a
com
man
d of
m
etho
dolo
gica
l iss
ues
and
enga
ging
in
criti
cal d
ialo
gue
with
pe
ers a
nd a
ccep
ting
full
acco
unta
bilit
y fo
r ou
tcom
es
Deve
lop
a rig
orou
s ap
proa
ch to
the
acqu
isitio
n of
a
broa
d kn
owle
dge
base
; em
ploy
a
rang
e of
spec
ialis
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skill
s; ev
alua
te
info
rmat
ion,
usin
g it
to p
lan
and
deve
lop
inve
stig
ativ
e st
rate
gies
an
d to
det
erm
ine
solu
tions
to a
var
iety
of
unp
redi
ctab
le
prob
lem
s; an
d op
erat
e in
a ra
nge
of v
arie
d an
d sp
ecifi
c co
ntex
ts,
taki
ng re
spon
sibili
ty fo
r th
e na
ture
and
qua
lity
of o
utpu
ts.
Gene
rate
idea
s thr
ough
th
e an
alys
is of
con
cept
s at
an
abst
ract
leve
l w
ith a
com
man
d of
sp
ecia
lised
skill
s and
the
form
ulat
ion
of re
spon
ses
to w
ell-d
efine
d an
d ab
stra
ct p
robl
ems;
anal
yse
and
eval
uate
in
form
atio
n; e
xerc
ise
signi
fican
t jud
gem
ent
acro
ss a
bro
ad ra
nge
of fu
nctio
ns; a
nd
acce
pt re
spon
sibili
ty
for d
eter
min
ing
and
achi
evin
g pe
rson
al a
nd/
or g
roup
out
com
es
The Southern England Consortium for Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SEEC) is a membership association of providers of higher education and training in the south of England and is a registered charity. SEEC aims to advance education for the public benefit by developing credit accumulation and transfer and promoting continuing education at Higher Education level. For further details see www.seec.org.uk
ISBN 978-0-9550244-1-2