1. Towards an EQF, European Qualification Framework for LLLBy
Magda Kirsch & Yves Beernaert
Using elements of DG EaC PwP
EuropeAid/120164/D/SV/BG

2. References Official EU consultation text of EQF (05)
Synthesis of the responses drafted for DG EaC by Pôle Universitaire Européen de Nancy (April 06)
National Qualification frameworks of Ireland and Scotland
European Higher Education Qualification Framework

3. Principle elements of qualification frameworks
Learning outcomes
Competences
Levels
Qualifications
Credits
Workload
Profile

4. Learning outcomes
= the set of knowledge or skills and/or competences an individual has acquired and/or is able to demonstrate after completion of a learning process.
= statements of what the learner is expected to know, understand and/or be able to do at the end of the learning period.
= to facilitate transparency, comparibility, credit transfer and recognition.

5. Competences
Cognitive competence involving the use of theory and concepts as well as informal tacit knowledge gained experientially; (KNOWLEDGE)
Functional competence (skills or know-how); what a person must be able to do in a given area of work, learning or social activity;(SKILLS)
Personal competence involving knowing how to conduct oneself in a specific situation;
Ethical competence involving the possession of certain personal and professional values.(WIDER COMPETENCES

6. Levels can be understood as:
representing a series of sequential steps (a developmental continuum), expressed in terms of a range of generic outcomes, against which typical qualifications can be positioned

7. Qualifications
A qualification is achieved when a competent body determines that an individual’s learning has reached a specified standard (ST) of knowledge, skills and wider competences.
The ST of learning outcomes is confirmed by means of an assessment process or the succesful completion of a course of study (and/or work placement).
A qualification confers official recognition.

8. Part I
National Qualfification frameworks

9. National Qualifications Frameworks: definition
The single description at national level….of an education system, which is internationally understood and through which all qualifications and other learning achievements in HE may be described and related to each other in a coherent way and which defines the relationship between HE qualifications.

10. Exisiting National Qualifications Frameworks
UK: Scotland, England, Wales, Northern-Ireland
Ireland
Denmark
France
Spain
Malta

11. National Qualifications Frameworks
Characteristics
all qualifications are included
systematic description
coherent relationship
internationally understood

12. Why National Qualifications Frameworks?
Make explicit the purpose and aim of qualifications
Delineate point of integration and overlap
Provide a context for review and development of existing qualifications
Provide a context for the design of new qualifications

13. The Scottish SCQF (Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework)
12 SCQF levels
Higher Education
Scottsh Vocational qualifications 12 11
Doctorates
Masters
SVQ 5
10 9
Honours Degree (Graduate Diploma / Certificate)
Ordinary Degree (Graduate Diploma / Certificate)
8 7 Advanced Higher
Higher National Diploma (Diploma in H.Ed.)
Higher National Certificate (Certificate H.Ed.)
SVQ 4
6 Higher
5 Intermediate 2 Credit Standard Grade
SVQ 3
SVQ 2
4 Intermediate 1 Credit Standard Grade
3 Access 3
Foundation Standard Grade
SVQ 1
2 Access 2
1 Access 1

14. The Irish NFQ

15. English, Welsh and Northern Ireland Frameworks
National Qualifications Framework (NQF)
Framework for Higher Education Qualification Levels (FHEQ)
Specialist awards
D (doctoral) Doctorates
Level 7 Diploma
M (Masters) Masters degrees, postgraduate certificates and diplomas
Level 6 diploma
H (Honours) Bachelors degrees, graduate certificates and diplomas
Level 5 BTEC Higher National Diploma
I (Intermediate) Diplomas of H.Ed. & F.Ed., Foundation degrees, H.Nat. Diploma
Level 4 Certificate
C (Certificate) Certificates of H.Ed.
Level 3 Certificate
Level 3 NVQ
A levels
Level 2 Diploma
Level 32 NVQ
GCSEs Grades A-C
Level 1 Certificate
Level 1 NVQ
GCSEs Grades D-G
Entry
Entry Level Certificate in Adult Literacy

16. Advice in drafting NQF
The development and review process for producing good NQFs are most effective when they involve all relevant stakeholders
A NQF should identify a clear nationally agreed set of purposes
NQF should explicitly link to academic standards and to quality assurance systems (institutional/national)

17. Part II
The European Qualification Framework
EQF

18. What is the EQF? Translation device for comparing qualifications
Neutral reference point based on learning outcomes

19. Country A Country B EQF Level 8 EQF Level 7 EQF Level 6 EQF Level 5
Qualification
Qualification

20. Each EQF Reference Level Wider personal and professional competences
The Eight EQF Levels
Knowledge
Each EQF Reference Level
Skills
Wider personal and professional competences

21. Focus on Learning Outcomes
EQF
Learning Outcomes
Non-Formal Learning
Informal Learning
Formal Learning

22. The EQF beneficiaries:
Individuals
Sectors, employers and social partners
Education/Training systems, providers

23. 8 COMMON REFERENCE LEVELS
The main elements of the EQF
8 COMMON REFERENCE LEVELS

24. A basis for co-operation
EQF implementation is voluntary
Entails no legal obligations on Member States or sectors
Fosters change by supporting and informing reform

25. What EQF is NOT! EQF not about replacing national/sectoral frameworks
EQF not about harmonisation
EQF CANNOT define new qualifications

26. …they rapidly become very complex…
The alternative to EQF: bilateral agreements?
Country C
Country B
Country A
Circles are individuals, instutiions, sectors, countries, companies seeking links to other bodies
Title
No common reference point – bilateral agreements develop
…they rapidly become very complex…

27. The alternative to EQF: bilateral agreements?
Circles are individuals, instutiions, sectors, countries, companies seeking links to other bodies
Title
No common reference point – bilateral agreements develop

28. Using the EQF ESSENTIAL INFORMATION Table 1: Learning Outcomes
Aimed at qualifications authorities, experts: makes translations between systems and frameworks possible
SUPPORTING INFORMATION
Table 2: Supporting Information
Needs to be compiled and completed at national or sectoral level

29. Credit transfer and accumulation system: ECTS and ECVET !
Goal: to create an integrated credit transfer system at European level, meeting the needs of vocational and academic institutions
Good image…can you find more like these for the other slides…?

30. Linking qualifications to the EQF: the role of national authorities
Commitments to link national qualifications to EQF
Long term reform process
Learning outcome-based qualifications
National Framework of Qualifications?

31. Linking qualifications to the EQF: the role of sectoral stakeholders
Invite sectors to link sectoral qualifications to EQF
Facilitate sectoral developments
Fine..perhaps a way to give it nicer look…??
Facilitate link between national and sectoral qualifications
Decentralisation and self-certification

32. Consultation
Europe-wide consultation process from July to December 2005:
32 countries in ‘Education and Training 2010’
Bologna follow-up group
European Social Partner organisations
Fine..perhaps a way to give it nicer look…??
Industry & sector organisations
Education and training NGOs

33. Consultation — Results
Input to drafting of Council and EP Recommendation in Spring 2006
Support from the new Integrated Lifelong Learning Programme
Fine..perhaps a way to give it nicer look…??

34. Draft proposal for a Bulgarian NQF !