Apprenticeship glossary

SCQF

What does SCQF mean?

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework, Scotland's system of levels. Its numbers don't match England's: SCQF Level 6 is the level of a Higher, but Level 6 in England is degree level.

Find out more

Guide Apprenticeships in Scotland Foundation, Modern and Graduate Apprenticeships explained: who can apply, what SCQF levels mean, how long each one takes and what you get paid in Scotland. Applies to: Scotland
Higher (Scotland)
The main qualification Scottish pupils take in S5 and S6, at SCQF Level 6. Many employers accept Highers in place of A levels.
Graduate Apprenticeship
Scotland's version of a degree apprenticeship. You work and study part-time at university for a degree from SCQF Level 9 (Ordinary degree) to Level 11 (Master's), over two to five years.
Modern Apprenticeship
Scotland's main apprenticeship: a paid job with training, from SCQF Level 4/5 up to Level 11. There are over 100 types and most take one to four years.
National 4
A Scottish qualification at SCQF Level 4, one level below National 5. Some Scottish Foundation Apprenticeships are at SCQF Level 4/5.
Ordinary degree
A bachelor's degree without honours. In Scotland it's at SCQF Level 9, the starting level for Graduate Apprenticeships.
Level
How advanced an apprenticeship's qualification is. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland they run from Level 2 (like GCSEs) to Level 7 (like a master's degree). Scotland uses SCQF levels instead.

Definitions are our own plain-English summaries. Where we give figures, they come from the official sources listed on the linked guide or profile. Rules can change, so check the official source before you make decisions.