UK Education Levels Breakdown

From school to university, education in the UK is divided into, and defined by, levels. There are eight total levels (numbered 1-8) defined in the RQF and 12 total levels (numbered 1-12) defined in the SCQF. These levels are set as a standard which means the nature and volume of study at a certain level will be the same everywhere. England, Wales and Northern Ireland follow the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) and Scotland follows the Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework (SCQF).

For this guide, I’ll be focussing on higher education levels (Level 4 and above) only. Higher education is defined as study undertaken after completing school, typically taking place in universities and colleges.

Here’s everything you need to know about what the different higher education levels are, what qualifications fall under each level, and how the Scottish levels compare to the rest of the UK.

What level is a Masters?

Masters degrees are level 7 qualifications. It's the level before PhD (level 8), making it the stepping stone to the highest level of qualification you can achieve.

What are the different higher education levels?

Higher education levels are numbered 4-8 and cover everything between Certificates of Higher Education (CertHE) to a PhD. Before we move on, there is one thing we need to clarify. The level of education is simply a classification for different qualifications, they determine the difficulty, depth and outcome of study.

Let’s see what qualifications fall under each higher education level.

Level 4

Level 4 qualifications are the first step into higher education and the first level after secondary education (Levels 1-3). They often act as a bridge between school and university. Some examples of Level 4 qualifications are:

Higher National Certificate (HNC)
Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE)
Level 4 awards, diplomas and certificates
Higher apprenticeship

Level 5

Level 5 qualifications set you up for higher university degrees, giving you knowledge of a subject that goes beyond school and secondary education. Some examples of Level 5 qualifications are:

Foundation degree
Higher National Diploma (HND)
Diploma of Higher education (DipHE)
Level 5 awards, diplomas and certificates

Level 6

Level 6 qualifications are earned at the degree level. The most common qualification earned at Level 6 is a Bachelors degree. It is the first step for those looking to pursue a Masters degree. Some examples of Level 6 qualifications are:

Bachelors degree
Graduate Diploma
Graduate Certificate
Level 6 award, diplomas and certificates
Degree apprenticeship

Level 7

A Level 7 qualification is equivalent to a Masters degree. If you’re looking to build in-depth knowledge of a subject, a Level 7 degree is the way to go. It is also the penultimate qualification level (for outside of Scotland), becoming a common stepping stone for those wanting to pursue a PhD. Some examples of Level 7 qualifications are:

Masters degree
Integrated Masters degree
PGCE
Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip)
Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert)
Level 7 awards, diplomas and certificates

Level 8

The highest level of education (outside of Scotland), a Level 8 qualification, is equivalent to a PhD and other doctoral degrees. Once completed, you’ll have become a fully qualified doctor (although not medically, unless that’s been your degree of choice). Some examples of Level 8 qualifications are:

PhD and other doctoral degrees
Level 8 awards, diplomas and certificates

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework

Like the RQF in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the SCQF is the name of the structure of qualifications in Scotland. It’s similar to the RQF and recognises the same qualifications but the SCQF is made up of 12 levels.

Here’s how the SCQF levels compare to the ones used in the rest of the UK.

RQF Level	SCQF Level	Qualification
Level 4	Level 7	Certificates of Higher Education
Level 5	Level 8	Diplomas of Higher Education Higher National Diplomas
Level 6	Level 9	Bachelors degree Graduate Diplomas Graduate Certificates
	Level 10	Bachelors degree with Honours
Level 7	Level 11	Masters degree PG Cert PG Dip
Level 8	Level 12	PhD and other doctoral degrees

How can you move between the levels of education?

The levels of education are hierarchical which means the volume and complexity of study increases with each level. So, you’re also likely to move from one level to the next. For example, you’re likely to move from a Bachelors to a Masters to a PhD. However, there are exceptions to this rule as it is possible to jump from a Bachelors to a PhD.

There is no rule on studying at a lower level than, or the same level as, your last qualification. So, you should be able to study another Masters even if you’ve already completed one. However, you’ll need to consider the costs (you’ll not be able to get another PG loan if you already have a Masters) and any visa restrictions if you’re an international student. Remember, a second similar degree is a big commitment so make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons.

You’ll often find these education levels mentioned in course entry requirements and job requirements, so it’s important to understand how they work. They are also a good indicator for how an international qualification matches to ones in the UK. However, check with your university first about how your international qualification translates to the UK system before committing to anything.

Now that you know what these education levels are and hopefully have an idea about what you’re aiming for, find your perfect Level 7 qualification on FindAMasters.com

Tips from the author

UK higher education levels might sound complicated, but they’re really just a standard way of ranking qualifications by difficulty and depth. Level 4 is your entry point into higher education, while Level 8 is the peak — the doctorate level. Scotland’s SCQF uses different numbers, but the concept and standards are essentially the same as the RQF used elsewhere in the UK.

When planning your next step, always check where your current qualification sits in the framework. This will help you see whether you can progress up a level, jump levels entirely, or even study at the same level in a different subject. And remember — moving “sideways” or “down” a level isn’t a bad thing if it supports your long-term academic or career goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between the RQF and SCQF?

The RQF is used in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, while the SCQF is used in Scotland. They have different numbering systems but are aligned in terms of qualification difficulty and learning outcomes.

Can I skip directly to a higher level of study?

In some cases, yes. For example, it’s possible to go from a Bachelors degree straight to a PhD if your academic and research background is strong enough.

Can I study at the same level more than once?

Yes — you can take another qualification at the same level, like doing a second Masters, though you should check funding rules and consider whether it’s the right choice for you.

How do UK higher education levels compare internationally?

They’re matched based on learning outcomes and difficulty, but exact equivalence can vary. It’s best to check with your university to confirm how your qualification will be recognised.

What’s the highest level of higher education in the UK?

Level 8 in the RQF and Level 12 in the SCQF — equivalent to a PhD or other doctoral degree.

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