Degree vs other level 6 qualifications

[ToniTheDonkey]

I’ve read that degrees are level 6 qualifications. How does a degree compare to other level 6 qualifications? Is one “better” than the other? Or will a degree always be best? Does the grade (whether a degree is a 1st, 2:1, 2:2 or 3rd and whether the other L6 qualification is a pass, credit, merit or distinction) make a difference on which is “best” ?

I can't at this moment in time think what other Level 6 qualification wouldn't be a degree? What do you mean other level 6 qualifications?

Level 6 apprenticeships are degrees too op!
Can you give an example. That may help decipher your post.

@lovelemoncurd

I can't at this moment in time think what other Level 6 qualification wouldn't be a degree? What do you mean other level 6 qualifications?

Level 6 apprenticeships are degrees too op!
Can you give an example. That may help decipher your post.

My qualification certificate says “level 6 diploma”. According to Gov.uk, Level 6 qualifications are: degree apprenticeship degree with honours - for example bachelor of the arts (BA) hons, bachelor of science (BSc) hons graduate certificate graduate diploma level 6 award level 6 certificate level 6 diploma level 6 NVQ ordinary degree without honours

Roo a degree is level 4,5 and 6 not 1, 2 and 3!

I think what I’m trying to understand is along these lines.....A levels are level 3, but an A level at grade A is better than an A level at grade C. Is a degree that is a first better than a Level 6 qualification that is a distinction/merit (whichever is higher)? Or is a degree that is a 3rd still better than a Level 6 qualification that is a distinction/merit simply because it is a degree?

I have a degree and a level 6 in another subject through my job. Let me tell you they are in absolutely no way equivalent in any way. The degree took 3 years intensive work of essays, research projects and exams. The level 6 took 6 months, a couple of short essay type answers, some interviews and a few observations.
Nobody outside my specific work sector would rate that level 6 in any way.
Level 6 vs degree is comparing apples with ironing boards.

@fantasmasgoria1 I'm in my third year and despite being a level 4, 5 and 6 my course is classed as level 1, 2 and 3. With level 1 being year 1 and so on. Strange as it dosnt make sense but there you go.

The level is the academic standard. It says nothing about how 'big' the qualification is. A degree is level 4 plus level 5 plus level 6. 120 credits for each level. A stand alone level 6 qualification might simply be the equivalent of one 15 credit L6 module. So the two are not really comparable as recognising the full breadth of knowledge of the person.

My friend did a Diploma in Management and Business (level 6). Two years part time whilst working. She then qualified for, and completed, an MBA programme. Again 2 years part time. No the Diploma is not the same as a "standard" degree but it is frequently taken whilst people are working and have experience in their field of work so they are complimentary qualifications. They often are a better vehicle for promotion for mature employees. For an 18 year old, the degree route is better. For a mature person, the Diploma followed by a professional qualification could be better if they do not have a degree.

Ah, so the L6 qualification is the same level as a degree, but only like a miniature degree.
Thanks for explaining.

@ToniTheDonkey

Ah, so the L6 qualification is the same level as a degree, but only like a miniature degree. Thanks for explaining.

Maybe a Shetland pony rather than a cart horse!

Interesting, would a level 7 apprenticeship be valued the same as a traditional masters?

@BeakyWinder

Interesting, would a level 7 apprenticeship be valued the same as a traditional masters?

Most come with a Masters qual don't they? I think the solicitor one doesn't, but as it gives qualified status I don't think that would matter as it's Law Soc approved.

Issue generally is that employers know what a undergraduate degree and Masters are - they are much less familiar with what a Level 6 or Level 7 means.

@titchy true, I'd be interested in the CIMA qual so at the end I'd be a management accountant so the masters part is not as relevant I suppose.

The post degree qualification needed by solicitors is level 7. It’s post degree for most but could be via part time study as with the earlier example I gave. Obviously some people might have an MLaw and be fully qualified solicitors.

Surely it depends on the industry you go into? Some places need certain specific qualifications. Why not look at jobs websites and have a look at what is common in a sector (doesn’t mean it is the the only thing that is considered though!)

Most people do know if a job is degree level entry and 21 year olds are expected to apply. If it’s plumbing, obviously not. Many careers have mature people entering or job holders who have hit a ceiling because they lack qualifications. Then part time is a great idea whilst you work. Getting jobs like that these days can be the issue though. Hence degree holders are often employed as their training can be shorter, eg engineering, HR, solicitors etc.

CIMA is a professional qualification and a lot more valuable for your chosen career than a Masters!

Think of all the practical experience you have had to undertake to get CIMA qualified. Some CIMA qualifieds go onto take an MBA afterwards, but have got through E3, P3,F3 and the SCS, most never want to see another exam paper again.

@Hoghgyni CIMA are now offering a level 7 apprenticeship with the same content as the traditional qual so it would be a masters level management accounting qualifications, but I'm wondering if it would be viewed the same by an employer, it should be!

I can assure you that it is viewed in exactly the same way as CIMA has always been, a great professional qualification, of far more use than a Masters. Employers are using the apprenticeship to access the funds that they are paying into the Apprenticeship Levy. I have a vested interested in this one.

CIMA, ICAEW & ACCA are all 9offering exactly the same thing. The majority of students starting each of the 3 qualifications under the apprenticeship route has sky rocketed. The apprentices have a few more skills to prove, so it's a win win for the employers.

These apprentices could well be existing employees. This becomes difficult for the 18 year olds wanting an apprenticeship route as these opportunities have plummeted. The employees who become apprentices might have degrees already - like my DD in a different field.

The accountancy apprenticeships are the standard entry route now for graduates & school leavers. The school leavers usually do level 4 AAT or go straight into ICAEW whilst the grads start level 7.

@Hoghgyni

The accountancy apprenticeships are the standard entry route now for graduates & school leavers. The school leavers usually do level 4 AAT or go straight into ICAEW whilst the grads start level 7.

Exactly my situation. Have exemptions towards CIMA from my degree so it's a win win to have it funded via my employer + the govt. funding