National Diploma (UK)

A National Diploma is a standard academic qualification, offered by most further education colleges and universities in the United Kingdom. The title National Diploma is used in a variety of ways, however most are undergraduate qualifications rated at levels 3 on the National Qualifications Framework and rising to Level 5 for the Higher National Diploma. Some professional National Diplomas are rated at Level 6, but these are usually awarded by an independent body, recognising specialist study in a particular field.

The most common National Diplomas in the UK are those awarded by BTEC. BTEC National Diplomas are awarded in numerous subjects, standardised programmes of study which are offered by colleges and universities nationwide. Many colleges, universities and externally examining bodies will also offer their own independently devised National Diploma courses.

For higher levels, compare with the FHEQ system.
Level 8
Level 7
City & Guilds Membership, National Diploma*, BTEC Advanced Professional Diploma*, Level 5 NVQ
Level 6
City & Guilds Associateship, City & Guilds Graduateship, NEBOSH National Diploma, National Diploma*, BTEC Advanced Professional Diploma*Level 5 NVQ
Level 5
Level 4
Level 3
Level 2
Level 1
City & Guilds Level 1, Level 1 NVQ, GCSE (grades D-G), Foundation Diploma, BTEC Introductory Diploma, Introductory Certificate, Skills for Life*
Entry
  • certain subjects fall under this level.