Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) is the national credit transfer system for all levels of qualifications in Scotland. Awards are classified under the framework at levels, and study undertaken at that level is valued in credit points. The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework Partnership promotes lifelong learning in the country. Through the SCQF, learners can gain a better understanding of qualifications and plan their future learning. The SCQF is in the custody of, and managed by, the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework Partnership (SCQF Partnership). Since its creation in November 2006 the SCQF Partnership, which is a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity, has aimed to: ensure that, where appropriate, all assessed learning and qualifications are included within the Framework and extend the recognition of informal and non-formal learning; fully develop and promote the Framework as a lifelong learning tool; and develop relationships with other frameworks internationally. Its members are the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education; College Development Network; the Scottish Qualifications Authority; and Universities Scotland. In addition, there is a Co-opted Director representing employer interests and another co-option is the Chair of the SCQFP Quality Committee. The Framework has 12 levels. Study undertaken at any level is given a credit value. Obtaining a qualification will require a certain number of credit points of study to have been obtained. Each credit is equivalent to a notional 10 hours of study. The Scottish credit point requirements can be converted into European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) credit points as follows, or by simply halving the Scottish values to arrive at the European equivalent: Entry requirements at institutions are usually expressed in terms of both points and level, e.g. "a points at b level". Credit points obtained from study at lower levels can be counted towards a qualification, whether by study within the institution or by awarding through transfer, but this is at the discretion of the awarding institution.