"The higher education qualifications awarded
by universities and colleges are at five levels. In ascending order,
these are the Certificate, Intermediate, Honours, Masters and Doctoral
levels.
The holder of a Certificate of Higher
Education will have a sound knowledge of the basic concepts of a subject,
and will have learned how to take different approaches to solving problems…
Holders of qualifications (at Intermediate
level) will have developed a sound understanding of the principles in
their field of study, and will have learned to apply those principles
more widely. Through this, they will have learned to evaluate the appropriateness
of different approaches to solving problems.
An Honours graduate will have developed
an understanding of a complex body of knowledge, some of it at the current
boundaries of an academic discipline. Through this, the graduate will
have developed analytical techniques and problem-solving skills that
can be applied in many types of employment. The graduate will be able
to evaluate evidence, arguments and assumptions, to reach sound judgements,
and to communicate effectively.
Much of the study undertaken at Masters
level will have been at, or informed by, the forefront of an academic
or professional discipline. Students will have shown originality in
the application of knowledge, and they will understand how the boundaries
of knowledge are advanced through research. They will be able to deal
with complex issues both systematically and creatively, and they will
show originality in tackling and solving problems.
Doctorates are awarded for the creation
and interpretation of knowledge, which extends the forefront of a discipline,
usually through original research. Holders of doctorates will be able
to conceptualise, design and implement projects for the generation of
significant new knowledge and/or understanding."
