Regulated by Ofqual and placed on the UK Regulated Qualifications Framework, these diplomas offer a structured, flexible route into university study and senior professional roles.
Compare a diploma with a degree stage by its level, not by its title.
| RQF level | Typical diplomas | Comparable UK academic level | Typical next step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 3 | Foundation Diploma, Extended Diploma, International Foundation Diploma | A Level / pre-university | Undergraduate Year 1 |
| Level 4 | Level 4 Diploma, BTEC HNC | First year of a bachelor's degree (CertHE) | Level 5 diploma or Year 2 entry |
| Level 5 | Level 5 Diploma, Extended Diploma, BTEC HND | Second year of a bachelor's degree (DipHE) | Final-year degree top-up |
| Level 6 | Level 6 Diploma | Bachelor's degree with honours | Master's study |
| Level 7 | Level 7 Diploma, Postgraduate Diploma | Master's degree / PGDip | Master's top-up, including MBA |
| Level 8 | Level 8 Diploma in Strategic Management & Leadership | Doctoral level | Professional doctorate such as a DBA |
RQF levels indicate academic difficulty and are used to compare qualifications; they do not change the title of the award. Progression and credit decisions are made by the receiving university. Source: GOV.UK — What qualification levels mean.
We match the awarding body and level to your background, subject and progression goal.
A UK awarding organisation established in 2003 and regulated by Ofqual. OTHM diplomas are widely used for advanced entry into the final year of a UK bachelor's degree and into master's top-up programmes.
A UK awarding organisation recognised by Ofqual. Qualifi offers diplomas from foundation to Level 8, with published progression routes into UK universities.
A UK awarding body that grew out of the National Computing Centre and has offered IT qualifications since 1976. Its Level 4 and Level 5 diplomas form the first and second years of a degree pathway.
BTEC is the vocational qualification brand of Pearson. BTEC Higher Nationals consist of the HNC (120 credits at Level 4) and the HND (a further 120 credits at Level 5).
Tell us where you are now and where you want to go — we will map the route.