The International Context
The National Framework of Qualifications places the learner at the centre of the education and training system in Ireland. Similar developments are taking place in many countries, across Europe and worldwide. The NFQ is significant for learners, providers and employers in this international context. Qualifications (awards) in the NFQ are recognised in Ireland and abroad.
Benefits of the NFQ
Individuals with qualifications recognised through the NFQ have advantages if contemplating moving abroad for further study or for employment. All qualifications in the NFQ are recognised at home and abroad.
There are also benefits for providers offering programmes (courses) leading to qualifications recognised through the NFQ.
Employers, in Ireland or abroad, can recruit from a larger group of potential employees when their qualifications are understood.
Qualifications recognised through the NFQ are quality assured. This means that the programme leading to the qualification, and the institution providing it, are reviewed regularly. Quality assurance is intended to ensure that all learners have a high quality learning experience regardless of where they study.
European Frameworks
There are two qualifications frameworks at European level. Both of them provide additional information to help understand countries’ education systems. These frameworks support individuals moving to different countries, whether for further study or for employment.
These are known as meta-frameworks or over-arching frameworks because they help explain how qualifications from one country’s education system compare to other countries’ education systems. The NFQ remains the most important reference point for the individual because the European frameworks can “translate” this to see how it compares to other countries.
The two European frameworks are the ‘Bologna framework’, which deals with higher education (NFQ Levels 6 to 10); and the European Qualifications Framework (EQF), which deals with all levels of the NFQ including schools, further education and training, and higher education and training.
The full name of the ‘Bologna framework’ is the Framework for Qualifications of the European Higher Education Area. The full name of the EQF is the European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning. The two European frameworks are compatible with each other.
The NFQ was referenced to the ‘Bologna framework’ in 2006 and was referenced to the EQF in June 2009. This means that qualifications in the NFQ can be looked at to decide how they compare to those of other countries. Qualifications in the NFQ are thus more widely recognised and easily understood abroad.
For further information, visit the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland website using these links:
Europass
Europass aims to help individuals to have their skills and qualifications clearly and easily understood in Europe. Europass consists of five standardised documents which help to describe learning achievements in a coherent manner across Europe. This supports individuals moving between countries. The documents are:
- Europass Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Europass Language Passport
- Europass Mobility
- Europass Certificate Supplement
- Europass Diploma Supplement
See them at: www.europass.ie.
