A
- Awarding Organisation (AO)Awarding Organisation
- A body recognised by Ofqual to design, develop and award regulated qualifications. The AO sets the curriculum and issues certificates — it is separate from the institution that delivers teaching.
D
- Distance LearningDistance Learning / Online Study
- A mode of study where all learning materials, assessments and tutor contact take place remotely — no campus attendance required. All LEAP Education programmes are fully online.
F
- FHEQFramework for Higher Education Qualifications
- The framework used for UK higher education qualifications (certificates, diplomas, and degrees). A BA or BSc (Hons) is typically FHEQ Level 6. LEAP delivers online; the degree is awarded by the university partner named in your offer letter, not by Ofqual.
L
- Level 5RQF Level 5
- Equivalent in difficulty to the second year of a UK undergraduate degree (HND level). Level 5 Diplomas are widely accepted for professional roles and progression to Level 6 top-up programmes.
- Level 6RQF Level 6
- Equivalent in difficulty to a full UK Bachelor's degree. Level 6 qualifications are recognised by employers for professional and managerial roles.
- Level 7RQF Level 7
- Equivalent in difficulty to postgraduate study (similar to the taught stage of a UK master's). A Level 7 Diploma is an Ofqual-regulated qualification awarded by an awarding organisation. An MBA is a full master's degree awarded by a university — often after a Level 7 diploma or equivalent entry. Check the Ofqual Register for diploma reference numbers.
N
- NQualNational Qualifications
- An Ofqual-recognised awarding organisation offering regulated qualifications in health and social care, childcare, and education sectors.
O
- OfqualOffice of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation
- The government body in England that regulates qualifications, examinations and assessments. A qualification listed on the Ofqual Register is legally recognised across England.
- OTHMOTHM Qualifications
- An Ofqual-recognised awarding organisation based in the UK, offering regulated qualifications primarily in business, management, health, and education at Levels 3–7.
- Ofqual RegisterRegister of Regulated Qualifications
- The publicly searchable database at register.ofqual.gov.uk listing every qualification regulated in England. A qualification's reference code can be searched to confirm it is genuinely regulated.
Q
- QualifiQualifi Ltd
- An Ofqual-recognised awarding organisation providing regulated qualifications at Levels 3–7, with a focus on business, leadership, IT, and health.
R
- RQFRegulated Qualifications Framework
- The system used to organise qualifications in England. Qualifications on the RQF are assigned a level (1–8) and a size (Award, Certificate, Diploma) based on content and difficulty.
T
- Top-Up DegreeTop-Up Degree Programme
- A one-year programme that converts an existing Level 5 or Level 6 qualification into a full Bachelor's or Master's degree. Completing an OTHM or Qualifi Level 6 Diploma can allow progression to a top-up degree at a UK university.
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