What do Qualification Levels mean in England, Wales and Northern Ireland?

There are 9 qualification levels in England, Wales and Northern Ireland:

• Entry Level including Skills for Life qualifications
• Level 1 including GCSE grades 3, 2, 1 or grades D, E, F, G
• Level 2 including GCSE grades 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4 or grades A*, A, B, C, level 2 Awards/Certificates/Diplomas & NVQ level 2 & Level 2 Apprenticeships
• Level 3 including A Level, Access to Higher Education Diploma, Level 3 Awards/Certificates/Diplomas (eg BTYEC or Cambridge Technicals) & Advanced Level 3 Apprenticeships
• Level 4 including Higher Level 4 Apprenticeships, Higher National Certificates (HNCs) & Level 4 Awards/Certificates/Diplomas
• Level 5 including Foundation Degrees, Higher National Diplomas (HNDs), Level 5 Awards/Certificates/Diplomas, Level 5 NVQs
• Level 6 including Degree with Honours, ordinary Degree without Honours, Level 6 Awards/Certificates/Diplomas, Degree Apprenticeship, Level 6 NVQs
• Level 7 including Masters Degree, postgraduate Awards/Certificates/Diplomas, Level 7 NVQs
• Level 8 including Doctorate (PhD or DPhil), Level 8 Award/Certificate/Diploma

(these examples of types of qualifications are not exhaustive but intended for illustration and comparison)