SLQF: National framework in order to standardise High.Ed. qualifications

Sri Lanka Qualifications Framework (SLQF) which seeks to create an integral National framework for learning achievements, by recognising and accrediting qualifications offered by various institutions engaged in Higher Education (HE) and Vocational Training (VT) in Sri Lanka, will be implemented within the next 4 months, said Higher Education & Highways Ministry Secretary, D.C. Dissanayaka.

He said the system would have many benefits for students, as the standardisation would be equivalent to such systems in place in more than 140 countries, and would be at an internationally prescribed standard.

He said the SLQF is an important element of systems development in the HE sector, which at the end offers a transparent and coherent framework for the learner to optimize his/ her objective of learning throughout life, while at the same time improving many vital aspects of learning and assessing the learning process.

The SLQF applies to all HE Institutions (HEI), both public and private, which provide post-secondary Education.

The SLQF has been drafted under the guidance of Senior LecturerDept of Mathematics, University of Kelaniya, Dr Upali Mampitiya.

It comprises 12 levels and descriptions of each level is comprehensively defined. As the volume of learning is considered in the SLQF, the number of credits to be earned by students for each qualification is also given. With the objective of a uniform system in naming a qualification, the designators and qualifiers of each qualification have been identified in the SLQF.

The abbreviations for each qualification were also identified to maintain uniformity. The purposes and scope, and attributes expected for the award of each qualification, as well as the minimum admission requirements, along with possible progression opportunities, are also stated in the SLQF.

The SLQF integrates the National Vocational Qualifications Framework (NVQF) developed by the Tertiary & Vocational Education Commission and the pathways of lateral mobility between the Vocational Education sector and the HE sector have also been identified. The SLQF helps in the recognition of accredited prior learning, to facilitate the vertical mobility within the HE system.

The SLQF also contributes to the evaluation of qualifications obtained from cross border HEIs, as the levels identified within this framework are based on the learning outcomes of the qualification holders. The SLQF will assist in the evaluation and recognition of qualifications offered by Sri Lankan HEIs, and this will be useful to the qualification holders to identify the level of their qualifications. In addition, the SLQF will assist potential employers to know the level of learning and the attributes of a particular qualification holder.

Mr Dissanayaka said that, with the globalisation of HE, national qualifications frameworks have been developed in many countries, and these have not only helped evaluate the HE qualifications obtained from different countries, but also facilitated the appropriate international interpretation of national qualification levels.

The objectives of the SLQF are to enhance the quality of HE and Training at all levels; facilitate access to higher learning and thereby, contribute to full personal development of learners and to social and economic development of the country; enhance equity in HE, training and employment opportunities; assist employers to identify levels of knowledge, skills and competencies of qualification holders; develop positive attitudes in qualification holders; facilitate lateral and vertical mobility, and progression within HE and career pathways; provide guidance in comparing qualifications offered by different institutions; help in developing HE and VT programmes at appropriate levels; recognize prior learning; and promote lifelong learning.

The SLQF consists of 12 levels. Levels 1-2 are senior secondary education qualifications. Levels 3-6 are undergraduate qualifications. Levels 7-12 are postgraduate qualifications. The levels are not necessarily directly related to the years of study.

The SLQF comprises 3 qualification types:

(I) Senior Secondary LevelCertificate and Advanced Certificate (II) Undergraduate Level- Diploma, Higher Diploma, Bachelors and Bachelors Honours (III) Postgraduate Level- Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, Masters and Doctorate (DW)