Help:Academic level
In the context of the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) maintained by UNESCO, an academic level refers to the hierarchical classification of educational programs based on the degree of complexity and specialization of their content. It spans from foundational learning to advanced specialized research.
In the context of the European Qualifications Framework (EQF), "level" is defined as a position in a hierarchy of eight reference levels based on learning outcomes. Among them, levels 5 to 8 are considered academic or corresponding to Higher Education Cycles. These 4 levels are considered within the Spanish Framework of Qualifications for Higher Education (Marco Español de Cualificaciones para la Educación Superior-MECES) as levels 1 to 4. Below those levels, EQF 2 corresponds to completion of secondary education when the full school-leaving certificate is not obtained or specific vocational programs for special needs; EQF 3 corresponds to full graduation from compulsory secondary education (ESO) or first level of professional certificates; EQF 4 correspond to High School Diploma (Bachillerato) and Intermediate Vocational Technician degrees -being the gateway to either the labor market as a qualified technician or to higher education (University or Higher Vocational Education).
| ISCED Level | English Descriptor | Spanish Descriptor | Observation | EQF Level | MECES Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Lower secondary education | Educación secundaria baja | Compulsory secondary education is completed without full graduation. | 2 | — |
| 3 | Upper secondary education | Educación secundaria alta | Full graduation from compulsory secondary educ. | 3 | — |
| High School Diploma (Bachillerato) and Intermediate Vocational Technician degrees | 4 | — | |||
| 4 | Post-secondary non-tertiary education | Educación postsecundaria no terciaria | |||
| 5 | Short-cycle tertiary education | Educación terciaria de ciclo corto | Higher vocational training (non-university higher education) | 5 | 1 (Higher Technician) |
| 6 | Bachelor's or equivalent level | Grado en educación terciaria o equivalente | Standard 4-year university degree (Bachelor's). | 6 | 2 (Bachelor's Degree) |
| 7 | Master's or equivalent level | Maestría, especialización o equivalente | Advanced university specialization (1–2 years). | 7 | 3 (Master's Degree) |
| 8 | Doctoral or equivalent level | Doctorado o equivalente | The highest academic level (research and thesis) | 8 | 4 (Doctorate) |