Over the last decade, the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) has been developed and implemented across Europe. These have to be compatible with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF), the common European framework that aims to promote the mobility of citizens between countries and to facilitate lifelong learning. The national frameworks must also be compatible with the qualifications framework for the European Higher Education Area (EHEA).

In the Norwegian Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning (NKR), the upper levels (6–8) are reserved for higher academic education. However, there are indications that there is a need to make it possible to also pursue vocational education above level 5 in the NKR. This study identifies two model structures that enable the placement of higher vocational education above level 5 in the NKR.

The first model structure is an umbrella structure (Model A), while the second is a parallel structure (Model B). The umbrella structure is based on the idea that a learning outcome can be achieved in different ways, and that learning outcomes, no matter how they are achieved, can be gathered under one and the same umbrella. A majority of European countries have chosen this structure.

The parallel structure is instead based on the idea that the learning outcome is different depending on how and in what environment the individual has achieved it. The parallel tracks should clarify the difference and show that the centre of gravity in the different descriptors is different. Few countries in Europe have chosen this structure.

Within each of the model structures, we present two models. Model A.1 and A.2 are based on an umbrella structure while models B.1 and B.2 are based on a parallel structure. Our study found that model A.2 and model B.2 would be the most appropriate in a Norwegian perspective, at least the long term.

[report in Norwegian]

Göran Melin
Partner

Amanda Bengtsson Jallow
This person no longer works at Technopolis Group

Mikaela Almerud
Managing Partner