Australian Bureau of Statistics Classification of Qualifications (ABSCQ)
The ABSCQ is a classification used to describe post-secondary educational qualifications. It contains separate classifications for Level of Attainment and Field of Study.
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF)
The AQF is a unified system of twelve national qualifications in schools, vocational education and training and the higher education sector.
Australian Standard Classification of Education (ASCED)
The ASCED is a national standard classification which includes all sectors of the Australian education system; that is, schools, Vocational Education and Training and Higher education. From 2001 ASCED replaces a number of classifications used in administrative and statistical systems, including the ABSCQ. The ASCED comprises two classifications: Level of Education and Field of Education. See the Australian Standard Classification of Education (ASCED), 2001 (Cat. no. 1272.0).
Classification of Higher Education Discipline Groups
The Classification of Higher Education Discipline Groups describes the primary subject matter content of an education module, independent of the context in which it may be taught. It is used to classify branches of learning in the higher education sector.
Discipline Groups - Vocational Education and Training (VET)
Discipline Groups - VET is an extension of the Classification of Higher Education Discipline Groups to suit the requirements of the VET sector.
Field of education
Field of Education is defined as the subject matter of an educational activity. It is categorised according to the Australian Standard Classification of Education (ASCED) Field of Education classification.
Field of Study Classification of Higher Education Courses (FOSCHEC)
FOSCHEC is a classification used to describe higher education courses. Fields of study are grouped on the basis of similarity of potential vocations rather than similarity of content and the classification was developed specifically for the categorisation of courses to fields of study.
Field of Study Classification of Tertiary Education Courses (FOSCTEC)
FOSCTEC is a classification used to describe vocational education and training courses. Fields of study groups were determined by the similarity of potential vocations rather than similarity of content. It is based on FOSCHEC with additional fields for vocational education and training purposes.
International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED)
ISCED was developed by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to facilitate comparisons of education statistics and indicators within and between countries. It was originally endorsed at the General Conference of UNESCO in 1978. The current version (ISCED 1997) was officially adopted in November 1997.
Level of Education
Level of Education is defined as a function of the quality and quantity of learning involved in an educational activity. It is categorised according to the Australian Standard Classification of Education (ASCED) Level of Education classification.
Non-school qualification
Non-school qualifications are awarded for educational attainments other than those of pre-primary, primary or secondary education. They include qualifications at the Post Graduate Degree Level, Master Degree Level, Graduate Diploma and Graduate Certificate Level, Bachelor Degree Level, Advanced Diploma and Diploma Level, and Certificates I, II, III and IV levels. Non-school qualifications may be attained concurrently with school qualifications.
Qualification
Formal certification, issued by a relevant approved body, in recognition that a person has achieved learning outcomes or competencies relevant to identified individual, professional, industry or community needs. Statements of attainment awarded for partial completion of a course of study at a particular level are excluded.
Register of Australian Tertiary Education (RATE)
The RATE was established in 1990 to provide a framework and set of principles for course classification, length and names of qualifications covering Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions and universities but did not register award courses. Where institutions were not empowered to accredit their own courses, statutory bodies in each State and territory did so. RATE was replaced by the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) in 1995.
School study
School study is participation in primary or secondary level education, regardless of the institution or location where the study is or was undertaken. It therefore includes such study undertaken in a Technical and Further Education (TAFE) or other institution.
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