New Sector and Subject Categories UK NRP take an active role in the New Sector and Subject Categories working group. The group is led by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA). The group is working towards the development and implementation of a single categorisation of sector/subject areas for the UK.
What are the New Sector and Subject Categories?
The new sector and subject categories aim to provide a single, consistent, subject framework for use in classifying and reporting on UK qualifications. The main effect will be the development of a clear classification of disciplines relevant to all UK awards. This in turn will facilitate transparency in progression routes, assisting education providers, agencies and related bodies as well as the public.
Intended uses for the categorisation vary. It is primarily a classification tool and as such will be used in reports, qualifications, search facilities and descriptions.
The categories consist of 15 First Tier sector areas, which are further subdivided into 50 Second Tier subject areas. Each tier covers both academic and vocational areas.
UK NRP and the Sector and Subject Categories:
UK NRP has made a significant contribution to the development of the sector and subject categories. Through our extensive experience working with and researching into educational systems, frameworks and classifications from overseas, we have been able to provide an insight into potential problems in development and implementation.
UK NRP were also able to offer specialist knowledge into subject areas relevant to vocational study and occupational outcomes, from the extensive research carried out in the development of the UK VET Qualifications Catalogue.
Departments / Agencies involved:
There are a variety of departments and agencies involved in the development of the sector and subject categories. These range from government departments to adult and further education advisory bodies and higher education authorities. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are also well represented.
Organisations involved include:
Adult Learning Inspectorate (Ali)
Connexions
Department for Education and Skills (DfES)
Department for Employment and Learning Northern Ireland (DELNI)
Education and Learning Wales (ELWa)
Estyn (Her Majesty's Inspectorate For Education and Training in Wales)
Foundation Degree Forward (FDF)
Higher Education and Funding Council for England (HEFCE)
Higher Education and Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW)
Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA)
Learning and Skills Council (LSC)
Northern Ireland Council for the Curriculum Examinations and Assessment (CCEA)
Northern Ireland Education and Training Inspectorate
Office for Standards in Education (OfSTED)
Qualifications, Curriculum and Assessment Authority for Wales (ACCAC)
Quality Assurance Agency (QAA)
Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA)
Sector Skills Development Agency (SSDA)
Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS)
University for Industry (Ufi) / LearnDirect
For a list of the New Sector and Subject Categories
please click here.
