OSH Programme Mapping
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the National Framework of Qualifications (NQF)?
The NFQ is a framework or structure to compare the levels and standards of various qualifications. This helps students make decisions about their qualification choices and look at progression opportunities available to them.
Who makes awards in the NFQ?
As a result of the Qualifications (Education and Training) Act, 1999, a number of awarding bodies have a statutory basis to make awards in Ireland and have had their qualifications included in the NFQ. These bodies include Universities which make awards at NFQ Levels 7-10.
My Certificate/ Diploma/Degree award was made before the introduction of the NFQ - is it recognised?
The NFQ was introduced in 2003. CSHW Certificate, Degree and Diploma programmes have been mapped to the NFQ since Modularisation began in UCD, i.e., since September 2005.
Please check the tables below, to find out what Programme/Year/Level applies to you:
Postgraduate Awards
| Programme | Year of Award | Credits | NFQ level |
| MSc in OSH | 2008 to date | 90 | 9 |
| Grad Dip in OSH | 2010 to date | 60 | 9 |
| MApplSc (SHWW) | 2006 to date | 90 | 9 |
| MApplSc (SHWW) | Pre-2006 | n/a | Not mapped |
Undergraduate Awards
| Programme | Year of Award | Credits | NFQ level |
| BSc in OSH Mgmt | 2006 to 2010 | 180 (inc 90 from DipSHWW) | 8 |
| BSc in OSH Mgmt | Pre-2006 | n/a | Not mapped |
| HDipSHWW | 2009 to date | 90 | 8 |
| DipSHWW | 2006 to 2008 | 90 | 7 |
| DipSHWW | Pre-2006 | n/a | Not mapped |
| CertSHW | 2008 to date | 20 | 7 |
| CertSHW | 2006 to 2007 | 15 | Not mapped |
| CertSHW | Pre-2006 | n/a | Not mapped |
How do I know what standard of knowledge and skill applies to each NFQ level?
The NFQ consists of a system of ten levels, based on standards of knowledge, skill and competence associated with that level. The best illustration of this is the NFQ fan which incorporates the levels and awards made for the different kinds of learning.
Are there equivalent UCD levels to the NFQ levels?
Since 2005, Academic Council has approved UCD Level Descriptors which equate with the NFQ. To look at the various skills and competencies required for each UCD level and equivalent NFQ level, please read the UCD Level Descriptors document.
Are there equivalent UK levels to the NFQ levels?
The Irish awarding bodies and the UK awarding and qualifications regulatory bodies have undertaken an exercise to cross reference the qualifications frameworks in the UK and Ireland. The exercise resulted in Qualifications can cross boundaries- a rough guide to comparing qualifications in the UK and Ireland. This leaflet is a useful guide for employers, learners and other interested parties, designed to enable broad comparisons to be drawn between qualifications and their levels In Ireland, Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Further Information
UCD School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Population Science
Centre for Safety and Health at Work
Woodview House
University College Dublin
Belfield,
Dublin 4,
Ireland
Tel: +353 1 716 3420
Fax: +353 1 716 3421
Email: cshw@ucd.ie