§ Mr. BoswellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to develop the concept of associate and pass degrees for those unable to take a full degree; and at what national level of attainment they would be scored. [96118]
§ Mr. WicksAll qualifications in higher education should represent positive achievement at specified levels and should offer scope for further progression in lifelong learning. The independent Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education is consulting on proposals for a qualifications framework based on these principles. The framework will include provision for existing qualifications below honours degree level and is intended to be flexible enough to accommodate new qualifications that may be developed. The Government believe that there is an important place for high quality qualifications below honours degree level that are valued by employers.