Academic Framework
Academic Level & Equivalence Framework
One university-wide framework describing the academic position, typical educational reference and progression of every ICS AI University programme.
Important. Academic level describes academic position and progression only. Qualification title, awarding body, accreditation status and recognition status are recorded separately. Where a formal equivalence has not been established, we use the terms “Typical Educational Reference” and “Academic Position” rather than “equivalent to”.
Pathways
Levels 1–3 — Foundation & Pre-Higher-Education Pathway
Foundation through advanced secondary study, preparing for higher education.
Levels 4–6 — Undergraduate / Bachelor's Pathway
Level 6 is the Bachelor's degree level. Levels 4 and 5 are undergraduate stages within the pathway.
Levels 7–8 — Postgraduate & Doctoral Pathway
Level 7 is the Master's degree level; Level 8 is the doctoral level.
Academic progression
- 1Level 1 — Foundation
- 2Level 2 — Matric / O Level
- 3Level 3 — Intermediate / A Level
- 4Level 4 — Undergraduate Stage 1
- 5Level 5 — Undergraduate Stage 2
- 6Level 6 — Bachelor's degree level
- 7Level 7 — Master's degree level
- 8Level 8 — Doctoral / PhD level
Level definitions
| Level | Academic stage | Typical educational reference | UK framework position | Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 — Foundation | Foundation | Below secondary completion / foundation stage | Level 1 | Progresses to Level 2. |
| Level 2 | Secondary | Matric / O Level | Level 2 | Progresses to Level 3. |
| Level 3 | Advanced Secondary | Intermediate / A Level | Level 3 | Progresses to Level 4. |
| Level 4 — Undergraduate Stage 1 | Higher Education — Stage 1 | Undergraduate Year 1 / higher-education foundation stage | Level 4 | Progresses to Level 5. |
| Level 5 — Undergraduate Stage 2 | Higher Education — Stage 2 | Undergraduate Year 2 / higher-education diploma stage | Level 5 | Progresses to Level 6. |
| Level 6 — Bachelor's Degree Level | Undergraduate Degree | Bachelor's degree level | Level 6 | Progresses to Level 7. |
| Level 7 — Master's Degree Level | Postgraduate | Master's degree level | Level 7 | Progresses to Level 8. |
| Level 8 — Doctoral / PhD Level | Doctoral | Doctoral / PhD level | Level 8 | Terminal academic level. |
Mapped programmes
Level 2
AI in Medical & Diagnostics — Foundation
Typical educational reference: Matric / O Level, or equivalent professional experience.
Awarding body: Not yet arranged · Accreditation: In Preparation · Recognition: Not Established
Level 3
AI in Medical & Diagnostics — Applied
Typical educational reference: Intermediate / A Level, or the Level 2 Foundation programme.
Awarding body: Not yet arranged · Accreditation: In Preparation · Recognition: Not Established
Level 4
AI in Medical & Diagnostics — Higher Diploma / Advanced Pathway
Academic position: undergraduate stage 1 entry, or the Level 3 Applied programme.
Awarding body: Not yet arranged · Accreditation: In Preparation · Recognition: Not Established