Chapter 81

United Kingdom

Academic recognition

NARIC is part of the British Council, which works on the support of cultural co-operation between the UK and other countries.

The National Academic Recognition Information Centre (NARIC)
The British Council
Medlock Street
UK - Manchester M15 4AA
Phone: (+44-61) 9577561

With the help of the global network of the British Council, NARIC runs a service of information on the supply of training in foreign countries and informs on the potential recognition of degrees which have been acquired in foreign countries. It deals with inquiries of universities, polytechnics, colleges, schools, professional organisations, ministries, careers guidance institutions and private employers. Considering those recommendations of experts which are based on former decisions, NARIC comments on the respective issue of recognition. In order to decide, the centre often consults its advising council. However, the final decision is made by the university which has been asked to grant either admission or exemption from certain parts of a course of study.

In reply to our inquiry, the British Council Cologne informed us that

[there] is no official equivalence of overseas and British qualifications in Britain. British educational and professional institutions are autonomous, and as such reserve the right to make their own decisions on the acceptability and recognition to be accorded to any overseas qualification. Information on the evaluation of school, vocational and higher degrees is provided by NARIC and is based on their experience of the attitudes of British educational and professional institutions to certain overseas qualifications. The information should not be treated as an authoritative ruling as to the standard at which the qualifications mentioned will always be considered in Britain. Enquirers should write to the institution to which they decide to apply to ascertain to what extent their qualifications are acceptable. Universities and colleges in Britain are familiar with many foreign qualifications and if in doubt will consult NARIC for advice.

Those with teaching qualifications obtained in Germany who are interested in the possibility of employment in the state sector in Britain should contact the following address:

Department for Education and Employment
Teachers Qualifications
Moden Hall
Staindrop Road
Darlington
Co. Durham DL3 9BG
Phone: (+44 - 1325) 460155

Vocational training

During the last years, Great Britain has participated intensively in European negotiations concerning the mutual recognition of vocational degrees. Moreover, it has been favourably disposed to the Maastricht criteria concerning vocational training. While the government opposes interference in general and vocational matters of education, it is promoting all activities of the European Union which support the Europeanising of educational programmes and the mobility of employees within the common European market. Besides, the government supports the CEDEFOP in order to make up a comparison of professional qualifications in Europe.

The National Council for Vocational Qualifications (NCVQ) has determined the following basic criteria for the recognition of a qualification:

Qualifications must be based on national performance standards which fulfil working conditions and consider future needs with regard to technology, markets and occupational structures.
They must evaluate training results without taking into account specific features of a training such as its form, its duration or its location.
Qualifications are to be compared on the basis of valid and reliable criteria which ensure that national performing standards are fulfilled.
They must not contain regulations which restrict access and development and have to ensure accessibility for all individuals who fulfil the required standards.

They must not contain any discriminations with regard to sex, age, origin or religion and have to consider the individual needs of a person to a sufficient extent.