Lesotho

Name:
Lesotho Qualifications Framework (LQF)
Country Code:
LS
Brief Overview:

The Government of Lesotho, through the Ministry of Education and Training, has developed the Lesotho Qualifications Framework (LQF) to regulate qualifications in the country. The revised LQF was adopted in 2019.

Structure and scope of LQF: It is an integrated framework of 10-levels, and covers all qualifications, namely, from basic education, technical and vocational education and training (TVET), academic, professional development awards, and part-qualifications (short courses). Types of qualifications in LQF: (a) Degrees (levels 7-10); (b) Diplomas (levels 6-8); (c) Professional Development Awards (PDAs) (levels 6-10); (d) Certificates (levels 1-8).

Objectives of LQF: (a) To integrate national qualifications into a single framework; (b) To improve articulation and learner progression; (c) To uphold equity and enable Basotho to acquire credible qualifications irrespective of age and level of formal education (RPL); (d) To foster quality and relevance through outcomes and standard-based education and training; (e) To acknowledge and value diversity and worth of all qualifications; (f) To facilitate curriculum innovation and qualifications renewal; (g) To upgrade TVET qualifications to higher levels; (h) To provide a base for quality assurance of education in Lesotho.

Governance: The Council on Higher Education has been mandated by MOET to implement the NQF as part of its extended mandate. Main LQF legal-regulatory documents and information: Revised Lesotho Qualifications Framework, LQF Procedures Manual and LQF Brochure.

Level Comprehensive TVET / Crafts Min Credits
10 Doctorate Doctorate 360
9 Masters Masters 180
8 Post Graduate Certificate (PGC) Post Graduate Certificate (PGC) 120
Post Graduate Diploma (PGD) Post Graduate Diploma (PGD)
Honours Bachelor Honours Bachelor
7 Bachelor Trade Test Operative 360
Bachelor
6 Diploma Diploma 120
5 AS Certificate National Craft Certificate 120
Technical Education Certificate A Trade Test A
4 O Level Vocational Education and Training Certificate 120
LGCSE (Lesotho General Certificate of Secondary Education) Trade Test B
Technical Education Certificate B
3 - Basic Vocational Education and Training Certificate 120
Trade Test C
2 Junior Certificate Basic Operative Certificate 120
Technical Education Certificate C
1 Primary certificate Foundation Certificate 120
Basic Adult Education Certificate

Level Level Summary Areas of knowledge (depth, breadth and complexity) Nature of skills Agency and context
10 The purpose of a Doctorate is to generate new knowledge that other experts in the field agree to be novel, innovative and that has societal benefits in the field of application and beyond. An award qualifies an individual to apply a substantial body of knowledge to research, investigate and develop new knowledge in one or more fields (for transdisciplinary and multidisciplinary programmes) of investigation or professional practice. - Minimum total credits = 360. Minimum at LQF 10 = 360. No early exit allowed. - Typically, a Doctoral Degree is 3-4 years in duration. (a) Critical knowledge in the forefront of a field, discipline or practice, and ability to conceptualise new research to create new knowledge and /or practices. (b) Generation of new knowledge contributed through intensive research and scholarship. (c) Commitment to promoting Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS). (a) Demonstrate specialist and transferable skills required for managing complex and unpredictable situations. (b) Critique and offer novel solutions to intractable societal problems. (c) Manage research projects and lead multi- disciplinary teams and large consortia. (d) Identify, and manage emerging ethical issues, and to advance ethical decision- making processes, including monitoring and evaluating the consequences of actions where appropriate. (e) Design innovative solutions to societal problems through research and scholarship in the specified field. (a) Capacity to discover and develop new knowledge and skills and engagement in critical dialogues. (b) Ability to communicate results of research and innovation (c) Ability to identify, and manage emerging ethical issues, and to advance ethical decision-making processes, including monitoring and evaluating the consequences of actions where appropriate. (d) Ability to contribute to scholarly theories of knowledge and their production in an area of study or practice. (e) Ability to demonstrate confidence to lead as an expert in a selected field.
9 Qualifies an individual to apply an advanced body of knowledge in a range of contexts for research and as a pathway for further learning. Minimum total credits = 180 Minimum credits at LQF 9 = 120 (To accommodate research / professional specialisation.) 60 credits are transferable from cognate courses to promote CAT advanced standing. Typically, a Masters Degree learning is 2-3 years of duration. (a) Specialist knowledge to enable engagement / critique of current practices or research, as well as advanced scholarship / research in a discipline, field or practice. (b) Knowledge and understanding which is at the forefront of a field of learning that includes current processes of knowledge production applicable to different fields, disciplines or practices. (c) Planning systemic interventions appropriately within hierarchical relationships and skills to address intended and unintended consequences of action. (d) Communicate and defend substantial notions in academic, professional or occupational discourses with a wide range of audiences of different levels of knowledge and expertise. (e) Commitment to promoting Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS). (a) Evaluate current processes of knowledge production and to select a suitable method of enquiry for the area of study or practice. (b) Analyse and synthesise knowledge, developing coherent and compelling arguments. (c) Have the critical expertise and confidence to design, select and apply creative methods, techniques and processes and technologies to complex practical and theoretical problems. (d) Make autonomous and ethical decisions that affect knowledge, production, professional or organisational issues. (e) Independently design rigorous and systematic projects that contribute to societal development in a specified context (f) Ability to contribute critically to the development of ethical standards in a specified context. (a) Ability to demonstrate knowledge and problem-solving skills that are applied in new and unfamiliar contexts. (b) Demonstrate well-developed capabilities and leadership skills in managing own and group outcomes in complex and unpredictable contexts . (c) Ability to demonstrate understanding of impacts of insights and solutions within a specialised environment. (d) Ability to take responsibility for lifelong learning and embracing new developments in own and group outcomes. (e) Ability to operate independently, accounting for leading and implementing systems, ensuring sound resource management and good governance practices. (f) Demonstrate initiative, creativity, imagination and originality in own and group outcomes.
8 Qualifies an individual to apply a body of knowledge at the forefront within specific contexts to undertake professional work and as a pathway for further learning. Minimum 120 credits (1200 hours, typically over 1-2 years) (a) Broad knowledge base that encourages innovation, engagement at the forefront of a field, and understanding of systematic and coherent theories and research methodologies. (b) Replicate knowledge in particular contexts. (c) Systematically analyse bodies of knowledge within a field, discipline or practice to appreciate paradigm and knowledge boundaries. (d) Commitment to promoting Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS). (a) Interrogate multiple sources of knowledge in specialisation area and to evaluate knowledge and processes of knowledge production. (b) Demonstrate understanding the complexities of selecting, applying or transferring standard procedures and techniques to unfamiliar problems in a specialised field, discipline or practice. (c) Use sound analytical and communication skills in presenting academic, professional or occupational ideas and texts effectively to a range of audiences, offering creative insights, rigorous interpretations and solutions. (a) Ability to identify and respond to ethical issues based on critical reflection and the appropriateness of different ethical value systems to specific contexts. (b) Ability to operate efficiently and effectively in a system, managing a system based on an understanding of the roles and relationships between elements of the system. (c) Ability to apply self-reflective and critical learning strategies to own work and that of a group professional and ongoing learning needs and those of others too.
7 Qualifies an individual to apply a broad and coherent body of knowledge in a range of contexts to undertake professional duties and as a pathway for further learning. Minimum of 360 credits, usually over 3 years, of which 120 credits are at LQF 7, or above. Professional four-year degrees of 480 credits exiting at LQF 8 must ensure that the minimum of 120 credits is met at that level. (a) Integration of knowledge of the central areas of one or more fields. (b) Understanding of and ability to evaluate key terms, concepts, facts and principles, rules and theories of that field, discipline or practice. (c) Detailed knowledge of an area or areas of specialisation and how that knowledge intersects with other fields, disciplines and practices. (d) Knowledge as contested space and the ability to evaluate types of knowledge and explanations typical for designated area of study and practice. (e) Identify, analyse, evaluate, critically reflect on and address complex problems, applying evidence- based solutions and theory-driven arguments. (f) Knowledge of range and suitable application of methods of inquiry to resolve problems or transform practices. (g) Commitment to promoting Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS). (a) Demonstrate research and analytical skills; critical evaluation of different problem- solving methods. (b) Take ethical standpoints using professional and appropriate ethical values within a supported environment. (c) Demonstrate critical thinking to solve complex problems. (a) Ability to design and manage processes in unfamiliar and changing contexts, recognising that problem- solving is context and system bound. (b) Ability to identify, evaluate and be aware of own learning needs in a self- directed manner and facilitate collaborative learning processes. (c) Ability to take full responsibility for own work, decision-making and use of resources, with broad accountability for the actions of others in varied contexts.
6 Qualifies an individual to apply specialised knowledge in a range of contexts to undertake advanced skilled work and as a pathway for further learning. 120 credits (1200 hours, usually over 1- 2 years, straddling levels for exit /graduation. Documented pathways for CAT; RPL and RCCs (a) Specialized and in-depth knowledge and skills for para-professional / highly skilled work and/or further learning. (b) Detailed knowledge of main area and one or more fields, disciplines or practices including ability to apply key terms, concepts, facts and principles, rules and theories of that field. (c) Knowledge of an area of specialisation and its relationship to other fields, disciplines or practices (paradigm boundaries). (d) Ability to analyse and synthesise a wide range of technical information. (e) Commitment to promoting Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS). (a) Use cognitive, technical specialist knowledge and skills to solve problems in different contexts. (b) Analyse information to complete a range of activities. (c) Interpret and transmit solutions to unpredictable / complex problems. (d) Evaluate performance against given criteria, accurately identify task-specific needs within a given context and provide support to others, where appropriate. (a) Ability to apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy, judgement in planning and define knowledge boundaries responsibly. (b) Ability to provide specialist advice and functions within broad parameters, design technical or management functions taking accountability for personal outputs and team outcomes. (c) Ability to demonstrate understanding of the ethical implications of decisions and actions within an organisation/ professional context with an appreciation for the complexity ethical dilemmas.
5 To equip the individual to apply integrated technical and theoretical concepts in broad range of contexts to undertake advanced skills and as a pathway for further learning. 120 Credits (1200 notional hours usually over 1-3 years, straddling levels for exit /graduation). Documented pathways for CAT; RPL and RCCs (a) A broader span of technical and theoretical knowledge and concepts, with depth in some areas within a field of work and learning. (b) Show understanding of different kinds of systems, their constituent parts and the inter-relationships. (c) Ability to analyse how actions in one area impact on other areas within the same system (appreciation of boundaries and limits of knowledge paradigms). (d) Analyse information to construct logical and coherent argument. (e) Commitment to promoting Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS). (a) Gather information from a wide range of sources, (oral, written, symbolic texts), select information appropriate to the task, and apply basic processes of analysis, synthesis and evaluation of the information. (b) Evaluate own and others’ performance. (c) Take appropriate action when necessary. (d) Use cognitive, technical and communication skills to plan, analyse, design and evaluate perspectives to unpredictable problems and / or management requirements. (a) Ability to account for actions, respect and work effectively in a team. (b) Ability to take initiative and supervisory responsibility for others using resources responsibly where applicable. (c) Ability to take responsibility for own work in a structured process, and promote the learning of others. (d) Ability to communicate reliably, accurately and coherently, using appropriate conventions to the context, in written, oral/signed or practical demonstration.
4 To equip an individual to apply moderate range of specialised knowledge and skills in varied contexts to undertake skilled work and as a pathway for further learning. Up to 120 credits (1200 hours). Learning usually lasts 6 months – 2 years with variations between short learning specialist qualifications and longer qualifications that are designed as entry level work requirements. Documented pathways for CAT; RPL and RCCs (a) Apply broad knowledge in a range of known and unfamiliar contexts. (b) Ability to use factual, technical and theoretical knowledge in a specialised field of learning or work. (c) Apply knowledge and skills to specialised tasks or functions in known and changing contexts. (d) Ability to analyse information and make informed judgements. (e) Understand key concepts, terms, rules and established principles and theories in one or more fields/disciplines. (f) Commitment to promoting Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS). (a) Demonstrate a range of skills and ability to interpret information, identify and analyse information from different sources. (b) Apply cognitive, technical skills to communicate and share solutions of a non-routine nature to defined predictable and unpredictable problems. (c) Evaluate own performance against a set of criteria. (d) Take initiative and address shortcomings (a) Ability to work in self-directed contexts with growing sense of responsibility for quality of own work. (b) Ability to demonstrate limited responsibility for quantity and quality of the output of team members within limited parameters. (c) Ability to adhere to organisational ethics and codes of conduct, understand societal values and ethics as well as the consequences of own and others’ actions. (d) Ability to apply and carry out actions, interpreting information from texts (audio, Braille) and operational symbols or representations.
3 Covers basic understanding of key concepts and knowledge of one or more fields / disciplines, in addition to the fundamental areas of study. Understanding the boundaries of a field / discipline and the inter-relation between systems. Typically, 120 credits (1200 hours). Typically, 1-2 years. Up to 4 years may be required to achieve the learning outcomes of a programme of professional apprenticeships. (a) A basic understanding of key concepts and knowledge of one or more fields/disciplines, in addition to the fundamental areas of study. (b) Ability to use own knowledge to select appropriate procedures to solve problems within given parameters. (c) Knowledge literacy in respect of understanding the boundaries of a field / discipline and the inter-relatedness between systems. (d) Commitment to promoting Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS). (a) Ability to produce a coherent presentation and report, providing explanations for positions taken. (b) Solve basic problems within the familiar operating environment. (c) Use cognitive, technical and communication skills to convey ideas and concepts. (d) Interpret and act on readily available information to provide solutions to a limited range of predictable problems. (a) Ability to adapt, transfer skills and apply knowledge within known routines, methods and procedures under time constraints. (b) Capacity to actively contribute to team effectiveness, and the ability to learn within a managed environment. (c) Ability to confer minimum employability for occupations requiring specific skills, under supervision with some ability to make judgements and discretion. (d) Ability to comply with organisational ethics.
2 To have basic and functional knowledge and skills to undertake mainly routine work and as a pathway to further learning. (a) Basic operational knowledge of one or more areas of study in addition to fundamental areas of study. (b) Basic factual technical and procedural knowledge of a defined area of work and learning. (c) Knowledge to collect, organise and report information clearly and accurately, in spoken/signed and written form. (d) Demonstrate an understanding of the environment in which she/he operates in a wider context. (a) Demonstrate basic cognitive, technical and communication skills to apply appropriate methods, tools and materials. (b) Use readily available information to provide solutions to a limited range of predictable problems. (c) Apply literacy and numeracy skills to a range of different but familiar contexts. (d) Apply technical skills to use a limited range of equipment to complete tasks involving known routines and procedures with a limited range of options (a) Capacity to function in a disciplined way in a well-structured and supervised environment. (b) Ability to manage own time effectively, develop sound working relationships and function effectively as a team member. (c) Ability to apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy and limited judgement of knowledge in structured and stable contexts within narrow parameters. (d) Ability to demonstrate some accountability for the quality of own outcomes and some responsibility for own inputs in skills, work and learning.
1 To have basic knowledge and skills for initial work and further learning. (a) Basic knowledge in an area of learning. (b) Cognitive, numeracy and literacy skills which enable a learner to receive, recall, access and organise information accurately. (c) Knowledge to solve problems in well-defined and familiar contexts. (d) Commitment to promoting Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS). (a) Apply basic numeracy, literacy and digital literacy skills (b) Select tools suitable for the task. (c) Use basic communication technologies and understand symbolic systems. (d) Demonstrate listening and communication skills in spoken/signed and written forms. (a) Ability to apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate some autonomy in highly stable contexts for further learning and within narrow (basic) parameters. (b) Ability to function as a team member