Domein Applied Science EN

The Dutch qualification framework NLQF
In order to create an equivalent of the European Qualification Network for the situation in the Netherlands, the Dutch national qualification framework (NQLF) was set up. This framework contains the following elements:

  • Context
  • Knowledge
  • Skills
    • Knowledge application
    • Problem-solving skills
    • Learning and development skills
    • Information skills
    • Communication skills
  • Self-reliance and responsibility

The NQLF levels for an HBO-level bachelor degree and a university bachelor degree are identical. This is level 6. However, the decision was made to make separate descriptions for both orientations within the bachelor programme.

Description of level 6 of the NLQF

Connection with DAS competences
In order to point the DAS institutions into the right direction as to how they can safeguard the HBO bachelor level, an earlier version of this profile description offered a generic connection of the BSc professional competences within the domain and the so-called Dublin descriptors of the NBO bachelor level of the Higher Education Qualification Framework. In the context of the EQF and the NLQF introduction, a decision was made to create a connection for that review containing the NLQF (bachelor) level 6 descriptors.

It was evaluated for every NLQF descriptor-competence combination from which level these competences, four levels of which have been defined in this profile description, contribute towards the realisation of the HBO bachelor level (level 6) of the NLQF. The results are reflected in the chart below. In this overview, a dash means that it that the conclusion was made that the competence does not contribute to the HBO bachelor level of the descriptor in question.

The resulting connection is represented in the table below.

Connection between NLQF descriptors and DAS competences

This matrix is used to check each programme profile to ascertain whether all bachelor-level descriptors were realised. This is the case with most of the programmes. Where this was not the case, the individual programmes will ensure that the end level of the competences reaches bachelor level.

Description of level 6 of the NLQF

Indicator Discription
Context An unknown and varying environment to live and work in, including across borders.
Knowledge Possesses advanced-level, specialist knowledge and critical insight into the theories and principles of a profession, a knowledge domain and a broad area of science. Possesses comprehensive and integrated knowledge and understanding of the size, the core areas and boundaries of a profession, a knowledge domain and a broad area of science. Possesses knowledge and understanding of several important and topical subjects and specialisms that are related to the profession or knowledge domain and a broad area of science.
Knowledge application Reproduces and analyses the knowledge and also knows how to apply it, including in different contexts, to the extent that it reflects a professional and scientific approach towards the profession and the knowledge domain. Applies complex and specialist skills to research results. Knows how to see a practice-based or fundamental research project through to the end, under supervision and on the basis of methodological knowledge. Writes arguments and explores them further. Evaluates and combines knowledge and insights from a specific domain in a critical way. Flags limitations of existing knowledge in professional practice and in the knowledge domain, and takes action accordingly. Analyses complex professional and scientific tasks and carries them out.
Problem-solving skills Identifies and analyses complex problems, both in professional practice and in the knowledge domain, and solves them in a tactical, strategic and creative way by identifying and applying data.
Learning and development skills Manages to develop through self-reflection and self-assessment of his/her own (learning) results.
Information skills Collects and analyses broad, in-depth and detailed professional or scientific information, in a responsible, critical way, on a limited range of basic theories, principles and concepts regarding and related to a profession or knowledge domain, as well as limited information on several important and topical subjects and specialisms that are related to the profession or knowledge domain, and is capable of portraying that information.
Communication skills Communicates with peers, specialists and non-specialists, as well as managers and/or relevant third parties in the scientific and/or professional community, in a purposeful way and taking into account current conventions based on the context and professional practice.
Responsibility and self-reliance Collaborates with peers, specialists and non-specialists, as well as managers and relevant third parties. Accepts responsibility for his/her own work and study results, and for the work results of others. Accepts shared responsibility for managing processes and the professional development of persons and groups. Collects and interprets relevant data with the aim of forming an opinion that is based in part on the evaluation of relevant social-societal, professional, scientific or ethical aspects.

Indicator

Context

Context

Knowledge

Knowledge

Knowledge application

Knowledge application

Problem-solving skills

Problem-solving skills

Learning and development skills

Learning and development skills

Information skills

Information skills

Communication skills

Communication skills

Responsibility and self-reliance

Responsibility and self-reliance

Discription

Context

An unknown and varying environment to live and work in, including across borders.

Knowledge

Possesses advanced-level, specialist knowledge and critical insight into the theories and principles of a profession, a knowledge domain and a broad area of science. Possesses comprehensive and integrated knowledge and understanding of the size, the core areas and boundaries of a profession, a knowledge domain and a broad area of science. Possesses knowledge and understanding of several important and topical subjects and specialisms that are related to the profession or knowledge domain and a broad area of science.

Knowledge application

Reproduces and analyses the knowledge and also knows how to apply it, including in different contexts, to the extent that it reflects a professional and scientific approach towards the profession and the knowledge domain. Applies complex and specialist skills to research results. Knows how to see a practice-based or fundamental research project through to the end, under supervision and on the basis of methodological knowledge. Writes arguments and explores them further. Evaluates and combines knowledge and insights from a specific domain in a critical way. Flags limitations of existing knowledge in professional practice and in the knowledge domain, and takes action accordingly. Analyses complex professional and scientific tasks and carries them out.

Problem-solving skills

Identifies and analyses complex problems, both in professional practice and in the knowledge domain, and solves them in a tactical, strategic and creative way by identifying and applying data.

Learning and development skills

Manages to develop through self-reflection and self-assessment of his/her own (learning) results.

Information skills

Collects and analyses broad, in-depth and detailed professional or scientific information, in a responsible, critical way, on a limited range of basic theories, principles and concepts regarding and related to a profession or knowledge domain, as well as limited information on several important and topical subjects and specialisms that are related to the profession or knowledge domain, and is capable of portraying that information.

Communication skills

Communicates with peers, specialists and non-specialists, as well as managers and/or relevant third parties in the scientific and/or professional community, in a purposeful way and taking into account current conventions based on the context and professional practice.

Responsibility and self-reliance

Collaborates with peers, specialists and non-specialists, as well as managers and relevant third parties. Accepts responsibility for his/her own work and study results, and for the work results of others. Accepts shared responsibility for managing processes and the professional development of persons and groups. Collects and interprets relevant data with the aim of forming an opinion that is based in part on the evaluation of relevant social-societal, professional, scientific or ethical aspects.