CHEQF · Part I–II
Levels, credits, domains and descriptors: the grammar every degree is written in.
Framework·Articles 3–9, 13, 16
Four levels, six domains,one unit of work.
The framework is the part of the Standard that does not change from degree to degree: what a level means, how a credit is counted, what every graduate must be able to demonstrate, and who may teach.
Article 4
Level 5 exists, and it is not a bachelor degree.
01 Qualification levels
Levels 5 to 8.
Specialised knowledge and applied skills; does not constitute a Bachelor degree.
Systematic knowledge of the field, application of methods, independent judgement, and readiness for professional/academic activity.
Advanced and specialised knowledge, work with complex problems, research competence, and a high degree of autonomy.
Knowledge at the forefront of the field, original research or professional innovation, creation of new knowledge, and academic/professional leadership.
Article 5
Move the slider. The hours are the Standard’s, the arithmetic is yours.
02 EAC academic credits
One credit is 25 to 30 hoursof a student’s work.
- 5.1.One Ecclesiastical Academic Credit (EAC) corresponds to 25–30 hours of total student workload. Workload includes contact teaching, independent reading, preparation of written assignments, research, practical training, projects, examinations, and other forms of work required to achieve the stated learning outcomes.
- 5.2.A full annual workload is 60 EAC. The typical volume is 1,500–1,800 hours per year.
- 5.3.EAC is designed according to a workload model compatible in principle with ECTS, but it is not official ECTS credit. EAC must not be designated as ECTS in institutional documents unless the institution has a separate legal entitlement to use ECTS in the relevant jurisdiction.
Workload converter
Not ECTS. The conversion uses 25–30 hours per credit and 60 credits per academic year, as written in Article 5.
Article 8
Six domains. Every programme specification maps its outcomes onto all six.
03 Learning outcomes
What every graduatemust be able to demonstrate.
Each programme must define measurable learning outcomes. Outcomes are formulated at both programme and module level and are verified through assessment tasks.
Knowledge and Understanding
Systematic command of the discipline's content, terminology, key theories, sources, and historical development.
Application and Practice
Ability to apply knowledge and methods to professional, pastoral, research, or public tasks.
Research and Judgement
Location and critical evaluation of sources, methodologically sound analysis, reasoned judgement, and problem solving.
Communication
Written and oral academic communication with specialists and non-specialists; professional presentation of results.
Autonomy and Continuing Learning
Independent planning of study and work, reflection, responsibility, and readiness for continued development.
Ecclesiastical Competence
Understanding of ecclesiastical context, ethics, tradition, and responsibility; for relevant programmes, ability to work with theological, canonical, liturgical, and pastoral sources.
Article 9
Read a row across: the same domain, three depths.
04 Level descriptors
The same six domains,read at three depths.
| Domain | Level 6 — Bachelor | Level 7 — Master | Level 8 — Doctorate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knowledge | Broad and systematic knowledge of the field; understanding of principal methods and debates. | Advanced, specialised, and partly frontier knowledge; critical understanding of the boundaries of the discipline. | Knowledge at the forefront of the field and deep understanding of research/professional methodology. |
| Application | Solves defined and novel problems by selecting appropriate methods. | Solves complex and unfamiliar problems by integrating different methods and fields. | Creates new approaches, methods, models, or original knowledge. |
| Judgement | Collects and interprets data and makes reasoned choices with due regard for ethical considerations. | Critically integrates incomplete information and assumes responsibility for complex decisions. | Exercises independent expert judgement at disciplinary level and critically evaluates existing knowledge. |
| Communication | Presents information and arguments clearly. | Communicates persuasively in professional and academic settings with specialists and the wider public. | Publishes, defends, and disseminates original results; demonstrates academic leadership. |
| Autonomy | Undertakes further learning independently and engages in responsible professional activity. | Demonstrates a high degree of autonomy, manages complex projects, and directs personal development. | Demonstrates substantial autonomy, research/professional leadership, and the ability to supervise others. |
| Ecclesiastical Competence | Understands the Church tradition and ethical principles relevant to the programme. | Applies knowledge in complex ecclesiastical contexts and distinguishes academic, pastoral, and canonical questions. | Advances Church thought/practice, provides expert leadership, and upholds the quality of ecclesiastical knowledge. |
Articles 6–7
The register is closed: new abbreviations need a separate Degree Standard.
05 Nomenclature and the register
Twenty-three abbreviations,and no institution may add a twenty-fourth.
| Category | Correct Form | Programme Example |
|---|---|---|
| Secular discipline within the Church system | M.A.C. — Master of Arts — Church Degree | M.A.C. in Church History |
| Social Work | M.S.W.C. — Master of Social Work — Church Degree | M.S.W.C. in Church Social Work |
| Business Administration | DBA.C. — Doctor of Business Administration — Church Degree | DBA.C. in Ecclesiastical and Nonprofit Administration |
| Theology | M.Th. — Master of Theology | M.Th. in Orthodox Systematic Theology |
| Canon Law | M.C.L. — Master of Canon Law | M.C.L. in Orthodox Canon Law |
| Ministry | D.Min. — Doctor of Ministry | D.Min. in Pastoral Leadership |
Articles 13 and 16
Percentages are minimums. A seminary may ask for more, never less.
06 Who teaches, and what closes a programme
Faculty requirementsand final academic work.
Faculty (Article 13)
| Programme Level | Minimum Expectation |
|---|---|
| Level 6 | Core faculty members hold qualifications at no lower than Level 7 or a documented equivalent; at least 30% of key academic disciplines are taught by persons holding a doctoral degree or recognised scholarly qualification. |
| Level 7 | At least 70% of key academic disciplines are taught by faculty holding Level 8 qualifications or recognised equivalents; professional disciplines may be taught by practitioners with outstanding relevant qualifications. |
| Level 8 | The supervisor holds a doctoral degree in a relevant field and has a demonstrated record of research/publication. The doctoral committee includes at least three qualified members. |
| Ecclesiastical Disciplines | The competent Church authority may require a separate ecclesiastical teaching mandate for faculty teaching dogmatic theology, canon law, liturgics, pastoral studies, and other confessionally sensitive disciplines. |
Final academic work (Article 16)
| Level | Typical Final Requirement |
|---|---|
| 6 | A capstone project, comprehensive examination, bachelor thesis, or practical project, depending on the discipline. |
| 7 | A master's thesis, substantial research paper, professional capstone, or comprehensive final project. For M.Th., a research thesis is mandatory. |
| 8 Research | An original dissertation contributing to knowledge, with a public or open academic defence. |
| 8 Professional | A doctoral project/dissertation demonstrating original professional practice, research, and a contribution to the relevant field. |
Article 3
Eight terms. The rest of the text uses them exactly.
07 Terms
Eight words the Standarduses in one sense only.
- CHEQF
- Church Higher Education Qualifications Framework — the system of levels, degrees, and academic standards established by this document.
- Church Degree
- An academic qualification awarded within the Church system of higher education and not represented as a state qualification without separate recognition.
- Ecclesiastical Degree
- A degree in a discipline that is inherently ecclesiastical in nature: Theology, Divinity, Ministry, Canon Law, and other approved ecclesiastical fields.
- EAC
- Ecclesiastical Academic Credit — the unit of total student workload within CHEQF.
- Learning Outcome
- A verifiable statement of what a graduate knows, understands, and is able to do upon completion of study.
- Programme
- An approved set of modules, practical components, and final assessment leading to a specific degree.
- Awarding Body
- A body or institution authorised to confer a CHEQF qualification.
- Affiliated Institution
- An institution authorised to teach an approved programme where the degree is conferred by an authorised Awarding Body.