London College of Music Examinations (LCME) are awarded by University of West London Qualifications, which is recognised by Ofqual (the Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulator) and the corresponding organisations in Wales (Qualifications Wales) and Northern Ireland (CCEA) to offer regulated qualifications.
Use of CCEA logo
We have been advised by the regulator in Northern Ireland that we can no longer use their logo on certificates issued outside of England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Currently, our database does not allow us to issue certificates with different logos in different areas and until we can make the necessary changes to the database, we will not be able to issue any certificates which include the CCEA logo. We will post updates on this issue regularly. This does not affect the logos of Ofqual, the regulator for England, or Qualifications Wales, the regulator for Wales. These logos will continue to be present on all certificates issued by LCM for regulated qualifications.
Our graded exams in most subjects, plus our diplomas in music performance, music teaching and drama, are regulated by Ofqual, Qualifications Wales and CCEA. In order to be regulated, qualifications need to meet stringent criteria related to exam content, delivery, assessment and reporting procedures.
Regulated Qualifications Framework
The Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) has replaced the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) as the system for recognising skills and qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Levels:
The RQF has eight levels plus entry level. The table below shows the broad equivalences between UWL qualifications and other qualifications within the RQF and higher education.
RQF
UWL Qualifications
Equivalent Standard
Level 7
FLCM in Music Performance
Masters degree module
Level 6
LLCM in Music Performance and Teaching
Final year undergraduate degree module
Level 5
ALCM in Music Performance and Teaching
Second year undergraduate degree module
Level 4
DipLCM in Music Performance and Teaching
First year undergraduate degree module
Level 3
Grades 6 - 8
A level
Level 2
Grades 4 - 5
GCSE Grades 9 - 4
Level 1
Grades 1 - 3
GCSE Grades 3 - 1
Regulated Qualifications
The tables below show the qualification numbers, titles, levels, credits awarded, Guided Learning Hours (GLH), Other Learning Hours (OLH) and Total Qualification Time (TQT) of our regulated qualifications.
Music Performance Grades
Qualification Number
(QAN)
RQF Qualification
Title
Level
Credit
GLH
OLH
TQT
501/1985/0
UWL Level 1 Award in Graded Examination in Music Performance (Grade 1)
1
6
12
48
60
501/2002/5
UWL Level 1 Award in Graded Examination in Music Performance (Grade 2)
1
9
18
72
90
501/2004/9
UWL Level 1 Award in Graded Examination in Music Performance (Grade 3)
1
12
18
102
120
501/2003/7
UWL Level 2 Certificate in Graded Examination in Music Performance (Grade 4)
2
15
24
126
150
501/2006/2
UWL Level 2 Certificate in Graded Examination in Music Performance (Grade 5)
2
18
24
156
180
501/2083/9
UWL Level 3 Certificate in Graded Examination in Music Performance (Grade 6)
3
22
36
184
220
501/2082/7
UWL Level 3 Certificate in Graded Examination in Music Performance (Grade 7)
3
27
48
222
270
501/2066/9
UWL Level 3 Certificate in Graded Examination in Music Performance (Grade 8)
3
32
54
266
320
Music Theatre Grades
Qualification Number (QAN)
RQF Qualifications Title
Level
Credit
GLH
OLH
TQT
501/2005/0
UWL Level 1 Award in Graded Examination in Music Theatre (Grade 1)
1
6
12
48
60
501/2007/4
UWL Level 1 Award in Graded Examination in Music Theatre (Grade 2)
1
8
18
62
80
501/2008/6
UWL Level 1 Award in Graded Examination in Music Theatre (Grade 3)
1
10
18
82
100
501/2009/8
UWL Level 2 Certificate in Graded Examination in Music Theatre (Grade 4)
2
13
24
106
130
501/2010/4
UWL Level 2 Certificate in Graded Examination in Music Theatre (Grade 5)
2
15
24
126
150
501/2071/2
UWL Level 3 Certificate in Graded Examination in Music Theatre (Grade 6)
3
17
30
134
170
501/2077/3
UWL Level 3 Certificate in Graded Examination in Music Theatre (Grade 7)
3
19
30
160
190
501/2080/3
UWL Level 3 Certificate in Graded Examination in Music Theatre (Grade 8)
3
25
48
202
250
Music Theory Grades
Qualification Number (QAN)
RQF Qualification Title
Level
Credit
GLH
OLH
TQT
501/2031/1
UWL Level 1 Award in Graded Examination in Theory of Music (Grade 1)
1
2
6
14
20
501/2032/3
UWL Level 1 Award in Graded Examination in Theory of Music (Grade 2)
1
3
9
21
30
501/2033/5
UWL Level 1 Award in Graded Examination in Theory of Music (Grade 3)
1
5
9
41
50
501/2034/7
UWL Level 2 Award in Graded Examination in Theory of Music (Grade 4)
2
7
12
58
70
501/2035/9
UWL Level 2 Award in Graded Examination in Theory of Music (Grade 5)
2
9
12
78
90
501/2078/5
UWL Level 3 Certificate in Graded Examination in Theory of Music (Grade 6)
3
13
18
112
130
501/2079/7
UWL Level 3 Certificate in Graded Examination in Theory of Music (Grade 7)
3
17
24
146
170
501/2081/5
UWL Level 3 Certificate in Graded Examination in Theory of Music (Grade 8)
3
21
36
174
210
501/2036/0
UWL Level 1 Award in Graded Examination in Popular Music Theory (Grade 1)
1
2
6
14
20
501/2037/2
UWL Level 1 Award in Graded Examination in Popular Music Theory (Grade 2)
1
3
9
21
30
501/2038/4
UWL Level 1 Award in Graded Examination in Popular Music Theory (Grade 3)
1
5
9
41
50
501/2039/6
UWL Level 2 Award in Graded Examination in Popular Music Theory (Grade 4)
2
7
12
58
70
501/2040/2
UWL Level 2 Award in Graded Examination in Popular Music Theory (Grade 5)
2
9
12
78
90
501/2106/6
UWL Level 3 Certificate in Graded Examination in Popular Music Theory (Grade 6)
3
13
18
112
130
501/2107/8
UWL Level 3 Certificate in Graded Examination in Popular Music Theory (Grade 7)
3
17
24
146
170
501/2108/X
UWL Level 3 Certificate in Graded Examination in Popular Music Theory (Grade 8)
3
21
36
174
210
Music Performance and Teaching Diplomas
Qualification Number
(QAN)
RQF Qualification
Title
Level
Credit
GLH
OLH
TQT
603/3771/0
UWL Level 4 Diploma in Music Performance
4
90
54
846
900
600/0062/4
UWL Level 4 Diploma in Music Teaching
4
100
60
940
1000
603/3772/2
UWL Level 5 Diploma in Music Performance
5
120
65
1135
1200
600/0829/5
UWL Level 5 Diploma in Music Teaching
5
150
75
1425
1500
603/3773/4
UWL Level 6 Diploma in Music Performance
6
180
108
1692
1800
600/0826/X
UWL Level 6 Diploma in Music Teaching
6
200
120
1880
2000
600/0758/8
UWL Level 7 Diploma in Music Performance
7
225
134
2116
2250
School Music Performance
Qualification Number (QAN)
RQF Qualification Title
Level
Credit
GLH
OLH
TQT
601/0304/8
UWL Entry Level Award In School Music Performance (Debut)
Entry
4
8
32
40
601/0300/0
UWL Level 1 Award In School Music Performance (Grade 1)
1
6
12
48
60
601/0302/4
UWL Level 1 Award In School Music Performance (Grade 2)
1
9
18
72
90
601/0303/6
UWL Level 1 Award In School Music Performance (Grade 3)
1
12
18
102
120
601/0359/0
UWL Level 2 Certificate In School Music Performance (Grade 4)
2
15
24
126
150
601/0309/7
UWL Level 2 Certificate In School Music Performance (Grade 5)
2
18
24
156
180
Drama & Communication Grades (Speech and Drama)
Qualification Number (QAN)
RQF Qualification Title
Level
Credit
GLH
OLH
TQT
501/2022/0
UWL Level 1 Award in Graded Examination in Speech and Drama (Grade 1)
1
6
12
48
60
501/2018/9
UWL Level 1 Award in Graded Examination in Speech and Drama (Grade 2)
1
8
18
62
80
501/2013/X
UWL Level 1 Award in Graded Examination in Speech and Drama (Grade 3)
1
10
18
82
100
501/2026/8
UWL Level 2 Certificate in Graded Examination in Speech and Drama (Grade 4)
2
13
24
106
130
501/2028/1
UWL Level 2 Certificate in Graded Examination in Speech and Drama (Grade 5)
2
15
24
126
150
501/2084/0
UWL Level 3 Certificate in Graded Examination in Speech and Drama (Grade 6)
3
17
30
140
170
501/2085/2
UWL Level 3 Certificate in Graded Examination in Speech and Drama (Grade 7)
3
19
30
160
190
501/2086/4
UWL Level 3 Certificate in Graded Examination in Speech and Drama (Grade 8)
3
25
48
202
250
Drama & Communication Grades (Acting)
Qualification Number (QAN)
RQF Qualification Title
Level
Credit
GLH
OLH
TQT
501/2046/3
UWL Level 1 Award in Graded Examination in Acting (Grade 1)
1
6
12
48
60
501/2047/5
UWL Level 1 Award in Graded Examination in Acting (Grade 2)
1
8
18
62
80
501/1982/5
UWL Level 1 Award in Graded Examination in Acting (Grade 3
1
10
18
82
100
501/1983/7
UWL Level 2 Certificate in Graded Examination in Acting (Grade 4)
2
13
24
106
130
501/1984/9
UWL Level 2 Certificate in Graded Examination in Acting (Grade 5)
2
15
24
126
150
501/2060/8
UWL Level 3 Certificate in Graded Examination in Acting (Grade 6)
3
17
30
140
170
501/2064/5
UWL Level 3 Certificate in Graded Examination in Acting (Grade 7)
3
19
30
160
190
501/2061/X
UWL Level 3 Certificate in Graded Examination in Acting (Grade 8)
3
25
48
202
250
Drama & Communication Grades (Oral Communication)
Qualification Number (QAN)
RQF Qualification Title
Level
Credit
GLH
OLH
TQT
501/2016/5
UWL Level 1 Award in Graded Examination in Oral Communication (Grade 1)
1
6
12
48
60
501/2019/0
UWL Level 1 Award in Graded Examination in Oral Communication (Grade 2)
1
8
18
62
80
501/2017/7
UWL Level 1 Award in Graded Examination in Oral Communication (Grade 3)
1
10
18
82
100
501/2030/X
UWL Level 2 Certificate in Graded Examination in Oral Communication (Grade 4)
2
13
24
106
130
501/2029/3
UWL Level 2 Certificate in Graded Examination in Oral Communication (Grade 5)
2
15
24
126
150
501/2094/3
UWL Level 3 Certificate in Graded Examination in Oral Communication (Grade 6)
3
17
30
140
170
501/2091/8
UWL Level 3 Certificate in Graded Examination in Oral Communication (Grade 7)
3
19
30
160
190
501/2092/X
UWL Level 3 Certificate in Graded Examination in Oral Communication (Grade 8)
3
25
48
202
250
Drama & Communication Grades (Verse Speaking)
Qualification Number (QAN)
RQF Qualification Title
Level
Credit
GLH
OLH
TQT
501/2011/6
UWL Level 1 Award in Graded Examination in Verse Speaking (Grade 1)
1
6
12
48
60
501/2012/8
UWL Level 1 Award in Graded Examination in Verse Speaking (Grade 2)
1
8
18
62
80
501/2021/9
UWL Level 1 Award in Graded Examination in Verse Speaking (Grade 3)
1
10
18
82
100
501/2023/2
UWL Level 2 Certificate in Graded Examination in Verse Speaking (Grade 4)
2
13
24
106
130
501/2024/4
UWL Level 2 Certificate in Graded Examination in Verse Speaking (Grade 5)
2
15
24
126
150
501/2088/8
UWL Level 3 Certificate in Graded Examination in Verse Speaking (Grade 6)
3
17
30
140
170
501/2089/X
UWL Level 3 Certificate in Graded Examination in Verse Speaking (Grade 7)
3
19
30
160
190
501/2090/6
UWL Level 3 Certificate in Graded Examination in Verse Speaking (Grade 8)
3
25
48
202
250
Drama & Communication Grades (Reading Aloud)
Qualification Number (QAN)
RQF Qualification Title
Level
Credit
GLH
OLH
TQT
501/2020/7
UWL Level 1 Award in Graded Examination in Reading Aloud (Grade 1)
1
6
12
48
60
501/2014/1
UWL Level 1 Award in Graded Examination in Reading Aloud (Grade 2)
1
8
18
62
80
501/2015/3
UWL Level 1 Award in Graded Examination in Reading Aloud (Grade 3)
1
10
18
82
100
501/2027/X
UWL Level 2 Certificate in Graded Examination in Reading Aloud (Grade 4)
2
13
24
106
130
501/2025/6
UWL Level 2 Certificate in Graded Examination in Reading Aloud (Grade 5)
2
15
24
126
150
501/2096/7
UWL Level 3 Certificate in Graded Examination in Reading Aloud (Grade 6)
3
17
30
140
170
501/2095/5
UWL Level 3 Certificate in Graded Examination in Reading Aloud (Grade 7)
3
19
30
160
190
501/2093/1
UWL Level 3 Certificate in Graded Examination in Reading Aloud (Grade 8)
3
25
48
202
250
Drama & Communication Performance and Teaching Diplomas
Qualification Number
(QAN)
RQF Qualification
Title
Level
Credit
GLH
OLH
TQT
603/0939/8
UWL Level 4 Diploma in Drama & Communication
4
90
54
846
900
603/0940/4
UWL Level 4 Diploma in Drama & Communication Teaching
4
100
60
940
1000
603/0941/6
UWL Level 5 Diploma in Drama & Communication
5
120
65
1135
1200
603/0942/8
UWL Level 5 Diploma in Drama & Communication Teaching
5
150
75
1425
1500
603/0943/X
UWL Level 6 Diploma in Drama & Communication
6
180
108
1692
1800
603/0944/1
UWL Level 6 Diploma in Drama & Communication Teaching
6
200
120
1880
2000
603/0945/3
UWL Level 7 Diploma in Drama & Communication
7
225
134
2116
2250
Spoken English Grades
Qualification Number (QAN)
RQF Qualification Title
Level
Credit
GLH
OLH
TQT
603/1085/6
UWL Level 1 Award in Graded Examination in Spoken English (Grade 1)
1
6
12
48
60
603/1087/X
UWL Level 1 Award in Graded Examination in Spoken English (Grade 2)
1
8
18
62
80
603/1089/3
UWL Level 1 Award in Graded Examination in Spoken English (Grade 3)
1
10
18
82
100
603/1091/1
UWL Level 2 Certificate in Graded Examination in Spoken English (Grade 4)
2
13
24
106
130
603/1093/5
UWL Level 2 Certificate in Graded Examination in Spoken English (Grade 5)
2
15
24
126
150
603/1095/9
UWL Level 3 Certificate in Graded Examination in Spoken English (Grade 6)
3
17
30
140
170
603/1097/2
UWL Level 3 Certificate in Graded Examination in Spoken English (Grade 7)
3
19
30
160
190
603/1099/6
UWL Level 3 Certificate in Graded Examination in Spoken English (Grade 8)
LCME Regulations
London College of Music Examinations (LCME) are awarded by University of West London Qualifications, which is recognised by Ofqual (the Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulator) and the corresponding organisations in Wales (Qualifications Wales) and Northern Ireland (CCEA) to offer regulated qualifications.
Use of CCEA logo
We have been advised by the regulator in Northern Ireland that we can no longer use their logo on certificates issued outside of England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Currently, our database does not allow us to issue certificates with different logos in different areas and until we can make the necessary changes to the database, we will not be able to issue any certificates which include the CCEA logo. We will post updates on this issue regularly. This does not affect the logos of Ofqual, the regulator for England, or Qualifications Wales, the regulator for Wales. These logos will continue to be present on all certificates issued by LCM for regulated qualifications.
Our graded exams in most subjects, plus our diplomas in music performance, music teaching and drama, are regulated by Ofqual, Qualifications Wales and CCEA. In order to be regulated, qualifications need to meet stringent criteria related to exam content, delivery, assessment and reporting procedures.
Regulated Qualifications Framework
The Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) has replaced the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) as the system for recognising skills and qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Levels:
The RQF has eight levels plus entry level. The table below shows the broad equivalences between UWL qualifications and other qualifications within the RQF and higher education.
RQF
UWL Qualifications
Equivalent Standard
Level 7
FLCM in Music Performance
Masters degree module
Level 6
LLCM in Music Performance and Teaching
Final year undergraduate degree module
Level 5
ALCM in Music Performance and Teaching
Second year undergraduate degree module
Level 4
DipLCM in Music Performance and Teaching
First year undergraduate degree module
Level 3
Grades 6 - 8
A level
Level 2
Grades 4 - 5
GCSE Grades 9 - 4
Level 1
Grades 1 - 3
GCSE Grades 3 - 1
The tables below show the qualification numbers, titles, levels, credits awarded, Guided Learning Hours (GLH), Other Learning Hours (OLH) and Total Qualification Time (TQT) of our regulated qualifications.Regulated Qualifications
Music Performance Grades
Qualification Number
(QAN)
RQF Qualification
Title
Music Theatre Grades
Qualification Number (QAN)
Music Theory Grades
Music Performance and Teaching Diplomas
Qualification Number
(QAN)
RQF Qualification
Title
School Music Performance
Drama & Communication Grades (Speech and Drama)
Drama & Communication Grades (Acting)
Drama & Communication Grades (Oral Communication)
Drama & Communication Grades (Verse Speaking)
Drama & Communication Grades (Reading Aloud)
Drama & Communication Performance and Teaching Diplomas
Qualification Number
(QAN)
RQF Qualification
Title
Spoken English Grades