A National Diploma is a standard academic qualification, offered by most further education colleges and universities in the United Kingdom. The title National Diploma is used in a variety of ways. Most National Diplomas are further education qualifications rated at level 3 on the National Qualifications Framework, but some are at levels 4 and 5 (higher education). The Higher National Diploma is rated at level 5 on the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Some professional National Diplomas are rated at level 6, but these are usually awarded by an independent body, recognising specialist study in a particular field.