Yes an NVQ level 4 takes the correct amount of time and has the same depth as a degree module(s). It is not however a degree in its own right, it just happens to be at the same level.
So in reality that means that if you had enough of these NVQs you could jump a year or two at university if you want to continue your education as you can with an HND.
There are five levels of NVQ:
* NVQ 1 - Foundation Level,
equivalent to 5 GCSE's grade D to E
* NVQ 2 - Intermediate level,
equivalent to 5 GCSE's grade A to C
* NVQ 3 - Advanced level, equivalent to A Levels
* NVQ 4 - HNC / HND / Degree Level
* NVQ 5 - Degree / Post Graduate level
As per this handy
link