The Scottish Qualifications Authority is Scotland's national body for qualifications.
The advanced vocational courses comprise Higher National Certificate (HNC), Higher National
Diploma (HNDs) and Professional Development Awards. The Scottish Qualifications Authority's
qualifications are available in a wide range of occupational areas.
Courses leading to HNC/HND awards are offered in further education colleges, like Central College of Commerce, and central institutions throughout Scotland, and are open to students of all ages who have appropriate National Certificate Modules, have Scottish Certificate of Education at Ordinary, Standard or Higher grades or be judged by the college to meet alternative criteria for admission.
HNCs and HNDs are made up from a number of Higher National Units, each of which is separately recorded on the Record of Education and Training (a cumulative computer-based record of all successfully completed qualifications). A Higher National Certificate requires 12 unit credits and a Higher National Diploma 30 credits. A full time student would normally complete an HNC over one year and an HND over two years following an agreed programme. Part-time students, like myself, would normally complete an HNC over two years and an HND over four years, and can comprise of day; twilight; and evening classes.
These Higher National Units are competence-based: the candidate's work is measured against outcomes and performance criteria specified in advance. The competences will incorporate the standards of the industry lead body, where these are available. The outcomes and performance criteria apply to all students but colleges can tailor their detailed teaching and assessment schemes to respond flexibly to local as well as national needs and employment patterns.
To find out more about the Scottish Qualifications Authority click the link below and visit their website.
