Qualifications
What qualifications are available?
Vocational qualifications prove to an employer that you are capable of taking on a job and doing it successfully. Some cover broad subject areas, others relate to specific skills. They can also help you to get a place at university. The majority of qualifications offered by the College are accredited and awarded by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), however we also offer qualifications from a number of other awarding bodies.
National Certificate (NC)
National Certificates are based on a combination of SQA (Scottish Qualification Authority) units. On average, it takes about 40 hours to complete a single unit. Units are offered as single units or combined with others to complete a National Certificate Award. There are over 3,000 of these, covering most occupational areas. Instead of having formal examinations, these units are based on continuous assessment. Completion of such a programme will certainly enhance your employment prospects. This type of programme will also enable you to progress on to a HNC/HND programme.
Scottish and National Vocational Qualifications (SVQ/NVQ)
SVQs and NVQs are nationally recognised qualifications that are designed to meet standards set by employers. The SVQ offers the employer a guarantee that the student has the ability to complete job related tasks. Students are assessed in the workplace or in some of the realistic work place environments within the College. This qualification is suitable for people who are currently in employment as well as students at the College. SVQs are recognised throughout Europe.
Access to Higher Education
Access courses are designed to provide students with appropriate entry qualifications to Higher Education on successful completion of their course. No formal entry requirements are necessary. For more information, please refer to the relevant sector guide or contact Client Services on +44 (0)1346 586100.
Higher National Certificate (HNC)
A widely-respected qualification built up from a specific group of units. These can be taken over a period of time to fit your specific needs. Most are offered as Full- Time courses, which take about a year to complete but increasing numbers are being offered on a Part-Time, Evening Class and Distance Learning basis. Higher National Units are individual units of study which have a credit value assigned to them. For a HNC programme, students are normally required to successfully complete a minimum of 12 credits. Higher National Units are also continuously assessed throughout the programme and some may have a final examination at the end. Students who have completed their HNC award can continue studying to achieve an HND award.
Higher National Diploma (HND)
This is an advanced course and will take about two years of Full-Time study to complete (or one year if you already have a similar HNC). It is a very demanding programme but can offer substantial career opportunities. For an HND programme, a minimum of 30 credits is normally required. Possession of Higher National Diploma awards can allow direct entry into the second or third year of selected university degree courses.
City and Guilds (C&G)
City and Guilds is the UK’s leading vocational awarding body, offering more than 500 qualifications over 28 industry sectors, through 8500 approved centres in around 100 countries worldwide. You should contact the College on +44 (0)1346 586100 to discuss your specific requirements.
Articulation with Universities
Many of our students who are following Higher National Certificate and Diploma programmes wish to continue their studies and follow degree courses at university. Banff and Buchan College can help you to achieve these ambitions through our articulation agreement links with universities.
The content and depth of study in the majority of our HNC/HND programmes are equivalent to first and second year university degree courses. As a result, students who successfully complete their HNC or HND at the College can generally articulate into the appropriate year of their degree course. The College has, over the years, built up excellent relationships with a number of universities. We now have various articulation agreements in place so that it will be clear to you from the outset exactly what you need to achieve to gain entry to the university of your choice, and which year of the appropriate degree course you can progress to. Listed below are a few of the universities with which we have established close links:
- University of Aberdeen
- Robert Gordon University
- University of the Highlands and Islands Millennium Institute
- Stirling University
- University of Abertay
- Napier University
- Dundee University
- Scottish Agricultural College
- The Open University
Whatever your choice of university or degree programme, we will be happy to help negotiating entrance on your behalf anywhere in the UK. Application to any UK university must be made via a central organisation called UCAS. These applications should be made on-line. Information will be available regarding this process and workshops will take place early in the session.