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.