Qualifications
At Aberdeen College it’s our aim to encourage people to enter education and training, so you don’t always need to have specific entry qualifications – you simply enter at the appropriate level, which suits your ability and experience. Courses in most subject areas are offered at different levels, which means that there should be something to suit you.
If you already have qualifications you may be able to cope with an advanced level course i.e. HNC/HND. However, if you are new to learning or have only studied up to standard grade, you may prefer to start off with an ‘Introductory’ or ‘Preliminary’ course. These courses can provide you with an easy way into learning and the opportunity to move up the learning routes to HNC, HND or to a degree at university or college. In some subject areas there are specific ‘Preparation for HNC’ programmes.
- NC - National Qualifications
- Scottish Group Awards
- Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ)
- HNC - Higher National Certificate
- HND - Higher National Diploma
- Fast Track Options
- PDA - Professional Development Award
- Professional Qualifications
- Assessment/Examination
NC - National Qualifications
NATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS are non-advanced qualifications, which include National Units, National Courses, National Clusters and Scottish Group Awards.
Study is vocationally orientated and covers training related to employment.
On successful completion of a Scottish Group Award or programme of National Units you should be qualified to gain employment. Alternatively, you can continue your education at a more advanced level using yourNational Qualification as a stepping stone.
The term ‘National Qualifications’ also covers Standard Grade, the former National Certificate Modules and SEB Short Courses (now known as National Units). A National Unit usually comprises 40 hours of study.
Other qualifications in the National Qualifications block include ‘Lifestart’ and ‘Workstart’. There are also several awards in specific subject areas, known as ‘National Certificate Group Awards’.
Scottish Group Awards
SCOTTISH GROUP AWARDS (SGAs) are particularly useful for people who have been out of full-time education for a period of time. They are built up Unit by Unit, to allow you to work towards an SGA at your own pace. There are opportunities for credit transfer from other qualifications such as Standard Grades or SVQ Units so you may already be part of the way there.
Your experience outside education can also help you achieve a Scottish Group Award.
Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ)
SVQs were introduced to improve the skills of the nation’s workforce.
Available for a wide range of occupations, SVQs are offered at levels 1 to 5. They provide an excellent route for those wishing to enhance career development.
SVQs are primarily designed for the workplace, but can be studied at College (where simulated workplace environments have been established), or by a mix of College attendance and workplace training.
HNC - Higher National Certificate
HNCs are at a higher level than National Qualifications. Subjects are studied in greater depth and Units (1 credit) are usually of approx 40 hours duration.
An HNC award is gained on successful completion of 12 credits. The College offers a wide range of HNC courses on a full-time basis.
To achieve an HNC takes from 18 weeks to one year of full-time study.
You can also study on a part-time basis (part-time day study, evening classes, or a combination of the two.)
Part-time students would normally take two to three years to achieve an HNC, although our Fast Track courses may allow you to complete in one year.
HND - Higher National Diploma
HND courses offer a broader range of study than HNC. An HND is awarded on successful completion of 30 credits and usually takes up to two years to complete on a full-time basis.
Many HND courses are also available on a part-time basis.
Fast Track Options
Fast Track courses make it possible to achieve an HNC within one year through a combination of study, e.g. one day per week, one to two evenings and part of the weekend.
Fast Track HNC programmes are particularly well suited to people who want to combine study with a career.
PDA - Professional Development Award
Aberdeen College offers PDA Awards at Certificate, Advanced Certificate and Diploma level. Certificates may be made up of Higher National Units, National Units, Workplace Assessed Units or a combination of any or all of these. Advanced Certificates and Diplomas are composed of Higher National Units.
Professional Qualifications
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS leading to membership of professional bodies are available at Aberdeen College on a full-time and part-time basis.
Membership of a professional body is often beneficial to career development.
Assessment/Examination
Certificates and Diplomas awarded by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) are continuously assessed throughout the duration of the course.
Assessment may take the form of written or practical project work, according to the nature of the course.