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Not sure which level to study?
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National Qualification (NQ/NC)
National Qualifications include the national courses that school pupils now undertake in their senior phase, including Highers and Advanced Highers. They also include National Certificates which develop skills and knowledge relating to a specific subject or occupational area.
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Higher National Certificate (HNC)
This is an advanced programme of study that can be studied over one year of full-time study or in some cases 2-3 years with part-time study. You may be able to move from an HNC SCQF Level 7 to the second year of an HND SCQF Level 8, provided you pass an additional three appropriate credits.
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Higher National Diploma (HND)
This qualification offers a higher level or study than an HNC. It takes up to two years to complete on a full-time basis or in some cases up to five years with part-time study. With most HNDs you can leave at the end of first year with an HNC provided you have passed the necessary units.
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National Progression Awards (NPA)
NPAs are aimed at assessing a defined set of skills and knowledge in specialist vocational areas. They also link to National Occupational Standards, which are the basis of SVQs. NPAs are at SCQF Levels 2 - 6 and are successfully delivered in partnership between schools, colleges and employers.
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Advanced Diploma
This is a post HND qualification that is gained after successfully completing an additional one year of full-time study.
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Degree
An ordinary/honours degree can be achieved after three or four years of successful full-time study.
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Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ)
Nationally recognised qualifications gained in the workplace. The qualifications are designed by industry to meet their requirements and approved by National Sectors Skills Councils.
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Modern Apprenticeship
Nationally recognised qualifications gained in the workplace. MAs vary in levels but a typical MA will consist of an SVQ, Core Skills and either an NC, HNC or HND or a combination of these.
Checklist
Before applying:
- Speak to a Learner Adviser to ensure that you have selected the appropriate course
- Ensure you have the relevant entry requirements and/or experience for the course
- Speak to a Learner Adviser or a member of the Student Finance Team to find out about the Student funding Support available to you
- Find out about Childcare support, if required
- Applications can be completed online or by filling out a paper application form
- Try to complete all sections of our application form
- Speak to a member of our Student records team if you would like help to complete your application form
- Please provide any requested documentation as soon as possible
- Advise the College if you have any additional support needs
Next Steps
If you meet the entry criteria you will be contacted to attend an interview. This will give you and your department an opportunity to find out a bit more about each other.
Our full-time prospectus is launched each year in September - online applications go live after the October break.
Interviews normally take place from February each year.
After interview, you will be notified if you have been successful. if you have been unsuccessful, you will have the opportunity to apply for an alternative course.
Information for Applicants
If successful:
- We will assume that you are accepting your place the course, however, if you decide to change your mind - please let us know, as soon as possible
- Complete all funding forms to ensure the relevant financial support is in place before the start of your course
- Ensure that you have the required equipment and resources for starting your course