Choosing the Right Course

Selecting the right course is a crucial step in shaping your learning journey and future career. While there’s no single answer, taking the time to explore your interests, strengths, and career goals can help you make an informed decision.

At Forth Valley College, we offer a wide range of courses designed to suit different skills career goals. Whether you're aiming for a hands-on vocational qualification, a pathway to university, or industry-specific training, we have options to match your aspirations.

Need help making your decision? Explore our courses or speak to our support and guidance team for expert advice.

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Things to consider?

Interests
Career Goals
Course Content
Entry Requirements
Employment Opportunities
Learning Style
Duration and Intensity
Feedback
Support
Current Lifestyle

National Qualifications (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.

Professional Development Awards (PDA)

PDAs are developed in partnership with industry and linked to National Occupational Standards and are ideal for developing the skills of young people, graduates, and other adult learners. They are flexible qualifications for industry, training, and education and can be used to extend or broaden professional and vocational skills.

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.

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.

National Progression Award (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.

Degree

An ordinary/honours degree can be achieved after three or four years of successful full-time study.

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.

Modern Apprenticeship (MA)

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.

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