SQA Advanced Certificate/Diploma in Media and Communication
SQA Advanced Certificate and SQA Advanced Diploma qualifications provide practical skills and theoretical knowledge that meet the needs of employers.
The SQA Advanced Certificate in Media and Communication (SCQF level 7) covers areas such as communication and writing for the media, law, research skills, editing and proofreading, and the creative economy.
This qualification includes units such as:
- Communication: Analysing and Delivering Complex Oral Presentations
- Editing and Proofreading Text
- Introduction to Working in the Creative Economy
- Law and the Media
- Research Skills
- Writing for the Media
- Graded Unit 1
Learners can select optional units from the following areas: media and theory, communication and critical analysis, multimedia and journalism, advertising, marketing, public relations, promotions and events, digital skills, and employability skills.
The SQA Advanced Diploma in Media and Communication (SCQF level 8) builds on the knowledge and skills of the SQA Advanced Certificate and covers areas such as communication theory, promoting and pitching, using social media, interviewing, and advanced skills in writing for the media.
This qualification includes units such as:
- Applying Interpersonal and Communication Theory
- Promoting and Pitching
- Communication: Social Media Advanced
- Interviewing Skills
- Writing for the Media: Advanced
- Graded Unit 2
Learners can select optional units from the following areas: media and theory, communication and critical analysis, multimedia and journalism, advertising, marketing, public relations, promotions and events, digital skills, and employability skills.
This qualification is available through a growing number of colleges around the world. Typically, an SQA Advanced Certificate takes one year to complete and an SQA Advanced Diploma takes two years.
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Why deliver this qualification
SQA Advanced Certificates and SQA Advanced Diplomas have been developed by SQA in partnership with colleges, universities and industry — so employers recognise that they provide sound evidence of ability.
The unit-based structure supports flexible delivery. A unit is typically 40 hours of timetabled learning and the equivalent amount of self-learning.
There is a wide choice of optional units which will enable centres to offer courses tailored to meet local needs.
The SQA Advanced Certificate and SQA Advanced Diploma provide progression routes to further study (see Progression).
Who does this qualification suit
The SQA Advanced Certificate and SQA Advanced Diploma in Media and Communication are suitable for a wide range of candidates, including:
- school leavers
- adult returners to education
- individuals in employment who wish to enhance their career prospects
- people who wish to start their own business or work freelance
Entry requirements
As with all SQA qualifications, entry is decided by the centre. As a guide, the centre will look for:
- school-leaving qualifications equivalent to SCQF level 6, meaning the learner has the ability to study at the higher level
- a centre-devised test that shows the learner’s ability to study at SQA Advanced Certificate or Diploma level
- relevant work experience
- Higher English or equivalent
- English at level C1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
Progression
The SQA Advanced Certificate in Media and Communication can provide progression to the SQA Advanced Diploma in Media and Communication and may allow direct entry into the second year of relevant degree programmes.
The SQA Advanced Diploma in Media and Communication can provide advanced entry to degree-level study and may allow direct entry into the third year of relevant degree programmes.
Offer this qualification
Centres with devolved authority for approval should use their own internal approval process.
Centres without devolved authority must come forward for approval and should contact SQA’s Business Development Team for guidance.
Assessors and verifiers must be able to meet SQA’s general requirements for technical and/or occupational competence as outlined in the Systems and Qualification Approval Guide.
How to assess
Each individual unit specification gives detailed information on the evidence requirements for each unit.
Ongoing course assessment will apply.
Assessment/e-assessment support packs are available for this qualification.
Qualification structure
SQA Advanced Certificate in Media and Communication
Group Award code: GV34 47 (96 SCQF credit points)
The SQA Advanced Certificate in Media and Communication at SCQF level 7 consists of 7 mandatory unit credits (56 SCQF credit points) and 5 optional unit credits (40 SCQF credit points).
SQA Advanced Diploma in Media and Communication
Group Award code: GV33 48 (240 SCQF credit points)
The SQA Advanced Diploma in Media and Communication at SCQF level 8 consists of 13 mandatory unit credits (120 SCQF credit points) and 15 optional unit credits (120 SCQF credit points).
For further information on the structures and units of these qualifications, please refer to the Group Award Specification document