Higher National Qualifications

This section lists publications about Higher National Qualifications - for subject-specific Higher National Assessments, see the Higher National Assessments section.
Some of the publications are available to download in PDF format, by clicking on their title.

A Headstart on the Road to Employment
Leaflet explaining benefits of HNCs and HNDs to people who want to get a job or want a career with prospects.
Free, C0873/2, September 2000

Catalogue of Higher National Units Session 2004/2005
All centrally developed and locally devised Higher National Units listed alphabetically, numerically and by subject. Replaces last year’s catalogue 2003/2004 (CA0380).
£15.00, CA0380, March 2005  

Note: The HN Catalogue is no longer being produced. Please refer to the HN Units spreadsheet for the most up to date information.

 IMAGE: HN Catalogue Cover.

Guidance on Core Skills
Using the design principles for Higher National Certificates and Diplomas 
These guidelines apply where Core Skills are being developed.
Free, CA2801/2, August 2006

  

Guidance on Graded Units
Using the design principles for Higher National Certificates and Diplomas 
Graded Units are a means of ensuring that candidates have achieved the principal aims of a Higher National Certificate or Diploma (HNC/D).  These guidelines are aimed at extending good practice to all HNC/Ds.
Free, CA2800, February 2007

  

Guide to Assessment
This Guide provides support for everyone involved in assessment.  It gives an overview of the different purposes and principles of assessment. The Guide also contains information sheets on each of the most common assessment instruments and outlines the processes for assessing SQA Units and Courses. A glossary of assessment terminology is provided as well as a reference section of publications and websites.
Free, AA4147, June 2008

Higher National Qualifications: Qualifications of Choice
Leaflet with details of HNC and HND case studies.
Free, CC3141, March 2006

HN Update
Newsletter for Higher National qualifications.
Free, FD1518, November 2003 

 IMAGE: HN update cover.

HNQ Review Update May 2001
Newsletter with information on key points of the HNQ Review and progress on the developments for the future.
Free, C1308, May 2001

Guide to Validation for Validation Panel Members and Qualification Design Teams 
Using the design principles for Higher National Certificates and Diplomas 
These guidelines apply where the validation process is being managed by SQA, or where the centre involved does not have devolved responsibility for the validation of SQA qualifications.  Centres with devolved responsibility may also use these guidelines, or they may use guidelines of their own.
Free, CA2972, Februaru 2007

  

Higher National publications by subject area

For subject-specific Higher National Assessments, see the Higher National Assessments section.

Business and Administration

Higher National Qualification Handbook: HNC and HND in Business Administration
Ringbinder containing information for those delivering HNC/D in colleges, including advice on scheduling, integrating assessments and Unit equivalencies between the old and new frameworks.  The pack also includes copies of all the Core Unit specifications.
£70.00, C071, July 1997

 

Communication and Media

Higher National Qualifications in Radio and Broadcasting
Leaflet with information about the HNC in Radio Broadcasting and the HNC and HND in Television Operations and Production.
Free, C0995, July 2000

Construction

Higher National Qualifications in Construction and the Built Environment
Leaflet.
Free, C0511, June 1998

Introducing... the Advanced Qualifications in Construction Crafts
Leaflet for candidates outlining our range of vocational qualifications - including HNCs and HNDs - in this area.
Free, C014, May 1997

Engineering

HNCs and HNDs in Engineering
Leaflet.
Free, C0508/2, August 1998

Higher National Qualification Handbook: Engineering
Ringbinder for those delivering the HNC/Ds in colleges, containing information on frameworks, design and delivery of the qualifications and transition evidence.
£70.00, C0450, March 1998

Environment

Guide to Promoting Sustainable Development
D60X 04
A guide to using this HN Unit in a number of different contexts.
£20.00, C1161, July 2000

Languages

Modules and Units in Modern Languages: A Guide for Teachers and Tutors
Up-to-date information on the revised National Units and Higher National Units in modern languages, with guidance on their use and interpretation.
£15.00, A063, July 1997

Police Studies

HNC Police Studies
Leaflet containing information on the qualification, including entry requirements and Units covered.
Free, C0506, May 1998

Travel and Tourism

HNCs and HNDs in Tourism and Travel
Leaflet.
Free, C0503, May 1998

To order any of the publications listed, contact SQA's Customer Contact Centre quoting the publication code (unless otherwise indicated) or print, complete and return our Order Form.  You can order any of our publications by credit card, Delta or by Switch.

Customer Contact Centre
Scottish Qualifications Authority
The Optima Building
58 Robertson Street
Glasgow
G2 8DQ

Tel: 0845 279 1000
Fax: 0845 213 5000
E-mail: customer@sqa.org.uk

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Publications Feedback

We are very keen to receive your views on how useful SQA's publications are to you in offering our qualifications. If you have comments on a document, or more general points about our publications, please note them down on our Publication Feedback form.