HNC/HND Practical Journalism without Shorthand

This subject will not have alternative assessment guidance for session 2023-24. You should refer to the Group Award/Unit specifications for detailed delivery and assessment information. For general support on delivery and assessment see the HNVQ assessment guidance 2023-24.

Higher National qualifications 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 flexibility. A unit is typically 40 hours of timetabled learning.

There is a wide choice of optional units which will enable centres to offer courses tailored to meet local needs.

This HN provides progression routes to further study (see Progression).

The HNC and HND in Practical Journalism without Shorthand 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

Access

As with all SQA qualifications, entry is at the discretion of the centre. Examples of formal entry qualifications include:

• Two Highers, one of which must be English at A or B.
• Another relevant Higher such as a social subject or modern foreign language.
• Relevant National Certificate Group Awards at SCQF level 6 in the field of Communication and Media, Arts and Social Sciences, or a National Progression Award in Journalism at SCQF level 6.
• An appropriate HNC or degree.

Or, relevant work experience.

Different combinations of relevant National Qualifications, vocational qualifications, and equivalent qualifications from other awarding bodies may also be acceptable.

Centres delivering the HNC/D in Practical Journalism without Shorthand offer pre-entry guidance to ensure applicants have an appropriate level of English. This is achieved through tests and, in addition, applicants are asked to provide a folio of relevant samples of work. Applicants will also be interviewed in order to assess their suitability for, and commitment to, journalism. Furthermore, it is recommended that learners possess the following Core Skills profile on entry:

• Communication SCQF level 6
• Numeracy SCQF level 6
• ICT SCQF level 6
• Problem Solving SCQF level 6
• Working with Others SCQF level 6

Progression and employment

Learners who achieve an HNC in Practical Journalism without Shorthand can progress to the HND in Practical Journalism without Shorthand (GP2H 16).

HNCs and HNDs can provide progression to degree-level study. For example, the HNC in Practical Journalism without Shorthand may allow direct entry into the second year of most degree programmes, and the HND in Practical Journalism without Shorthand may allow direct entry to most third year programmes.

Centres with devolved authority for approval should use their own internal approval process.

Centres without devolved authority require to 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/occupational competence as outlined in the Systems and Qualification Approval Guide.

Each individual unit specification gives detailed information on the evidence requirements and approaches to assessment for each unit.

Ongoing course assessment will apply.