HNC Marketing/HND Marketing, Advertising and PR

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 in Marketing and HND in Marketing, Advertising and PR 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

Access

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

• Relevant National Qualifications or National Qualification Group Awards at SCQF level 5 or 6.
• Any two National Qualifications at Higher level (preferably including Higher English) together with three National 5 passes.
• Appropriate groupings of National Units, for example those focusing on marketing, market research, advertising, media studies or general business studies.
• An SVQ at SCQF level 5 or above in a relevant area.
• Different combinations of National Qualifications, Vocational Qualifications and equivalent qualifications from other awarding bodies in relevant areas.
• For learners whose first language is not English, it is recommended that they possess English for Speakers of Other languages (ESOL) at SCQF level 5 or an overall score of 5.5 in IELTS.

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

HNCs and HNDs can provide progression to degree-level study. The HNC in Marketing and HND in Marketing, Advertising and PR can provide entry into the second and third year of degree programmes. Some university degree programmes require specific subjects to be included in the award — for example, Economics, Finance or Management subjects. These HN qualifications provide a range of optional units to accommodate these requirements. Other universities will consider entry on an individual basis.

The unit options allow successful learners to prepare for a career in a number of related sectors, such as marketing; public relations (PR); sales administration; event management; customer service and advertising.

Higher National qualifications also provide the knowledge and understanding required for related Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) — for example, Diploma in Digital Marketing at SCQF levels 6 or 8, SVQs in Customer Care, Retail, Event Management etc.

Successful learners could also progress to qualifications from a range of professional bodies in this area, such as:

• Professional PR Certificate (CIPR)
• Certificate and/or Diploma and/or Digital Diploma in Professional Marketing (CIM)
• Diploma in Digital Marketing (CAM)
• Institute of Direct and Digital Marketing (IDM) qualifications

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

Centres without devolved authority will need 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 unit specification gives detailed information on the evidence requirements and approaches to assessment for each unit.

A wide range of ongoing course assessment will apply.

Assessment/e-assessment support packs are available for these qualifications.