Introduction

Introduction

Following an extensive consultation process, in March 2003 the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) agreed new design principles for Higher National Certificates (HNCs) and Higher National Diplomas (HNDs). (See Appendix 1 for details.) In August 2003, SQA and Scottish colleges embarked on a five-year project to modernise all HNCs and HNDs to ensure that these key qualifications remain fit for purpose and provide the Scottish economy with relevant labour market skills - by the end of this period, all HN qualifications will have to comply to the new design principles. An important objective of the modernisation project is to have all Higher National (HN) qualifications allocated to an SCQF level and given an SCQF credit rating by 2008.

The purpose of this Toolkit for centres is to:

• ensure that you have access to SQA guidance and resources that are designed to help you take forward your HNCs and HNDs using a consistent methodology
• provide you with a set of pro forma documents which can be adapted to meet your centre’s needs, and which can be used to keep SQA Business Managers and Qualifications Managers informed of your HN developments

These guidelines apply where SQA manages the validation process, ie where a centre does not have devolved authority for the validation of SQA qualifications. Centres with devolved authority for the validation of Group Awards have full responsibility for the validation using their own systems. However, you may choose to use these guidelines or you may choose to use guidelines of your own.

This Toolkit also includes a ‘Feedback’ form for any suggested alterations and improvements.

 

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