NextGen: HN units in non-NextGen: HN frameworks

There has been an interest in whether NextGen: HN units can be pulled into existing non-NextGen: HN frameworks or used on a free-standing basis. The following questions and answers will clarify what can and can’t be done.

Can Next Generation Higher National (NextGen: HN) Units be used in current Higher National frameworks? 

Yes, but only by exception and if they meet the below criteria. 

Can NextGen: HN Units be used as ‘stand-alone’ units? 

Yes, but only by exception and if they meet the below criteria. 

The NextGen: HN units must have been piloted for 2 successive years or validated; this will ensure that there is evidence from delivery that they are fit for purpose.

There must be clear Centre / Sector demand for units.

There must be comms / guidance for any Centre using these units.

The following criteria will be applied to decide whether the Next Gen units can be used as stand-alone: 

The NextGen: HN units must have been piloted for 2 successive years or validated; this will ensure that there is evidence from delivery that they are fit for purpose.

There must be clear Centre / Sector demand for units.

There must be comms / guidance for any Centre using these units.

Why have we taken this approach? 

These units are newly developed and cover the skills, knowledge and understanding required in the sector.

By adding these units to the current HNs there is an avoidance of duplication of units, something that SQA are trying to reduce.

Adding these units to the current HNs will reduce the need for further resource and expense to develop new units.

SQA is moving towards developing HNVQ awards under Next Generation, so it makes sense not to produce units / awards in the current specifications.

We want to support Qualifications teams during the transition from current Higher National provision to Next Generation. By taking this approach we hope to avoid proliferation of the portfolio and ensure that end users have our most up to date units.  

If you have any further questions please contact nextgen@sqa.org.uk.