HNC/HND Technologies in Business

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.

The HNC and HND awards will prepare learners for entry to a wide range of positions. Depending on their area of specialisation, they could develop a career in the following areas:

• IT management
• project management
• business analysis
• technology consultancy
• data management

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

The HNC and HND Technologies in Business 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 National Qualifications at Higher level (including at least one from Computing Science, Business Management, English or Mathematics) and three relevant National 5 qualifications or equivalent
• National Certificate in Computing with Digital Media at SCQF level 6
• Other appropriate National Certificates at SCQF level 6
• SVQ/CBQ at Level 3 in a relevant area
• Different combinations of National Qualifications, vocational qualifications and equivalent qualifications from other awarding bodies 
• Other equivalent qualifications or experience plus
• good communication and analytical skills  

HNC Information Technology

The HNC Information Technology award can be used as a foundation to move forward into higher education in many areas that have a hybrid content containing computing as a discipline...Find out more

HND Information Technology

The HND Information Technology facilitates a career in Business Applications using Relational Database Management Systems technology. You might wish to become a Database Administrator, or to act in a supervisory capacity tailoring and or writing scripts to automate aspects of Information Technology Applications for users with less expertise...Find out more

Learners who achieve an HNC Technologies in Business can progress to the HND in Technologies in Business.

Learners who have achieved the HND Technologies in Business may be able to progress to some university degree courses. Please see the group award specification for more information. 

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

Ongoing course assessment will apply.

Assessment support packs will be available for this qualification.