HNC Game and Wildlife Management at SCQF level 7

Higher National qualifications provide practical skills and theoretical knowledge that meet the needs of employers.
The HNC in Game and Wildlife Management (SCQF level 7) develops knowledge and skills in areas such as gamebird and deer management, public relations for field sports, workplace practice, and wildlife legislation.
This qualification is available through colleges. Typically, an HNC takes one year to complete.
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Why deliver this qualification
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 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).
Who does this qualification suit
The HNC in Game and Wildlife Management (SCQF level 7) is suitable for a wide range of learners 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:
Different combinations of relevant National Qualifications, vocational qualifications and equivalent qualifications from other awarding bodies may also be acceptable.
Practical experience within the industry, for example working as a beater, would be beneficial for learners.
Candidate Information
The HNC Gamekeeping with Wildlife Management is a specialist award within Scotland. It has provided the industry with well trained personnel over the last ten years. It is highly regarded within the game field industry as it allows candidates direct entry into employment and into Higher Education.
The HNC will provide you with a qualification that will further your personal and professional development. It is aimed primarily at those who will be working at Beatkeeper, Ghillie and single-handed level on a sporting estate.
If you have been working in the industry and have gained qualifications at non-advanced level, the qualification provides a progression route, or a way of facilitating a career move or career change. The HNC is also suitable if you have previously achieved a relevant group of National Units in Gamekeeping or an SVQ 2 in Gamekeeping and wish to develop your technical competence and managerial skills.
Progression
HNCs and HNDs can provide progression to degree-level study. For example, the HNC in Game and Wildlife may allow direct entry into the second year of some degree programmes.
Higher National qualifications also provide the knowledge and understanding required for related Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs). For example, the suite of Level 3 SVQs in Game and Wildlife Management (Deer; Game Rearing; Gamekeeping).
Approval
Centres with devolved authority for approval should use their own internal approval process.
Centres without devolved authority will have 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 Guide to Approval.
How to assess
Each individual Unit specification gives detailed information on the Evidence Requirements and approaches to assessment for each Unit.
Ongoing course assessment will apply.
Where can you take this course?
Qualification content and delivery tools
Current
Qualification Structure
HNC Game and Wildlife Management
Group Award Code: GL04 15 (96 SCQF credit points)
HNC Game and Wildlife Management at SCQF level 7 consists of 11 mandatory Units (88 SCQF credit points) and one optional Unit (8 SCQF credit points).
Group Award Specification
- Group Award Specification (430 KB)
Lapsing
Qualification Structure
This Group Award has been replaced and has entered into its lapsing period.
The finishing date for this qualification is 1/07/2018.
Centres should note that when a Group Award is entered into its lapsing period, the following will apply:
- the Group Award will be deleted from the relevant catalogue
- the Group Award Arrangements document will remain until the qualification reaches its finish date at which point it will be removed from SQA’s website and archived
- no new centres may be approved to offer the Group Award
- centres should only enter candidates whom they expect to complete the Group Award during the defined lapsing periods of three years (HNC) and four years (HND).
Group Award Specification
Contact Information
- Candidate Enquiries
- 0345 279 1000
- Centre Enquiries
- 0303 333 0330
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