HNC Management and Leadership
Higher National Qualifications provide practical skills and theoretical knowledge that meet the needs of employers. The HNC in Management and Leadership (SCQF level 7) develops knowledge and skills in areas such as self-management, managing operations and leading teams. It provides learners with the skills and knowledge required to enter or progress in a range of leader/manager roles across industry sectors.
The HNC in Management and Leadership is a recognised qualification that is respected by employers across many industry sectors and is jointly certificated with the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).
It includes a wide range of optional units, including Marketing, Managing Financial Resources, Financial Accounting Statements; Human Resource Management, Business Law, Economics; Creating a Culture of Customer Care; Project Management, and Management of Quality.
While undertaking the HNC in Management and Leadership, learners are eligible for 12 months free studying membership of the CMI. On achievement of the HNC, learners are eligible for Associate (ACMI) membership of the CMI.
The qualification is available through colleges and typically is offered on a part-time basis.
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Why deliver this qualification
SQA has developed Higher National Qualifications 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 wide choice of optional units enables centres to offer courses tailored to meet local needs.
The HNC provides progression routes to further study (see Progression).
Who does this qualification suit
The HNC is suitable for a wide range of candidates including:
- adult returners to education
- individuals in a range of industry sectors who wish to develop their team leader/manager skills or who aspire to a promoted leader/manager position
- those seeking to progress their studies
- school leavers
Access
As with all SQA qualifications, entry is at the discretion of the centre. The HNC in Management and Leadership is designed for candidates who want to develop knowledge and skills in areas such as self-management, managing operations and leading teams.
Examples of formal entry qualifications include:
- any relevant Scottish Group Award at SCQF level 5 or 6 (ie National 5 or Higher)
- any two National Qualifications at SCQF level 6 (Higher) together with three National 5 passes at SCQF level 5
- an SVQ at SCQF level 6 in a relevant area
- a different combination of relevant and equivalent qualifications from other awarding bodies
- relevant current work experience
Candidates for whom English is not their first language are recommended to obtain English for Speakers of other Languages (ESOL) level 5 or a score of 5.5 in International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
In addition, candidates should possess good communication and analytical skills, along with a desire to attain the professional and personal attributes of a leader/manager.
Different combinations of relevant National Qualifications, vocational qualifications and equivalent qualifications from other awarding bodies may also be acceptable.
Progression
Learners who achieve an HNC in Management and Leadership can progress to the Diploma in Management and Leadership.
Approval
Centres with devolved authority for approval should use their own internal approval process.
Centres without devolved authority are required 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.
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 in Management and Leadership
Group award code: GP57 15 (96 SCQF credit points)
HNC in Management and Leadership at SCQF level 7 consists of five mandatory units (56 SCQF credit points), one unit from a choice of eight restricted mandatory units (a minimum of 1 SQA credit/8 SCQF credit points), and a choice of optional units, to ensure an overall total of 12 SQA credits/96 SCQF credit points.
Group Award Specification
GP57 15 (819 KB)
Lapsing
This group award has been replaced and has entered into its lapsing period.
The finishing date for this qualification is 31/07/2022.
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 fromm the SQA website and archived.
- No new centres may be approved to offer the group ward.
- Centres should only enter candidates whom they expect to complete the group award during the defined lapsing period of three years (HNC) and four years (Diploma).
Qualification Structure
HNC Management and Leadership - Qualification Structure (14 KB)
Group award code: GF5V 15 (12 SQA credits/96 SCQF credit points)
HNC in Management and Leadership at SCQF level 7 consists of nine mandatory credits (72 SCQF credit points) and three optional credits (24 SCQF credit points).
Group Award Specification
Qualification Verification Summary Reports
Qualification Verification Summary Reports were formerly known as Internal Assessment Reports.
- 2018 HN Management Skills Report (161 KB)
- 2016 HN Management Skills Report (132 KB)
- 2015 HN Management Skills Report (172 KB)
Support Materials for Candidates
A range of candidate support packs and interactive activities is available to assist candidates. Click on the link for the interactive activities. You can obtain support packs from your tutor.
