PDA Intelligence Analysis SCQF level 9

The aim of the PDA in Intelligence Analysis is to provide candidates with the skills, behaviours and knowledge required to operate effectively as an intelligence analyst at both tactical and strategic levels of an organisation. It enables them to analyse information and intelligence at tactical levels and evaluate information and intelligence at strategic levels. From this analysis and evaluation, candidates can draw inferences and develop suitable analytical products which can be used to inform organisational decision making. In addition, candidates will develop skills in presenting analytical products to others.

The Professional Development Award (PDA) in Intelligence Analysis fulfils a similar purpose to the PDA in Crime and Intelligence Analysis, which it has replaced. The PDA in Crime and Intelligence Analysis lapsed on 31 July 2013 but has a three year run off period from that date during which no new centres can be approved to deliver it but enrolled candidates can be certificated until the end date of 31 July 2016.

This qualification can be contextualised to the specific work environment within which intelligence analysts work. The police service, for example, can develop delivery methods which make the qualification fit the needs of criminal intelligence analysts who will apply analytical techniques to the analysis of crime patterns and criminal behaviour. However, the qualification can also be delivered in other organisational contexts. Intelligence analysts from organisations such as environmental protection agencies, financial institutions and government agencies such as border control can undertake, and benefit from, this qualification.

Use the tabs below to open each section individually. Alternatively you can show all the sections.

The target audience for the Group Award is any person who has recently taken up a post as an intelligence analyst and who needs to acquire the skills, behaviours and knowledge associated with this occupational role. Intelligence analysts are normally recruited without prior experience of intelligence analysis. Some new recruits to intelligence analysis may, however, have had previous experience of working in the same organisation in a different capacity.

It is likely that most of these recent recruits will have gained a small amount of on-the-job experience, probably between three and six months'. Although it would be possible for candidates with no experience of working as an intelligence analyst to begin the qualification, they should have a realistic expectation of employment as intelligence analysts in the near future. This is because the Group Award includes work-related assessment. Candidates must be in a suitable work situation before the end of the first Unit of the Group Award to enable them to undertake the assessment activity required by this Unit.

The Professional Development Award (PDA) in Intelligence Analysis at SCQF level 9 is designed to enable you to develop the skills, behaviours and knowledge you will need to be an effective intelligence analyst in an intelligence-led environment. 

It has a number of specific aims. It will enable you to:

  • analyse information and intelligence at tactical levels in an organisation
  • evaluate information and intelligence at strategic levels in an organisation
  • use a range of analytical skills and techniques
  • develop and present analytical products for tactical situations 
  • develop and present analytical products for strategic situations 
  • draw structured inferences from large amounts of raw intelligence
  • develop problem solving recommendations from the analysis of information and intelligence 
  • prepare evidential analytical products and present and defend them in a relevant environment    

It consists of two Units: Intelligence Analysis and Advanced Intelligence Analysis.

Successful candidates would expect to continue in employment as intelligence analysts, and would be able to transfer their skills to a variety of different organisational contexts.

Centres interested in offering this qualification should come forward for approval and 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 (510 KB). The specific delivery requirements are set out in the Group Award Specification (Arrangements Document).

The proposed structure of the PDA in Intelligence Analysis at SCQF level 9 is as follows:

Unit Title Code SCQF credit points SCQF level SQA credit value
Intelligence Analysis H1T9 35 16 8 2
Advanced Intelligence Analysis H1TC 36 24 9 3

Both Units are mandatory and there are no optional Units.

The PDA in Intelligence Analysis at SCQF level 9 will be awarded to candidates who achieve the two mandatory Units.

Successful candidates will gain 40 SCQF credit points from the PDA in Intelligence Analysis at SCQF level 9. They will consist of:

  • 16 SCQF credit points at SCQF level 8 (from Intelligence Analysis)
  • 24 SCQF credit points at SCQF level 9 (from Advanced Intelligence Analysis)