HNC/HND Business

The following optional guidance can be used to support delivery and assessment as an alternative to the approaches outlined in the Group Award / Unit specification.

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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 wide 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).

The HNC and HND in Business qualifications are based on employer needs established through a robust consultation and validation process. This means that the qualifications provide skills that are required by industry and business.

Achievement is certificated and nationally recognised.

The qualifications can be tailored to the needs and circumstances of candidates. They can be delivered on a part-time or open-learning basis, and teaching and assessment can be aligned to the candidate's job role if appropriate.

The HNC and HND Business is suitable for a wide range of candidates 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:

• appropriate groupings of National Units
• an SVQ at SCQF Level 5 or 6 in a relevant area
• relevant work experience

Different combinations of relevant National Qualifications, vocational qualifications and equivalent qualifications from other awarding bodies may also be acceptable.

Employment and progression

HNCs and HNDs can provide progression to degree-level study. For example, the HNC in Business allows direct entry into the second year of most degree programmes, and the HND in Business allows direct entry to most third year programmes.

Higher National qualifications also provide the knowledge and understanding required for related Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs). For example, SVQ in Business and Administration.

The HNC and HND Business enable candidates to acquire skills and knowledge in key business functions such as management, marketing, and finance.

These qualifications also help enhance relevant knowledge and skills in economics, communication, problem solving and information and communication technology.

Successful candidates also have the option to go on to further study at an equivalent or higher level.

Centres with devolved authority for approval should use their own internal approval process.

Centres without devolved authority will need 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.

Centres interested in offering this qualification will need 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. The specific delivery requirements are set out in the group award specification (arrangements document).

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

Ongoing course assessment will apply.

Assessment/e-assessment support packs are available for this qualification.