HND Human Resource Management at SCQF level 8

Higher National qualifications provide practical skills and theoretical knowledge that meet the needs of employers. The HND in Human Resource Management (SCQF level 8) builds on the knowledge and skills of the HNC Human Resource Management and also covers employee resourcing and talent management, research methods, performance management, business culture and strategy, finance, managing people, and legislation regarding collective employment relations.
This qualification is available through colleges. Typically, an HND takes two years to complete.
Use the tabs below to open each section individually. Alternatively you can show all the sections.
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 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).
Who does this qualification suit
The HNC and HND Human Resource Management 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. Access to the HND in Human Resource Management typically requires a minimum of between 12 and 15 credits, usually including all of the HNC Human Resource Management mandatory units.
Different combinations of relevant National Qualifications, vocational qualifications and equivalent qualifications from other awarding bodies may also be acceptable.
Progression
HNCs and HNDs can provide progression to degree-level study. For example, the HNC in Human Resource Management provides opportunities for direct entry into the second year of relevant degree programmes, and the HND in Human Resource Management provides opportunities for direct entry to the third year of relevant degree programmes.
Approval
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.
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.
Assessment support packs are available for most of the mandatory units of this qualification.
Where can you take this course?
Qualification content and delivery tools
Current
Qualification Structure
HND Human Resource Management
Group Award code: GP8L 16 (240 SCQF credit points)
HND Human Resource Management at SCQF level 8 consists of 15 mandatory Units (160 SCQF credit points) and a number of optional units (80 SCQF points).
Group Award Specification
Lapsing
This group award has been replaced and has entered into its lapsing period.
The finishing date for this qualification is 31 July 2023
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 arrangement document will remain until the qualification reaches its finish date at which point it will be removed from SQA 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 period of 3 years (HNC) and 4 years (HND).
Related Information
- A guide to HNs (406 KB)
- HN Catalogue (2.03 MB)
- Changes to unit/group award and frameworks
- HN Annual Update (362 KB)
- Updated conditions of assessment for HN Graded Units - August 2018 (49 KB)
Contact Information
- Candidate Enquiries
- 0345 279 1000
- Centre Enquiries
- 0303 333 0330
Qualifications
- Search qualifications
- Qualifications guidance 2020-21
- Unit search
- National Qualifications
- Awards
- Core Skills
- HNCs and HNDs
- SQA Advanced Qualifications
- NCs and NPAs (NQGA)
- Professional Development Awards (PDA)
- Qualifications for England and Wales
- Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQ)
- Understand qualifications
- MySector
- Street Works
- Sector specific
- Journeys