SQA Advanced Certificate/Diploma Administration and Information Technology
SQA Advanced Certificate and SQA Advanced Diploma qualifications provide practical skills and theoretical knowledge that meet the needs of employers.
The SQA Advanced Certificate in Administration and Information Technology (SCQF 7) covers areas such as current administrative practices; IT skills; interpersonal skills; personal effectiveness; communication skills and presentation techniques.
The SQA Advanced Diploma in Administration and Information Technology (SCQF 8) builds on the knowledge and skills of the SQA Advanced Certificate and covers areas such as human resource management, IT, shorthand, medical administration, accounting, business, legal practice, events management, and languages.
This qualification is available through a growing number of colleges, training providers and universities around the world. Typically, an SQA Advanced Certificate takes one year to complete and an SQA Advanced Diploma takes two years.
Alternative assessment guidance
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.
Digital Marketing Communications: An Introduction optional assessment guidance 2023-24
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Why deliver this qualification
SQA Advanced Certificates and SQA Advanced Diplomas 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 flexible delivery. 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.
The SQA Advanced Certificate/Diploma provides progression routes to further study (see Progression).
Who does this qualification suit
The SQA Advanced Certificate/Diploma Administration and Information Technology 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
Entry requirements
As with all SQA qualifications, entry is decided by the college or learning provider. As a guide, the college or learning provider will look for:
- school-leaving qualifications equivalent to Level 3/SCQF Level 6, meaning the student has the ability to study at the higher level
- a centre-devised test which shows the student¿s ability to study at SQA Advanced Diploma level
- relevant work experience
Progression
The SQA Advanced Certificate in Administration and Information Technology can allow the holder to progress to the SQA Advanced Diploma in Administration and Information Technology.
The SQA Advanced Diploma in Administration and Information Technology can provide advanced entry to degree-level study.
Offer this qualification
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.
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/e-assessment support packs are available for this qualification.
Qualification structure
SQA Advanced Certificate Administration and Information Technology
Group Award code: GT08 47 (96 SCQF credit points)
SQA Advanced Certificate Administration and Information Technology at SCQF level 7 consists of nine mandatory Units.
SQA Advanced Diploma Administration and Information Technology
Group Award code: GT09 48 (240 SCQF credit points)
SQA Advanced Diploma Administration and Information Technology at SCQF level 8 consists of 18 mandatory Units.
For further information on the structures and units of these qualifications please refer to the Group Award Specification document