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Qualifications Explained

Anniesland College offers different levels of qualifications, accredited by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) and City and Guilds (C&G). You will see various qualification levels mentioned within this site.

Whatever level of qualification you achieve, your qualification will be recorded on a Scottish Qualifications certificate and your success will be celebrated at either the June Awards ceremony for National Certificate courses or at our Autumn Awards ceremony for HNC, HND and equivalent awards.

Qualifications Explained

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) is designed to provide you with clear guidelines about how you can progress with current qualifications. Here is a copy of the SCQF Framework.

National Certificate (NC)

National Certificates are vocational qualifications designed to prepare people for employment, career development or for progression to study at HNC level. They are groups of National Units at SCQF levels 2-6 (Access / Intermediate 1-2 / Higher).

On successful completion of your award you will receive a record of achievement from SQA and be awarded with a college certificate.

National Progression Award (NPA)

National Progression Awards are designed to assess a defined set of skills and knowledge in specialist vocational areas at SCQF levels 2-6. If you successfully achieve a National Progression Award you may progress to HNC level study. Higher National Certificate (HNC) / Higher National Diploma (HND)

These qualifications are based on units which have a credit value attached to them at SCQF level 7 and 8. It usually takes one year of study to complete HNC and two years to complete HND. Successful completion of an HNC may lead to progression to the second year of an HND or to a degree level course. Successful completion of HND may enable progression to third year of a degree level course. 

Professional Development Awards (PDA)

Professional Development Awards (PDAs) are designed to develop and deliver high level skills in a sharp, flexible and focused way. They are ideal for developing the skills of young people, graduates, and other adult learners. They are ideal for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) so employers can use them to enhance the skills of their employees.

Full details of progression routes are detailed under ‘Articulation’ in each course listing.