PDA Service Design SCQF level 7

Professional Development Awards (PDAs) extend or broaden professional or vocational skills and are linked to National Occupational Standards.

The PDA in Service Design (SCQF 7) provides a sound foundation to the principles and practice of service design, a highly sought-after skill for many employers. Whether used in public services, large businesses or new start-ups, service design adds value, improves collaboration and makes work more efficient, effective and fulfilling.

This qualification covers the areas of user research, service design tools and methods and co-design, the process of implementing changes while keeping users at the heart.

This qualification is available through colleges, training providers and some employers. It has been designed to be delivered as a taught course and will normally be available as a combination of workshops and self-directed study.

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The PDA in Service Design at SCQF level 7 will help employers meet skills gaps and provide continuing professional development for staff, while learners will gain knowledge and skills needed for progression in the workplace.

It will help employers meet skills gaps and provide continuing professional development for staff, while learners will gain knowledge and skills needed for progression in the workplace.

The unit-based structure aids timetable flexibility. Units are typically 40 hours of learning and they can be delivered on a full-time or part-time basis.

This PDA provides progression routes to further study (see Progression).

The target audience is those in work or seeking employment, who require a specific skill set.

Entry requirements

Entry is at the discretion of the centre.

Learners do not need to have formal relevant qualifications to enter this PDA. Good communication skills, both oral and written, are required

The units in the PDA in Service Design have been mapped against the National Occupational Standards.

Learners would have the opportunity of progressing to other PDAs, which could perhaps lead to a full SQA Advanced Diploma.

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.

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

Ongoing course assessment will apply.

Each unit is assessed separately.

Assessment will allow candidates to enhance their own practice. The use of reports and projects is crucial to this.

Group Award code: GT3P 47

The PDA in Service Design at SCQF level 7 consists of 4 mandatory Units.

For further information on the structures and units of this qualification please refer to the Group Award Specification document