NextGen: HN Pilot Centre Update

We attended our first meeting as a full member of the Joint Articulation Group (JAG) on 13 November 2023 where David McShane, Policy and Research Manager, gave an overview of NextGen: HN. Topics included grading regarding the UCAS timeline, the Articulation agreement with the Open University, the Funding Council review of  the National Articulation Database, and a National Articulation Agreement.  

SQA has signed an agreement with the Open University which will allow learners who have completed its Higher National Certificates, and Diplomas – including SQA’s next generation of Higher National qualifications (NextGen: HN) – to progress onto Open University degree programs at advanced levels.  

Following the successful conclusion of a National Articulation Agreement with the Open University, discussions have begun to explore a similar model with the University Highlands and Islands (UHI) which is near completion. Robert Gordon University has now expressed an interest in having similar Articulation discussions. 

Members of Policy, Analysis and Standards (PAS) met with representatives of the Scottish Government’s Directorate of Lifelong Learning & Skills with a view to collaborate in progressing review priorities. We identified various topics including articulation, and in particular a National Articulation agreement. This was a follow on from a meeting last year with Stephen Pathirana, Director of Lifelong Learning & Skills, and considers efficient articulation as well as enhancing the learner journey. 

 We hope to continue widening access through effective and efficient articulation. We have great encouragement from SWAP West regarding this, and have recently been offered assistance from the Scottish Widening Access Management Group which will help us achieve this aim.