HNC/HND Chemical Process Technology

The HNC and HND Chemical Process Technology give learners knowledge in subject areas related to chemistry and chemical process technology, providing the building blocks for a career in chemical process technology.

Areas covered include organic chemistry, physical chemistry, chemical engineering principles, and physics. Learners have the opportunity to develop practical skills in a laboratory environment, and to complete units that reflect specialisms in the chemical process industry.

This qualification is available through colleges. Typically, an HNC takes one year to complete and an HND takes two years.

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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 HNC/HND provides progression routes to further study (see Progression). 

The HNC/HND Chemical Process Technology is suitable for a wide range of learners 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. Examples of formal entry qualifications include:

  • a minimum of two Highers from Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics at grade C or above, with appropriate supporting passes at National 5 level (or equivalent SCQF level 5) in appropriate science subjects and Mathematics
  • NC Applied Sciences level 6
  • qualifications in appropriate science, chemical process technology and mathematics programmes, such as access programmes - learners should have gained some units at higher level in appropriate science, chemical process technology and mathematics programmes
  • Suitable work experience gained in a chemical process setting 

Progression and employment

HNCs and HNDs can provide progression to degree-level study. The HNC Chemical Process Technology Group Award is designed to articulate with the HND Chemical Process Technology Group Award. The HNC Chemical Process Technology Group Award may allow progression direct to year 2 at higher educational institutions. The HND Chemical Process Technology Group Award may allow direct progression to year 3 at higher educational institutions.

Higher National qualifications may also provide the knowledge and understanding required for related Modern Apprenticeships, eg the Modern Apprenticeship in Chemical Process Engineering and Related Industries.

What you'll learn?

HNC Chemical Process Technology

The HNC Chemical Process Technology will give you knowledge in subject areas related to chemistry and chemical process technology, providing the basic building blocks for a career in Chemical Process Technology. Areas covered include Organic Chemistry; Physical Chemistry; Chemical Engineering Principles; and Physics.

HND Chemical Process Technology

The HND Chemical Process Technology is a progression from the HNC Chemical Process Technology. You will gain knowledge in the subjects areas related to chemistry and chemical engineering. These include: Organic Chemistry; Physical Chemistry; Heat Transfer; Fluid Mechanics; Process Operations; and Analytical Chemistry.

Centres with devolved authority for approval should use their own internal approval process.

Centres without devolved authority will have 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 Guide to Approval.

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

Ongoing course assessment will apply.

HNC Chemical Process Technology

Group award code: GL6A 15 (96 SCQF credit points)

HNC Chemical Process Technology at SCQF level 7 consists of nine mandatory units (72 SCQF credit points) and a number of optional units (8-24 SCQF credit points).

HND Chemical Process Technology

Group award code: GL6C 16 (240 SCQF credit points)

HND Chemical Process Technology at SCQF level 8 consists of 22 mandatory units (176 SCQF credit points) and a number of optional units (56-64 SCQF credit points).

This guidance is optional. You can use this guidance or deliver and assess as outlined in the group award specification.

See also the general HNVQ optional assessment guidance: Information and guidance for centres.