The HNC in Administration and Information Technology (SCQF level 7) and HND in Administration and Information Technology (SCQF level 8) provide learners with a progression route into employment. This could be in a general administrative role in small-to-medium size organisations, or a more specialist post as demanded by larger businesses.
This qualification covers areas such as current administrative practices; IT skills; interpersonal skills; personal effectiveness; communication skills and presentation techniques. A range of optional units allows the inclusion of specialist knowledge and skills in human resource management, IT, shorthand, medical administration, accounting, business, legal practice, events management, and languages.
This qualification is available through colleges and other education and training institutions. Typically, an HNC takes one year to complete and an HND takes two years on a full-time basis. Part-time or open learning delivery is possible over a longer period of time.
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Why deliver this qualification
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.
The HNC and HND in Administration and Information Technology offer a number of benefits to candidates:
they provide skills, knowledge and capabilities needed for employment
they enable progression to higher education
they can enhance career prospects
teaching and assessment can be aligned to the candidate's workplace
achievement is certified and nationally recognised
Who does this qualification suit
The HNC and HND Administration and Information Technology are appropriate for those who have an interest in a career in administration at any level. The HND in Administration and Information Technology develops further skills and knowledge for those interested in managerial roles and/or further academic study. Learners are likely to come from the following groups:
school leavers
adult returners to education
those 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:
appropriate groupings of National Units
any two National Qualifications at Higher
any relevant National Qualifications Group Award at SCQF level 5 or 6
an SVQ 2 or 3 in Business and Administration or IT
training programmes or qualifications from bodies other than SQA
relevant work experience
Progression and employment
Learners who achieve an HNC Administration and Information Technology can progress to the HND in Administration and Information Technology.
Learners achieving the HNC or HND in Administration and Information Technology may have the option of progressing to:
second year or third year of a Business, Administration, Management or IT related degree
employment in an administrative/senior administrative/managerial role
HNC/HND Administration and Information Technology may provide some underpinning knowledge for SVQs in Business and Administration at SCQF level 6 and SCQF level 7/8.
Approval
Centres with devolved authority for approval should use their own internal approval process.
Centres without devolved authority require 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.
Each unit is internally assessed.
Graded units are internally assessed and are allocated a grade.
A range of assessment methods is appropriate throughout HNC/HND qualifications.
Assessment may be integrated across units where content and/or context aligns.
Assessment/e-assessment support packs are available for this qualification.
HNC Administration and Information Technology at SCQF level 7 consists of nine mandatory units (80 SCQF credit points) and 16 SCQF credit points from optional units.
HND Administration and Information Technology
Group award code: GM0Y 16 (240 SCQF credit points)
HND Administration and Information Technology at SCQF level 8 consists of 18 mandatory units (168 SCQF credit points) and 72 SCQF credit points from optional units.
