NC Social Sciences SCQF level 6
National Certificates (NCs) are practical qualifications designed to equip learners with the knowledge and skills (including Core Skills) required for further study or to gain employment.
The NC in Social Sciences at SCQF level 6 is designed for those who have completed the NC at SCQF level 5 and who wish to develop their knowledge and skills to progress to HN or to gain entry to university or employment. It is also suitable for school leavers, mature students and adult returners.
National Certificates (NCs) are designed for full-time delivery over one year (or part-time over two years) and are available through schools, colleges and training providers.
Qualification structure
Group Award Code: GF8M 46
This National Certificate in Social Sciences at SCQF level 6 consists of 56 mandatory Units (of which the candidate must complete a minimum of six Units) at SCQF level 6 and 39 optional Units at SCQF levels 5 and 6.
National Certificate in Social Sciences at SCQF level 6 (1.09 MB)
How to assess
Each Unit specification gives detailed information on the Evidence Requirements and approaches to assessment for the Unit. Assessment support packs (ASPs) or NABs are available for all of the Units in the NC Social Sciences at SCQF level 6 and can be found on SQA's secure website. There will be opportunities for integration of Units or Unit Outcomes. Individual Unit specifications and ASPs identify specific opportunities for combined delivery and assessment.
There is a wide variety of methods of assessment that would allow candidates to meet the knowledge and skills/performance criteria for various Units. Likely evidence types could include: written essays or structured questions, individual oral presentation, or poster exhibition including oral explanation of poster.
Candidates could also provide the Evidence Requirements in the form of an individual blog or by creating a website. Use of e-assessment should be considered if it meets the criteria laid down in the Unit specifications. Formative e-assessments have been developed for selected Units and can be downloaded from: www.sqasolar.org.uk
Evidence can be provided in one form, or from a combination of the suggested forms above, or any other method that meets the Evidence Requirements.
Remediation and re-assessment will also be carried out according to the criteria detailed in the individual Unit specifications.
The NC can be delivered by open learning but it will be up to the centre to ensure authentication of assessment according to the assessment procedures given within each Unit specification.
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Why study this qualification
This NC is for learners who wish to enhance their knowledge and skills in social sciences and to gain Core Skills and other transferable skills that will prepare them for further study or employment.
It is suitable for a wide range of candidates including school leavers and adult returners with a variety of formal and informal qualifications.
Access
Entry is at the discretion of the centre and may include Core Skills profiling and an interview to determine suitability.
At SCQF level 6, although candidates would benefit from a background in the subject areas, it is also possible to successfully achieve the group award without prerequisite knowledge.
There are recommended entry requirements on individual Units, which can be used for guidance. However, other non-formal qualification and experience may also be taken into account.
Given the importance of communication in the social sciences, it is recommended that candidates have a social subject or an English Unit or Communication Unit at SCQF level 5.
Employment and progression
This NC is intended to give candidates the relevant qualifications and experience to enable them to successfully develop the skills which they need to progress through education. Depending on the options chosen, candidates will have the opportunity to enhance their employability skills through the inclusion of personal development and employability Units.
The NC in Social Sciences at SCQF level 6 offers Units that contribute to the National Progression Award (NPA) Enterprise and Employability at SCQF level 5 (G9AH 45) and the Award in Volunteering Skills at SCQF level 5 (GD1R 45) .
There are no National Occupational Standards for this area; however, one of the strengths of this Group Award is that it looks at a wide range of social sciences and develops broad transferable skills that underpin various occupations.
Qualification structure
Group Award Code: GF8M 46
This National Certificate in Social Sciences at SCQF level 6 consists of 56 mandatory Units (of which the candidate must complete a minimum of six Units) at SCQF level 6 and 39 optional Units at SCQF levels 5 and 6.
National Certificate in Social Sciences at SCQF level 6 (1.09 MB)