SQA Advanced Certificate/Diploma Civil Engineering

SQA Advanced Certificates and SQA Advanced Diplomas have been developed by SQA in partnership with colleges, universities and industry ¿ so employers recognise that they provide sound evidence of ability. This qualification was developed in partnership with the Institution of Civil Engineers: ICE.

The unit-based structure supports flexible delivery. 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.

The SQA Advanced Certificate/Diploma provides progression routes to further study (see Progression).

The SQA Advanced Certificate/Diploma in Civil Engineering are suitable for a wide range of learners including:

SQA Advanced Certificate is suitable for a wide range of leaners including:

• school leavers
• learners progressing from a lower level award in Civil Engineering or  a closely related discipline
• adult returners to education
• learners in employment who wish to enhance their career prospects

SQA Advanced Diploma is suitable for a wide range of leaners including:

• school leavers
• learners progressing from an SQA Advanced Certificate in Civil Engineering or SQA Advanced Diploma in Built Environment or a closely related discipline
• adult returners to education
• learners in employment who wish to enhance their career prospects

Access

As with all SQA qualifications, entry is decided by the college or learning provider.

Different combinations of relevant National Qualifications, vocational qualifications and equivalent qualifications from other awarding bodies may also be acceptable.

Learners who achieve an SQA Advanced Certificate in Civil Engineering can progress to the SQA Advanced Diploma in Civil Engineering.

Advanced entry to degree programmes is possible, though this depends on the university ¿ some will admit SQA Advanced Certificate holders to the first year.

The SQA Advanced Certificate will also enable learners to achieve professional body recognition in particular, but not exclusively, from the Institution of Civil Engineers.

Some universities will admit SQA Advanced Diploma holders to Year 2 or Year 3 of relevant degree programmes. Each institution has its own entry requirements, so learners should check before choosing their SQA Advanced Diploma options.

There may also be opportunities to progress via a Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) accredited course with a view to achieving professional body recognition. There is more information at www.jbm.org.uk.

SQA Advanced Certificates and Diplomas also provide the knowledge and understanding required for related Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs). For example:

• SQA Advanced Certificate in Civil Engineering supports the learning within SVQ 3 and SVQ 4 Construction: Technical Modern Apprenticeship Frameworks
• SQA Advanced Diploma in Civil Engineering support learning in the SVQ 4 Construction: Technical Modern Apprenticeship Frameworks

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.

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

Ongoing course assessment will apply.

Assessment/e-assessment support packs are available for this qualification.