SQA Advanced Certificate/Diploma Computer Aided Architectural Design and Technology

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.

The unit-based structure supports flexible delivery. A unit is typically 40 hours of timetabled learning.

This SQA Advanced Certificate and Advanced Diploma provide progression routes to further study (see Progression).

These qualifications are aimed at learners wishing to pursue a career working in the construction sector as an architectural technician/technologist, or those who wish to upgrade and/or broaden their existing skills set. This could include:

• school leavers
• learners studying related subject areas such as engineering, construction and design-related disciplines
• adult returners to education
• learners in employment who wish to enhance their career prospects
• people changing direction/seeking a career change
• part-time learners wishing to broaden skills and knowledge

Access

As with all SQA qualifications, entry is at the discretion of the centre. However, learners would benefit from having attained the skills, knowledge and understanding required by one or more of the following or equivalent qualifications and/or experience:

• NC or SQA Advanced Certificate in a related discipline — this could include, but is not limited to, the NC Computer Aided Design and Technology, NC Built Environment, NC in an Engineering discipline, or SQA Advanced Certificate in Construction
• at least one Higher level pass, with appropriate supporting passes at National 5, or equivalent, in appropriate subjects — Mathematics, English, Product Design, Graphic Communication and/or a science subject would be desirable
• SVQ in Construction or Engineering-related discipline

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 Computer Aided Architectural Design and Technology can progress to the SQA Advanced Diploma.

The SQA Advanced Diploma can provide advanced entry to degree-level study. For further information please refer to the SQA university agreements.

Employment opportunities exist within the architectural engineering and construction sectors as CAD technicians and junior designers.

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.