SQA Advanced Certificate/Diploma Mechanical Engineering
The SQA Advanced Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (SCQF level 7) and SQA Advanced Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (SCQF level 8) give learners opportunities to learn and understand the core principles and technologies that underpin mechanical engineering. They cover the skills required to seek employment in a wide range of manufacturing, service and public sector organisations at engineering technician level.
The SQA Advanced Certificate in Mechanical Engineering includes communication, engineering mathematics, quality management, engineering principles, materials selection, statics and strength of materials, dynamics, thermofluids, and pneumatics and hydraulics.
The SQA Advanced Diploma in Mechanical Engineering includes business awareness and continuing professional development, engineering principles, statics and strength of materials, engineering drawing, engineering skills, plant systems, and applied industrial plant maintenance.
These qualifications are available through a growing number of colleges and universities around the world. Typically, an SQA Advanced Certificate takes one year to complete and an SQA Advanced Diploma takes two years to complete.
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Why deliver this qualification
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.
Who does this qualification suit
The SQA Advanced Certificate in Mechanical Engineering and the SQA Advanced Diploma in Mechanical Engineering are suitable for a wide range of learners including:
- school leavers
- adult returners to education
- individuals in employment who wish to enhance their career prospects
- people who wish to start their own business
Access
As with all SQA qualifications, entry is at the discretion of the centre. Examples of formal entry qualifications include:
- one Higher from Physics, Technological Studies, Mechatronics or Mathematics, and at least three National Qualifications at SCQF level 5 including Mathematics, Physics/Technological Studies and English
- a National Certificate in Engineering
Equivalent qualifications or experience may also be accepted for entry.
Progression
The SQA Advanced Certificate in Mechanical Engineering will allow learners to progress to the SQA Advanced Diploma in Mechanical Engineering.
The SQA Advanced Diploma in Mechanical Engineering can provide advanced entry to degree-level study. For further information please refer to the SQA university agreements.
Offer this qualification
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 unit specification gives detailed information on the evidence requirements and approaches to assessment for the unit.
Ongoing course assessment will apply.
Qualification structure
SQA Advanced Certificate in Mechanical Engineering
Group award code: GM8L 47 (96 SCQF credit points)
SQA Advanced Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
Group award code: GM8J 48 (240 SCQF credit points)
For information on the structure of this qualification, please refer to the arrangement document.
Arrangements
For further information on the structures see the arrangements document - GM8L 47 and GM8J 48 (656 KB). (656 KB)