SQA Advanced Certificate/Diploma Engineering Systems
The SQA Advanced Certificate and SQA Advanced Diploma in Engineering Systems develop the knowledge, analysis and synthesis skills required to solve engineering problems. These qualifications are a first step for many learners who ultimately progress to Incorporated Engineer status.
These qualifications allow learners a degree of specialisation within one or more of the following areas: electronics, electrical engineering, mechatronics, mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering and fabrication and welding.
The SQA Advanced Certificate and SQA Advanced Diploma in Engineering Systems are available through a growing number of colleges, training providers and universities around the world. Typically, an SQA Advanced Certificate takes one year to complete and an SQA Advanced Diploma takes two years.
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Why deliver this qualification
SQA Advanced Certificates and 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 and Diploma are suitable for a wide range of learners including:
- school leavers
- adult returners to education
- learners 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:
SQA Advanced Certificate
- one Higher from Physics, Technological Studies, Mechatronics or Mathematics and at least three National 5 passes including Mathematics, Physics/Technological Studies and English
- a National Certificate in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Fabrication and Welding Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Measurement and Control Engineering or Mechanical Engineering at SCQF level 6 or equivalent
- equivalent qualifications from other awarding bodies
SQA Advanced Diploma
- one Higher from Physics, Technological Studies, Mechatronics or Mathematics and at least three National 5 passes including Mathematics, Physics/Technological Studies and English
- a National Certificate in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Fabrication and Welding Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Measurement and Control Engineering or Mechanical Engineering at SCQF level 6 or equivalent
- an SQA Advanced Certificate in Engineering Systems
- an SQA Advanced Certificate in a related area, such as Electronics, or Electrical Engineering, or Engineering Practice, or Fabrication, Welding and Inspection, or Manufacturing Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering or Mechatronics (The units Principles of Engineering Systems, Engineering Communication and Engineering Measurement and System Monitoring together with a suitable breadth of mathematics at SCQF level 6 are particularly suitable preparation for the SQA Advanced Diploma in Engineering Systems.)
- equivalent qualifications from other awarding bodies
Progression
The SQA Advanced Certificate and Diploma will equip learners with the underpinning knowledge and skills necessary to work as an engineering technician in a wide range of industrial, service and public sector organisations.
Learners already in employment can study the SQA Advanced Certificate and Diploma on a part-time basis as a way of enhancing their professional and career development. Alternatively, centres may allow learners to study individual units in the award with a view to providing them with certificated, professional development opportunities (in subject areas such as computer-aided draughting, programmable logic controllers, renewable energy systems, and robotic systems.)
The SQA Advanced Certificate partially satisfies the academic requirements to become an incorporated engineer (a degree is now required for registration).
Learners who achieve the SQA Advanced Certificate can progress to the SQA Advanced Diploma in Engineering Systems, then on to a degree course in engineering. Some universities may allow admission to more advanced stages of their degree programmes. This is likely to depend on the grades achieved in the graded unit examination and project. Learners can ask their lecturer about progression arrangements between their centre and any universities. For further information please refer to SQA's progression partners.
Offer this qualification
Centres with devolved authority for approval should use their own internal approval process.
Centres without devolved authority must 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 Engineering Systems
Group award code: GM9P 47 (96 SCQF credit points)
SQA Advanced Diploma in Engineering Systems
Group award code: GM9N 48 (240 SCQF credit points)
For further information on the structures and units of these qualifications please refer to the arrangements document.