SQA Advanced Certificate/Diploma Electrical Engineering

SQA Advanced Certificate and SQA Advanced Diploma qualifications provide practical skills and theoretical knowledge that meet the needs of employers.

The SQA Advanced Certificate in Electrical Engineering at SCQF 7 covers areas such as:

  • Electrical Principles
  • Information Technology
  • Three Phase Induction Motors
  • Power Electronics
  • Inspection and Testing of Low Voltage Electrical Installations
  • Programmable Logic Controllers
  • Electrical Systems in Hazardous Environments
  • Control Systems
  • Further Mathematical studies
  • Electrical Installation Skills
  • Engineering Quality

The SQA Advanced Diploma in Electrical Engineering at SCQF 8 builds on the knowledge and skills of the SQA Advanced Certificate and covers areas such as:

  • Inspection and Testing of Low Voltage Installations
  • Programmable Logic Controllers
  • Electrical Systems in Hazardous Environments
  • Analogue and Digital Electronics
  • Quality Management
  • Electrical Installation Skills
  • Industrial Plant Maintenance
  • Synchronous Machines
  • Electrical Motor Drive Systems
  • Three Phase Induction Motors
  • High Level Engineering Software
  • Additional Control Systems studies
  • Power Supply Circuits
  • Switchgear and Protection
  • Standby Systems
  • Electrical Installation Design: Computer Aided
  • Advanced Mathematical studies

This qualification is 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 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.

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).

Who does this qualification suit

The SQA Advanced Certificate/Diploma in Electrical Engineering is 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. Suitable formal entry qualifications include:

SQA Advanced Certificate

  • One Higher from Physics, Engineering Science or Higher Mathematics, and at least three National 5s including Mathematics, Physics/Engineering Science and English.
  • National Certificate Group Award in Electrical Engineering or Electronic Engineering (SCQF level 5, plus additional maths or SCQF level 6 award
  • Qualifications comparable to the above, gained through other awarding bodies.

SQA Advanced Diploma

  • HNC Electrical Engineering
  • One Higher from Physics, Engineering Science or Higher Mathematics and at least three National 5s including Mathematics, Physics/Engineering Science and English.
  • National Certificate Group Award in Electrical Engineering or Electronic Engineering (SCQF level 5 plus additional maths or SCQF level 6 award)
  • Qualification comparable to the above, gained through other awarding bodies.

Progression

The SQA Advanced Certificate in Electrical Engineering can progress to the SQA Advanced Diploma in Electrical Engineering.

The SQA Advanced Diploma in Electrical Engineering can provide advanced entry to degree-level study.

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

Ongoing course assessment will apply.

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

Qualification structure

SQA Advanced Certificate in Electrical Engineering

Group award code: GP6D 47 (96 SCQF credit points)

SQA Advanced Certificate in Electrical Engineering at SCQF level 7 consists of 9 mandatory units.

SQA Advanced Diploma in Electrical Engineering

Group award code: GP6C 48 (240 SCQF credit points)

SQA Advanced Diploma in Electrical Engineering at SCQF level 8 consists of 21 mandatory units.

For further information on the structures and units of these qualifications please refer to the group award specification.

Group award specification

Unit Specifications