SQA Advanced Certificate/Diploma Professional Dance Performance
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 Professional Dance Performance at SCQF level 7 develops knowledge and skills in areas such as choreography, audition preparation, company working and the contextualisation of dance. It focuses primarily on practical learning and development in a variety of dance disciplines.
It also develops learners' communication, self-evaluation, interpersonal, presentation and analytical skills, as well as professional attitudes which enhance employment prospects.
The SQA Advanced Diploma in Professional Dance Performance at SCQF level 8 builds on the knowledge and skills of the Advanced Certificate, and it is also designed to develop and advance dance performance through working knowledge of the processes involved in preparing for audition.
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 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 and Diploma provides progression routes to further study (see Progression).
Who does this qualification suit
The SQA Advanced Certificate and Diploma in Professional Dance Performance is suitable for a wide range of candidates including:
- school leavers
- adult returners to education
- individuals in employment who wish to enhance their career prospects
Entry requirements
As with all SQA qualifications, entry is decided by the college or learning provider. As a guide, the college or learning provider will look for:
- school-leaving qualifications equivalent to Level 3/SCQF level 6 meaning the learner has the ability to study at the higher level
- a centre-devised test which shows the learner’s ability to study at SQA Advanced Certificate and/or Diploma level
- relevant work experience
Progression
The SQA Advanced Certificate in Professional Dance Performance can progress to the SQA Advanced Diploma in Professional Dance Performance.
The SQA Advanced Diploma in Professional Dance Performance 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 are required 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 Professional Dance Performance
Group Award code: GT11 47 (96 SCQF credit points)
The SQA Advanced Certificate in Professional Dance Performance at SCQF level 7 consists of seven mandatory units including the graded unit.
The SQA Advanced Certificate in Professional Dance Performance is made up of 12 SQA unit credits. It comprises 96 SCQF credit points of which 80 are at SCQF level 7 in the mandatory section, including the graded unit of 8 SCQF credit points at SCQF level 7.
SQA Advanced Diploma in Professional Dance Performance
Group Award code: GT10 48 (240 SCQF credit points)
SQA Advanced Diploma in Professional Dance Performance at SCQF level 8 consists of 14 mandatory units including the graded unit.
The SQA Advanced Diploma in Professional Dance Performance is made up of 30 SQA unit credits. It comprises 240 SCQF credit points of which 88 are at SCQF level 8 in the mandatory section, including the graded unit of 16 SCQF credit points at SCQF level 8.
Group award specification
For further information on the structures and units of these qualifications please refer to the group award specification document (501 KB).