Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework

The SCQF helps you understand Scottish qualifications. It provides a way of talking about, and comparing, qualifications. The SCQF brings together all the mainstream Scottish qualifications. It gives them credit points, which show how much learning has been achieved, which shows how demanding the learning is. For more information on types of qualification along with the number of credit points,have a look at the interactive SCQF framework.
Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA)
SQA is the national accreditation and awarding body in Scotland, authorising all vocational qualifications that are available in Scotland and approve organisations that wish to deliver them. Inverness College UHI is an approved provider of SQA qualifications.
 
University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI)
Granted by the Lords of her Majesty’s Privy Council UHI has a power to grant degrees, diplomas, certificates and other academic awards or distinctions. UHI may also award honorary degrees and taught masters degrees.
Awards granted by UHI are externally examined by academics from recognised institutions throughout the United Kingdom.  The quality of UHI provision is also monitored by the Quality Assurance Agency which is the main body throughout the UK for ensuring that academic standards are high. 

UHI is listed as a Recognised Body at the DIUS register of The Department for Business Innovation and Skills.
 

Qualifications

National Certificate (NC)
A course designed to give you a balanced programme of study at introductory and intermediate level
Duration: 1 year
SCQF Level: 6
Accreditation: SQA
 
Higher National Certificate (HNC)
HNC is equivalent to the first year of a degree programme and it provides both the practical skills you need to do a job and the theoretical knowledge your employer will expect you to have. The programme is made up of 12 Higher National Unit credits where 1 credit represents 40 hours of timetabled learning.
Duration: 1 year
SCQF Level: 7
Accreditation: SQA
 
Higher National Diploma (HND)
HND is equivalent to second year of a degree – as HNC it is designed to deliver practical skills combined with the underpinning theoretical knowledge. You will need to gain 30 Higher National Unit credits in order to complete the course.
Duration: 2 years
SCQF Level: 8
Accreditation: SQA
 
Bachelor degree
An undergraduate degree available in a wide range of subjects in both mainstream and more specialist fields of study. Each year is divided into two semesters with exams at the end of each semester. Successful completion provides wider access to the job market and can lead to postgraduate degrees.
Duration: 3 years
SCQF Level: 9
Accreditation: University of the Highlands and Islands