Qualifications explained

By studying at a college and university, you have flexibility and choice to create your own unique learning journey, with levels to suit your needs.

Information for candidates undertaking SQA qualifications.

SCQF levels explained

We used the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework to help you understand and compare the level of learning on the various programmes we offer - SCQF level 1 being the equivalent of a National 1 in Scotland and SCQF level 12 a Doctoral Degree.

We deliver a range of programmes from SCQF level 1 to 12, comprising:

• Courses for school pupils in their senior phase (SCQF level 4 to 7)
• College level programmes, or further education programmes (SCQF level 1 to 6)
• University level programmes, or higher education programmes (SCQF level 6 to 12)
• Apprenticeships and work-based programmes (SCQF level 4 to 11)
• Short courses and CPD (SCQF level 6 to 11)

When you search our courses, you'll find the SCQF level in the index. 

Build your own pathway

We offer the flexibility of annual entry and exit points so you can find your own unique learner journey and fit study around your other commitments. This means you can enter at the SCQF level that's right for you and leave with a nationally recognised qualification when you choose.

You also get credit for prior learning and experience, which means you can enter the second or third year of a degree programme if you have evidence of prior learning. For example, many of our students study at HNC level (the equivalent of the first year of a degree) and then enter the second year of a degree programme. You can also study up to HND level (the equivalent of the second year of a degree) and then enter the third year of a degree programme.

By providing a full range of college and university programmes, we also offer seamless pathways between different SCQF levels and remove barriers to learning. This means you can start on a senior phase or further education programme and progress right through to degree or beyond. 

Our students also have the option to study full-time, part-time or online for many of our courses.

We're also pioneers in the delivery of online learning - where students study via a combination of video conferencing, inventive online technologies, real time support from lecturers and face to face teaching - meaning we're well placed to help our students succeed now and in the future.