Qualifications

Highers

In themselves, Highers can certainly improve your job prospects, but for many students they are the first step to further study at HNC/HND or Degree levels. Many Highers courses are available, for daytime study or as evening classes.

National Certificates (NCs) and National Qualifications (NQs)

For many of these courses, no formal qualifications are required, though for some you'll need Standard or O Grades. Full-time, NC and NQ courses typically last one year, but there are part-time courses available too. From here you have the option to carry on to HNC or HND level.

Higher National Certificate (HNC) and Higher National Diploma (HND)

HNCs and HNDs are available on a full time or part time basis, including evenings and Saturday mornings or day release. You may need Higher Grades, or a NC/NQ qualification, although relevant work experience is always taken into consideration. Generally, a Higher National Certificate takes one year and a Higher National Diploma two years when studied full time. Often they give you entry onto a degree at second or third year level.

Professional Development Awards (PDAs) and Recognised Industry Qualifications

We offer a number of PDAs at Certificate, Advanced and Diploma level. Professional qualifications available include those accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.

Degrees

By studying to degree level at Adam Smith, you get the best of both worlds – the dynamic and friendly environment of an established college, working with the University of Abertay and Heriot-Watt.

There are many pathways to degree level study. A degree can be undertaken as a three-year study route (Year 1 — HNC, Year 2 — HND, Year 3 — Degree) with each year having the additional benefit of achieving a recognised qualification. Alternatively, you may already have an HND or equivalent qualification and are looking to take this to the next level.

Degree courses available:

• BSc Applied Networking Technologies;
• BA Business Administration;
• BSc Construction;
• BA Interactive Media: Television;
• BA Learning Difficulties/Disabilities;
• BA Management;
• BSc Quantity Surveying;
• BSc Sport and Fitness;
• BA Visual Communication and Digital Publishing;
• BSc Web Design and Development (subject to validation).

Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs)

SVQs cover a wide range of occupations and you can follow them to levels one to five. You can work towards your SVQs at your place of work, at college, or both.

Modern Apprenticeships (MAs)

Typically, students who undertake MAs are already in employment and looking to gain the skills they need to progress in their chosen profession. MAs can be completed in the workplace on a part-time or full-time basis.

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