Glossary of other qualifications
SWAP – Scottish Wider Access Programme These courses are specifically designed for those who have been out of formal education for some time and want to return and progress to Higher Education
SVQ – Scottish Vocational Qualification NVQ – National Vocational Qualification VRQ – Vocationally Recognised Qualification
School College Partnership ( SCP ) Courses and Foundation Apprenticeships ( FAs ) These courses are available whilst you are still a Fife high school pupil . Speak to your school ’ s Guidance team or SDS Advisor
National 4s , National 5s and Highers These courses are the same level as you would find at school
Higher Education
Higher National Certificates ( HNC )
SCQF Level 7 – the equivalent to year 1 at university
HNCs are normally completed in one year fulltime or two years part-time study . Upon successful completion of an HNC , you have the option of progressing to an HND , degree ( often entering the degree course in year 2 ), or employment .
Higher National Diplomas ( HND )
SCQF Level 8 – the equivalent to year 2 at university
An HND is two years of study if done as a full-time course . If you ’ re progressing from HNC , you will go straight into the second year and final year of the HND . They give you the option of progressing through to a degree ( often entering year 3 of the degree course ) or employment .
Degrees
SCQF Levels 9 and 10
Working alongside our partner universities , we offer a great range of degrees right on your doorstep , as well as routes to a wide range of university courses with the benefit of studying the first two years locally .