Qualifications Explained
So your end goal is to achieve either a higher education or a degree qualification , but how are you going to get there ? Your first step is to think about the qualifications that you already have and those you hope to achieve .
If you currently have National 5s or equivalent * ( SCQF Level 5 )
Your next step will probably be a course at SCQF Level 6 ( equivalent to Highers ). Fife College runs lots of courses at SCQF Level 6 which run for one year . Successfully completing one of these courses means that you will have gained the qualification you need to progress to an HNC course or year 1 of an HND .
If you currently have Highers and / or a Foundation Apprenticeship or equivalent * ( SCQF Level 6 )
Your next step will probably be a course at SCQF Level 7 ( equivalent to Advanced Highers ). Depending on the number of Highers and the grades you have , or if you have a Foundation Apprenticeship , you could apply for an HNC or year 1 of an HND at college . Achieving an HNC or HND at college could mean that you are able to progress to year 2 or 3 of a university degree .
If you currently have Advanced Highers or equivalent * ( SCQF Level 7 )
Advanced Highers are the same level of study as an HNC , or year 1 of a degree course . This means that , depending on the number of Advanced Highers and Highers you have and the grades you achieved , you may be able to apply for an HNC or HND course .
If you currently have a HNC ( SCQF Level 7 ) or HND ( SCQF Level 8 )
Your next step is to check which articulation routes to a degree are in place for your HN qualification . If you have a HNC you may choose to complete your HND first . You also need to find out if there are additional entry criteria set by the university e . g . specific Graded Unit grades or specific units needed within your HN course .
You can use this degree guide as your starting point , or if you have a preferred university you can contact them direct .
If you have any queries at all , please email degrees @ fife . ac . uk
Every year over 100 students studying at Fife College graduate with a degree awarded by a university partner .
Visit our website to find out more about what courses are available and how you can progress from Certificate level to Higher National qualifications ( HNC and HND ) to degree .
What if I don ’ t have the entry requirements for an HNC or HND ?
If you are an adult with few or no formal qualifications who has been out of full-time education for at least three years ( five years if you have qualifications above SCQF level 5 ), Fife College offers courses which are specifically designed to help you back into education .
These courses allow you , in a single year , to gain the qualifications required to progress to an HNC , HND , or year 1 of a degree at university . They are delivered through our partnership with the Scottish Wider Access Programme ( SWAP ).
For more information on SWAP , and conditions of participation , please visit their website : www . scottishwideraccess . org
66 | Higher Education and Degree Pathways Guide : 2022 / 23 * Equivalent qualifications at each level can be found on the Qualification Ladder on the next page