Scotland's qualification system is administered by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA). Such qualifications are recognised by all educational institutions throughout the UK and held in high regard internationally.
Quality Assurance
Scotland was one of the first countries in Europe to establish a quality assurance system for its educational institutions. Colleges are subject to rigorous scrutiny by Her Majesty’s inspectorate of Education (HMIe); responsible for reviewing Learning and Teaching, plus all other aspects of college activity.
Scottish Credit & Qualifications Framework
To understand how Scottish Qualifications relate to each other, the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) was developed ranging from Level 1 (Access) to Level 12 (Doctorate) There are generally three key levels of qualifications available at our college:
All College courses are made up of Units of Study or Subjects. These normally consist of 40 hours of timetabled learning and teaching, with some additional private individual study by students.
- National Qualifications (NQ) SCQF Levels 5 - 6
1 year introductory courses in general and specialist vocational areas. Over 40 NQ courses are available at Glasgow Met and allow students to progress from NQ courses to Higher National courses.
- Higher National Certificate courses (HNC) SCQF Level 7
Advanced 1 year courses made up of advanced units designed in conjunction with industry sectors preparing students for employment or progression to second year HND or first year of a degree. Courses are usually one year full time however can also be studied part time.
- Higher National Diploma courses (HND) SCQF Level 8
Advanced 2 year courses made up of advanced units designed in conjunction with industry sectors to prepare students for employment or progression to second or third year of a degree depending on subject/institution. Courses are usually two years full time however can also be studied part time.
HND graduates from Scottish colleges are eligible to apply for the Fresh Talent - Working in Scotland visa. This enables students to remain in Scotland for two years after graduation. Also view our College to University and College to Employment pages for further details on opportunities available on completion of studies.