Qualifications Explained

Degree Level Courses

Lews Castle College UHI offers degree programmes covering a wide range of subject areas. Generally it will take you three years to complete a standard degree or four years for an honours degree. Most degree courses offer exit routes at the end of first or second year.

There are normally two types of degrees:

• BSc: Bachelor of Science (with or without honours)
• BA: Bachelor of Arts (with or without honours)
  
  

If you are a school pupil and wish to apply for a degree level course, you should apply on-line on the UCAS* website http://www.ucas.com/apply using UHI UCAS code H49 or contact UCAS directly who will supply a paper application form in special circumstances. All other degree level applicants should complete a College application form and return it to the Admissions Department at Lews Castle College.

*UCAS - Universities and Colleges Admission Service

Higher Level Courses (HE)

Normally applies to HNC/CertHE & HND/DipHE courses which are highly regarded by most employers and can be used to gain access to the second year of most degree courses (of a related discipline).
They consist of a group of units or modules that are studied in full or part-time mode. An HNC/CertHE is normally studied over one year and an HND/DipHE over two years.
To apply for an HNC/CertHE or HND/DipHE a College application form must be completed and returned to Admissions at Lews Castle College.

First Year - SCQF Level 7
Second Year - SQCF Level 8
Third Year - SQCF Level 9
Four Year (Honours) - SQCF Level 10

Access Courses

These courses allow students to obtain the required skills for entrance to higher level courses (such as degrees). The Access to UHI degree studies can be studied part-time, on-line and supported distance learning with an evening class option available.

Further Education Courses (FE)

Normally referred to as Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) qualifications.

National Qualifications (NQ) / National Certificate (NC)

These courses prepare you for entrance to HNC and HND courses and can be training courses linked to particular occupations. Most NQ's are full-time study although part-time can also be studied.
Some NQ programmes offered are Access, Intermediate 1 (equivalent to Standard grade passes at 2 or 3) and Intermediate 2 (equivalent to Standard grade passes at 1 or 2) through to Higher level.

For an FE course a College application form must be completed and returned to Admissions at Lews Castle College.
All application forms will be acknowledged and an interview date confirmed within 7 working days. You will then be informed of the outcome of your application within 7 working days of your interview.

Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQ)

SVQs are awarded for learning and experience in the workplace. They may be offered as part of a full-time course where there is a work placement or where assessment is in your place of work.
SVQ equip people to do their jobs and provide them with transferable skills.

There are 5 Levels at SVQ:

• Level 1 - Basic, routine and repetitive work (SCQF Level 4)
  
• Level 2 - broad range of skills including non-routine activities and individual responsibilities.  (SCQF Level 5)
• Level 3 - supervisory skills (SCQF Level 6)
• Level 4 - management skills (SCQF Level 8)
• Level 5 - senior management skills (SCQF Level 11)
  
  

Professional Development Awards (PDA)

PDA's are normally part-time courses offering professional training at various levels relating to a specific vocational area with prior knowledge or experience in that occupation.

Unlevelled

Certain courses are 'Unlevelled' which means they are bespoke courses tailor made to suit a specific subject area.

Modules 

Many of our modules and units that make up the qualifications offered at Lews Castle College are available on a “stand alone” basis. Sometimes people express an interest in studying  one or two modules from a course to obtain skills required for or during employment. They can also be tailored to suit employee or employer’s training needs or provided as part of a CPD programme.
Any module studied costs £157.

Flexible Route To Further Education

Our flexible routes to further qualifications and employment offer these benefits:

• The ability to gain exemption from the initial years of a degree
  eg. Years 1 & 2 – HND, Year 1 – HNC
• Guaranteed places for students on some degree courses
• Greater choice and control over your studies
• The ability to gain Higher National qualifications en route to a degree
• Closer links with other universities and Academic Partners within UHI
• Entry into post graduate courses
• Flexibility of entry and exit