HNC/HND Digital Design and Web Development & HND Web Development
Higher National qualifications provide practical skills and theoretical knowledge that meet the needs of employers. The HNC in Digital Design and Web Development (SCQF level 7) develops a range of specialist knowledge and skills in:
front-end web development
the design and creation of digital content
user-centred design approach to facilitate effective user interfaces (UI), and
relevant professional issues
Although the HND in Digital Design and Development (SCQF level 8) and HND in Web Development (SCQF level 8) have some commonality, the skills required to become a web or app developer differ significantly from the skills required to become a digital designer/content developer. Web and app development require strong front-end and back-end coding skills and therefore the HND in Web Development has a much stronger emphasis on software development, with an appreciation of user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design. Digital design and content development will likely involve some coding skills, particularly in front-end languages, but requires more skills in the design and development of content for websites, apps and games.
The qualifications are available through colleges, training providers and some universities. Typically, an HNC takes one year to complete and an HND takes two years.
Use the tabs below to open each section individually. Alternatively you can show allhide all the sections.
Why deliver this qualification
Higher National qualifications have been developed by SQA in partnership with colleges, universities and industry ¿ so employers recognise that they provide sound evidence of ability.
These qualifications enhance employment prospects, particularly in relation to the web/app, design/development and digital media/marketing industries, through engagement with National Occupational Standards.
The qualifications will allow centres to maintain an up-to-date offering within the ever-changing and volatile employment market. There is a wide choice of optional units which will allow centres to easily adapt the focus on the awards to suit regional opportunities in the employment markets and articulation pathways.
The unit-based structure supports flexibility. A unit is typically 40 hours of timetabled learning.
This HN provides progression routes to further study (see Progression).
Who does this qualification suit
These qualifications will be suitable for a range of learners. The primary target groups for the HNC Digital Design and Web Development award are:
school leavers who have gained at least one Higher (SCQF level 6) together with three passes at National 5
further education students who have completed a National Certificate in Computing with Digital Media at SCQF level 5 or level 6 or an equivalent qualification
unemployed adults who wish to retrain in this vocational field with a view to finding employment
adults in employment who wish to change career
adults wishing to gain a recognised national qualification as part of continuing professional development (CPD) requirements ¿ this could be on a day-release or part-time basis
The primary target groups for the HND Web Development year 2 and HND Digital Design and Development year 2 are:
·students who have gained the HNC Digital Design and Web Development award ¿ who would be allowed direct entry into either HND Web Development or HND Digital Design and Development year 2
Access
As with all SQA qualifications, entry is at the discretion of the centre. Examples of formal entry qualifications include:
HNC Digital Design and Web Development
National Certificate in Computing with Digital Media at SCQF level 5 or level 6 or a combination of both.
An SVQ 2 or 3 in Information Technology or other relevant area.
Any one relevant Higher (SCQF level 6) together with three National 5 courses.
Given the range of vocational awards available to learners, applicants who possess a range of smaller vocational qualifications should also be considered.
Equivalent qualifications from other awarding bodies may also be acceptable as would suitable vendor certifications.
Mature learners with suitable work experience may be accepted for entry provided the enrolling centre believes that the learner is likely to benefit from undertaking the award.
It would be advisable for all learners to have some prior knowledge of computing or information technology although formal qualifications may not be necessary if suitable experience had been gained informally or through work experience.
HND Web Development year 2
HND Digital Design and Development year 2
For direct entry into year 2 of either HND, learners should have successfully passed the HNC Digital Design and Web Development. While success at the HNC Digital Design and Web Development necessitates passing only 12 credits including the mandatory units, it's recommended that learners achieve 15 credits before moving on to year 2 of the HND. The selection of the three additional credits should be done at a local level.
More information about the recommended entry requirements can be found in the group award specification.
Progression and employment
Learners who achieve an HNC Digital Design and Web Development can progress to the HND in Web Development and HND Digital Design and Development.
The awards have been designed to allow learners to progress to degree level study. Several universities have confirmed that, in principle, learners who achieve the HND Digital Design and Development or HND Web Development will be suitable for direct entry into either year two or year three of their related courses. More information can be found in the group award specification.
Approval
Centres with devolved authority for approval should use their own internal approval process.
Centres without devolved authority require to come forward for approval and should contact SQA's Business Development Team for guidance.
Assessors and verifiers must be able to meet SQA's general requirements for technical/occupational competence as outlined in the Systems and Qualification Approval Guide.
How to assess
Each individual unit specification gives detailed information on the evidence requirements and approaches to assessment for each unit.
Ongoing course assessment will apply.
Assessment support packs will be available.
Where can you take this course?
Qualification Structure
HNC Digital Design and Web Development
Group award code: GL7Y 15 (96 SCQF credit points)
The HNC is made up of 96 SCQF credit points. The mandatory section consists of 7 mandatory units, 56 credit points at SCQF level 7. This includes an HNC Digital Design and Web Development Graded Unit 1 with 8 SCQF credit points at SCQF level 7.
HND Digital Design and Development
Group award code: GL80 16 (240 SCQF credit points)
The HND is made up of 240 SCQF credit points. The mandatory section consists of 12 mandatory units, 64 credit points at SCQF level 8. This includes an HNC Digital Design and Web Development Graded Unit 1 with 8 SCQF credit points at SCQF level 7 and an HND Digital Design and Development Graded Unit 2 with 16 SCQF credit points at SCQF level 8.
HND Web Development
Group Award code: GL81 16 (240 SCQF credit points)
The HND is made up of 240 SCQF credit points. The mandatory section consists of 12 mandatory units, 64 credit points at SCQF level 8. This includes an HNC Digital Design and Web Development Graded Unit 1 with 8 SCQF credit points at SCQF level 7 and an HND Web Development Graded Unit 2 with 16 SCQF credit points at SCQF level 8.
For further information on the structure and units for the qualifications please refer to the group award specification document.
