UCAS - Scottish Qualifications

Scottish Qualifications

**Scottish Advanced Highers**
Summary	Advanced Highers are taken in the sixth year of secondary schooling (S6). The purpose of the Advanced Higher is to offer the opportunity for in-depth study, specialisation and to develop independent learning. Advanced Highers can offer subject exemptions, or direct entry into the second year of a Scottish 4 year degree programme. In S6, good candidates might take two or three Advanced Highers or additional Highers. The current Higher and Advanced Higher courses were introduced in 1999 as part of the Higher Still reforms, replacing the Higher Grade and Certificate of Sixth Year Studies (CSYS). The Higher Still reforms provided a unified system of national qualifications (including units, courses and Group awards) embracing general and vocational subjects. If a student achieves an Advanced Higher, Tariff points from Highers in that subject are not counted. Higher scores only count when a student does not complete an Advanced Higher in that subject.
Tariff entry	The qualifications were first allocated UCAS Tariff points in 2001. UCAS Tariff points were reviewed in April 2008 with revised points coming into effect for entry to higher education from 2010 onwards. A further review is planned for 2010/11. Expert Group report (PDF)
Learning hours	320 32 Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) points.
UCAS Tariff points (to 2010)	A B C D	120 100 80 72	UCAS Tariff points (from 2010)	A B C D	130 110 90 72
Awarding organisation	SQA www.sqa.org.uk

**Scottish Highers**
Summary	The purpose of the Higher is to provide certification for a broad general education. The Higher is the 'gold standard' of Scottish education, and the main route to higher education since 1888. Prospective university candidates would be expected to take between three and five Highers in their fifth year of secondary schooling (S5). This would provide these candidates with entry to Scottish university courses, which take three years for an ordinary degree, and four years for an honours degree. The current Higher and Advanced Higher courses were introduced in 1999 as part of the Higher Still reforms, replacing the Higher Grade and Certificate of Sixth Year Studies (CSYS). The Higher Still reforms provided a unified system of national qualifications (including units, courses and Group awards) embracing general and vocational subjects. If a student achieves an Advanced Higher, Tariff points from Highers in that subject are not counted. Higher scores only count when a student does not complete an Advanced Higher in that subject.
Tariff entry	The qualifications were first allocated UCAS Tariff points in 2001. UCAS Tariff points were reviewed in April 2008 with revised points coming into effect for entry to higher education from 2010 onwards. A further review is planned for 2010/11. Expert Group report (PDF)
UCAS Tariff points (to 2010)	A B C D	72 60 48 42	UCAS Tariff points (from 2010)	A B C D	80 65 50 36
Learning hours	240 24 Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) points.
Awarding organisation	SQA www.sqa.org.uk

**Scottish Ungraded Highers and National Progression Award - PC Passport**
Tariff entry	These qualifications were first considered for UCAS Tariff points in April 2008. Points come into effect for entry to higher education from 2010 onwards. Expert Group report (PDF)
UCAS Tariff points	Pass	45
Learning hours	240 24 Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) points.
Awarding organisation	SQA www.sqa.org.uk

**Scottish Interdisciplinary Project for the Scottish Science/ Languages Baccalaureate**
Summary	The Scottish Interdisciplinary Project is the defining feature of the Scottish Baccalaureate is the added value it brings to the Baccalaureate as a whole. Study will be based on the main subject area but will also draw on knowledge and skills from a range of other disciplines. This will allow learners to make connections and links between different subjects. Candidates will be able to select from a range of contemporary contexts which may come from within and beyond the formal curriculum. The project must relate to one of the five broad themes of: employability enterprise citizenship sustainable development economic development world, encouraging awareness of international themes of common interest.
Tariff entry	The qualification was first considered for UCAS Tariff points in June 2009. The following points come into effect for entry to higher education from 2011 onwards. Expert Group report (PDF)
Learning hours	The notional design length is 80 hours, with an expectation that candidates will give an additional 80 hours of undirected time to the project. The project carries 16 SCQF Credit Points, which equate to a notional 160 hours of learning time.
UCAS Tariff points	A B C	65 55 45
Awarding organisation	www.sqa.org.uk