FAQs
After reading the information on this site you may have further questions. We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions which may help. If you have further questions which are not answered on this page, please contact us using the information on the contact us page.
Use the tabs below to open each section individually. Alternatively you can view all the questions.
My centre is interested in offering the SQA HND. How do I go about this?
SQA works exclusively with a partner for the delivery of the SQA HND in China. Any new centre must first get the recommendation for approval from our partner organisation CSCSE (Chinese Service Centre for Scholarly Exchange).
Once CSCSE has recommended a centre for approval, the centre has to then apply for centre and qualification approval from SQA. The approval process works in two stages: centre approval and qualification approval. Firstly the centre must complete an application form with details relating to the centre and for each qualification the centre is wishing to offer. If the information on the application meets SQA's requirements, we will then arrange for an approval visit to take place. A SQA official will carry out a centre approval visit and an External Verifier (SQA appointed subject specialist) will carry out a qualification approval visit. The aim of these visits is to ensure that the centre is fully equipped to deliver the HND and has appropriately experienced/qualified staff for the qualification.
If you would like any further information or wish to apply for approval as an SQA centre please contact Jimmy Zhang at our Beijing office.
Where does SQA work in China?
The number of SQA centres in China is growing. We currently have centres throughout the country including in Beijing, Shanghai, Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang, Sichuan, Fujian, Hunan, Hubei, Guizhou, Ninxia, Jiangsu, Shanxi, Liaoning and Xi'an.
Does SQA have an office in China?
SQA do not have a registered office in China. Our main offices are based in Scotland. However, we have a dedicated China Country Manager, Jimmy Zhang, who is based in Beijing. Jimmy is the first point of contact for all centres in China and works closely with colleagues in Scotland.
I would like to study the SQA HND, is there a centre in my area?
SQA has centres throughout China.
Does SQA deliver any other qualifications in China?
SQA has a wide range of qualifications in our portfolio ranging from school level awards to vocational qualifications. At present we only deliver HNDs in China. We work with an exclusive partner for the delivery of the HND in China, the Chinese Service Centre for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE).
Will my HND be recognised in UK and in China?
Yes. The SQA HND is a very widely recognised qualification throughout the UK (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland). Thousands of young people have studied and gained an SQA HND. They have used the qualification to gain entry to university or employment.
The SQA HND has been delivered in China since 2004. Since then more than 10,000 students have gained an SQA qualification. When a Chinese student gains an SQA HND from a university in China they also receive a level 3 qualification from the National Occupational Skills Testing Authority (OSTA).
Is there any guidance on reviewing Student Learning Guides?
This guide is aimed at providing practitioners with useful advice on how to effectively review a Student Learning Guide. It provides useful background information, a structured review process and signposts the information sources that will assist in review process'. Whilst the guide has been written for use when reviewing a Student Learning Guide the review process could also be adapted for use when updating other materials used in the delivery of HND Group Awards. Please note that anyone appointed to formally review a Student Learning guide must first attend the formal training programme managed by CMEPH.
