I’ve received a few enquiries from centres about SQA qualifications in the area of big data. A centre proposed a new PDA in this field and I am taking that forward with the representative through SQA’s normal procedures (which commences with an Ideas Capture Form).

We also plan to develop a couple of generic Higher National Units in this area. These will be called Big Data (at SCQF Level 7) and Data Science (at SCQF Level 8). The Big Data unit would be very generic and suitable for a wide range of Higher National awards, including HNC Computing, but the Data Science unit would be more specialised and suitable for STEM awards (such as HND Computer Science).

The Units will be ready for June. I’ll keep you posted about the proposed PDA. Contact Caroline for more information or to see draft versions of the units as they are developed.