January 27, 2026 - Bobby -
Following on from the recent development of HNC Esports, we have commenced the development of HND Esports. This will be a “Next Gen” qualification, which means, among other things, that HNDs are stand-alone qualifications. The first meeting of the Qualification Development Team (QDT) took place yesterday. The QDT consists of representatives of colleges, universities and employers. There was a full attendance at the meeting. The purpose of the first meeting is scene-setting so members were “talked at” for most of…
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January 15, 2026 - Emma -
The Diploma for Information Security Professionals at level 8 (GJ74 48) has been withdrawn from our portfolio as of 7 January 2026. The qualification was already in lapsing period and due to expire in December 2026. However, following conversations between Qualifications Scotland and SDS, it was agreed the qualification could be withdrawn earlier, without exhausting the lapsing period. If your centre is looking to deliver diplomas in this area, please take a look at the range of new Diplomas in…
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January 5, 2026 - Bobby -
Happy New Year to everyone. We hope that you have a good 2026. Three Qualification Managers are responsible for the overall Computing portfolio of qualification. I appreciate that can be confusing when you want to enquire about a specific award. The document below describes who does what, so that you can contact the right person. Computing portfolio by QM Most school qualifications sit with Robbie; most vocational qualifications are shared between me and Hilary. The document explains who, exactly, is…
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December 4, 2025 - Helen -
The development of the HNC Esports is nearing completion and is scheduled for publication early next year. We have now received approval to start developing a new NextGen HND Esports qualification. We are seeking volunteers to join our Qualification Development Team to help shape this new qualification. If you are interested or have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
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December 4, 2025 - Emma -
The review of the HNC Computer Games Development is well overdue. I am pleased to advise that we have been given the green light to proceed with this development. Therefore, we are looking for members to join our Qualifications Design Team (QDT) in order to contribute to and shape this qualification. The new HNC Computer Games Development will be developed as a NextGen qualification, which means the qualification will embed meta-skills, learning for sustainability (LfS); and follow a full qualification…
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October 3, 2025 - Helen -
Scottish Esports, the national body for gaming and esports in Scotland, is conducting a survey to assess the viability of a national esports competition for Scotland’s schools and colleges. This initiative aims to provide a structured competitive framework that supports the Curriculum for Excellence, develops learners’ meta-skills, enhances digital literacy, and aligns with national qualifications, including the NPA Esports and HNC Esports. Please fill in this survey for expression of interest. For more information or queries, please contact: info@scotesports.org. If…
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August 26, 2025 - Bobby -
A new qualification in esports was developed last year — HNC in Esports, which follows on from NPA Esports. The validation event took place in June. We had originally planned to launch the qualification this session (session 2025/26) but no centre came forward so it will be offered from next session (session 2026/27). Although we were disappointed in that, it did give us more time to address the validation conditions, which we are currently working through. It will also give…
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August 26, 2025 - Bobby -
I’ve previously written about the various ways in which you can contribute to Scottish education by working with SQA in various capacities. There is one particularly vital role, that of the External Verifier (EV). External verification is SQA’s quality control system, whereby a team of EVs monitor the delivery of qualifications to ensure that national standards are observed in every centre. We’re currently looking for new EVs. The only pre-conditions are that you work in an SQA centre and have…
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As you may know may, the “subject team” within SQA comprises me, Emma and Helen. We are collectively responsible for developing and maintaining vocational Computing qualifications such as NPA Cyber Security and HNC Computing. We’re easily contactable — either by email or instant messaging. Other subject teams are responsible for National Qualifications (such as Higher Computing Science) and digital qualifications (such as PC Passport). Of course, we can’t do our job without you. We need practitioners to help us develop…
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The validation event for HNC Esports took place on Tuesday afternoon. The purpose of the event is for a panel of independent experts to review the proposed qualification. The panel consisted of representatives of colleges, universities, employers, national organisations and SQA. It was convened by a retired HMI. The Qualification Development Team (QDT) was represented by myself, the lead developer and the lead officer. It was a good constructive meeting, with the focus on quality improvement. A few issues arose including…
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