SQA’s Diploma to Degree programme offers international students who have achieved our Advanced Certificate or Diploma the opportunity to gain advanced entry on to degree programmes at over 50 affiliated universities around the globe.
Benefits of Diploma to Degree
Gillian Hepburn, Head of International at SQA, talks about the benefits to learners and institutions.
“The SQA Advanced Diploma is widely recognised around the world as being equivalent to the first two years of undergraduate study. Among the international organisations to recognise the benefits of SQA Advanced Certificates and Diplomas are the Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute, Inc in the USA, and the World Education Services in Canada.
“Students can complete the SQA Advanced Qualification in their home country before moving onto a university related undergraduate degree, either online or in person according to the articulation agreement. This is a big advantage compared with other study programmes.
“SQA has partnered with more than 50 universities in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, and the USA that enable students to complete degrees and study internationally.
“Through our Diploma-to-Degree programme, we aim to open as many doors to higher and further education as possible for students studying our SQA Advanced Diploma, whether that’s online and/or in-person — and many of these will be students you may not otherwise have reached university.
“Our programme enables student choice, and giving every student the same options no matter where they are in the world or their circumstances.”
Diploma to Degree in action: Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh
In addition to SQA Advanced Certificates, and Diploma, other SQA qualifications can also be used to gain advanced entry into degree programmes.
At Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, students from Nepal have gained access to year three of its degree programme in International Hospitality via the SQA Customised Award in Hospitality Management.
Margaret Curran, SQA International Regional Manager for South Asia, describes the route available to learners through these courses.
“SQA has a partnership with LCCI Global Qualifications in Nepal, which has developed its own SQA approved Customised Award in Hospitality Management. Thanks to an articulation agreement with Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, students who complete the award in Nepal have the opportunity to go on to complete a degree in Hospitality Management here in Scotland.”
Fi Crosbie, International Officer at Queen Margaret University adds: “We know that students who have studied these awards are going to be capable, well prepared, and geared up for the next steps in their education. There’s always a big step up when students come in from an international setting, but we know that SQA qualifications are going to make sure these students find that transition a very smooth experience.”
Diploma to Degree: Student experience
Chandi Kumar Paudel recently graduated from QMU with a degree in International Hospitality Management after following the SQA Diploma to Degree pathway.
Speaking about his decision to study in Scotland, Chandi said: “Studying a SQA qualification at home in Nepal had a huge influence on where I wanted to continue my education.
“Studying in Scotland has given me the chance to work with leading hotels here in Edinburgh, and I’ve developed personally and professionally. I’m keen to go back university, and once I complete my post-graduate diploma, go back to Nepal, and start a business of my own.”
Learn more about our Diploma-to-Degree programme.
Reading this on mobile? Watch the clips on YouTube.
