The Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute (ACEI) and the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) today announce the publication of the ACEI’s Advisory Services ‘Program/Curriculum Review’ Report, which provides detailed analysis of four of SQA’s Advanced Qualifications.
The report, based on ACEI’s key principles in international credential/program evaluation, gives higher education institutions in the United States a better understanding of the value of SQA qualifications, the calibre of those who have achieved them, and how they compare with programs of study offered in universities and colleges across the United States.
The ACEI has found that SQA’s Advanced Certificate in Business equates to 26 semester units of credit, just under one year of undergraduate study at a college or university in the United States. The SQA Advanced Diploma in Business and the SQA Advanced Diploma in Computing: Software Development each equate to 60 semester units – 2 years of undergraduate study, while the SQA Advanced Diploma in Accounting equates to 62 semester units.
The report, which is available to colleges and universities, also provides sample credential evaluations and sample certificates for each of the four SQA qualifications along with the equivalent US level for these qualifications.
SQA Advanced Qualifications are internationally recognised Higher Education qualifications at certificate and diploma level. They provide students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills in a given subject that universities and employers expect. The qualifications have been designed in partnership with colleges, universities, employers and industry experts, and enable advanced entry into many undergraduate degree programs in universities and higher education institutions.
SQA’s Diploma to Degree program is a well-established and respected route for SQA Advanced Diploma graduates to progress directly onto the second or third year of a related undergraduate degree.
Many students study in their own country before moving abroad to complete a related degree, entering directly into second or third year. This is a cost effective route for students to gain international experience and achieve a degree.
SQA has partnered with many highly regarded international institutions, who recognise the SQA Advanced Diploma for advanced entry into their degree programs, enabling them to attract a diverse student population.
President and Chief Executive of ACEI, Jasmin Saidi-Kuehnert, said: “At ACEI, we believe in the global mobility and integration of people in the academic and professional community and foster this vision by availing our expertise in international credential evaluation. We are honoured by our partnership with SQA given our shared belief in expanding education opportunities across borders.”
Ms. Saidi-Kuehnert continued: “ACEI’s Advisory Services conducted a detailed analysis and evaluation of SQA’s Advanced Certificate and Advanced Diploma program offerings to facilitate acceptance of these qualifications by higher education institutions and employers.”
SQA Chief Executive, Dr Janet Brown, said: “At SQA, we believe that partnership is essential in the education and training sectors and we are committed to working with our partners for the benefit of students by providing them with high quality, internationally recognised qualifications, which will enhance their futures."
Dr Brown continued, “Our certificates and diplomas have been the foundation upon which generations of successful careers have been built, providing students with the skills and experience they need to excel for over 90 years. Increasingly our SQA Advanced Qualifications allow graduates to progress onto top-up degrees at a host of prestigious universities around the world."
“We are delighted to be working with the Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute, to help increase the opportunities available to SQA students who wish to progress onto second or third year study of an undergraduate degree, in the United States.”
-ENDS–
