Entry requirements
This unit is open to all candidates admitted to HNC/HND programmes.
Candidates would normally be expected to be competent in numeracy and communication at SCQF level 5 or have similar qualifications or experience.
Why take this course?
Personal development planning is increasingly used by individuals, in a wide range of occupations, to keep their personal and job related knowledge, skills and expertise up to date. One of the particular qualities a potential employer will look for is your ability to manage your own learning and development.
Completing this Unit will help you to demonstrate to yourself and to your employer that you are capable of doing this. It will help you to clarify and achieve your personal and career aims, and will complement your HN study programme whilst supporting the development of a wide range of transferable skills.
Credit points and level: 1 HN credit at SCQF level 7: (8 SCQF credit points at SCQF level 7)
What you will experience
In this Unit you will have the opportunity to:
- Create and maintain a personal development portfolio and personal action plan
- Implement your personal action plan
- Monitor and evaluate your action plan and its implementation
For purposes of assessment you will provide evidence, in your personal development portfolio, that you have been able to complete all of the related activities and that you are able to meet the Unit outcomes. You will be provided with guidance and support to help you to create, maintain and present your portfolio and your assessment evidence. The activities associated with the unit should provide ample opportunities for candidates to generate and gather the required evidence of achievement. Assessments are booked through the BCD team.
Key Facts
Everything you need to know before applying for this course.
Pre-entry requirements
Pre-entry guidance is required before booking a place on this course. Please contact our Distance Learning Co-ordinators for more information.
Additional costs
This course involves an additional SQA fee. Further information is available here.
Student Stories
Rebekka McLaughlin
Business & Management
SVQ Management
“I’ve had such a positive experience with the College and can’t recommend the workplace learning route highly enough. I think it’s important to recognise that there are various routes to achieving qualifications and this was the right path for me.”
Read more about Rebekka's story
Katelyn Louise Share
Business & Management
HND Administration & Information Technology
“NESCol is such a supportive place to study, and the staff go above and beyond to help you achieve your goals.”
Read more about Katelyn's story
Kate Wolska
Business & Management
HND Accounting
“My daughter is so proud of me. I’m doing it for her – to show her if you want it, you can do it now for tomorrow.”
Read more about Kate's story
Drew Smith
Business & Management
Business Skills Foundation Apprenticeship
“If you’re not too sure about what you want to do, then I would definitely recommend a Foundation Apprenticeship because it gives you an insight into working while you’re still studying.”
Read more about Drew's story
Morven Garden
Business & Management
Business Administration Modern Apprenticeship
“I feel confident moving forward as the experience of a Modern Apprenticeship and the skills I have managed to develop stand as a strong base structure for the rest of my career.”
Read more about Morven's story
Abby Grant
Business & Management
HND Accounting
“For anyone considering studying Accounting at NESCol, I would say it will definitely set you up and give you the right foundation for progressing on to a career in accountancy. I feel the skills I learned at college have been very beneficial in the work I am doing today. I use my knowledge gained at college of accounting principles and taxation every day.”
Read more about Abby's story
Ami Batchelor
Business & Management
HND Advertising & PR
“This course will benefit you in more ways than one and the lecturers are some of the best people you’ll get to meet.”
Read more about Ami's story
Lewis Gordon
Business & Management
Business & Administration Apprenticeship
“This vocational route has allowed me to get a good balance between work and my social life, and have healthy finances!”
Read more about Lewis's story
Nicole Faulkner
Business & Management
HND Legal Services
“College really helped me bridge the gap between being in relatively small classes at school and being in huge lectures at university.”
Read more about Nicole's story
Kieran & Mykaela Alexander
Business & Management
HND Legal Services
“The lecturers on the course were just brilliant and had so much valuable knowledge and experience to pass on.”
READ MORE ABOUT THEIR STORY
Applications
This course requires some attendance at College, often for assessment purposes only. Please enquire about expectations for your specific course when booking.
Attendance is usually at the Aberdeen City Campus or Fraserburgh Campus.
When submitting your distance learning application form, please ensure you attach the additional information sheet listing qualifications and previous knowledge with your application. You may be required to attend College for assessment. Please check if this is a requirement for your course.
Online
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Starts Flexible start date
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Ends 31 Jul 2026
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Course Code C00633
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Fees £140.00
Alternatively, you can complete a distance learning application form and send it to us.
Please note that timetabling changes can often occur after the Part-time Course Guide is published, and as a result the printed version of the guide may not hold the most up-to-date information.
We therefore advise you that all start dates and times listed on the website are at all times accurate, and should be used as your main point of reference before booking your course.
Fees quoted apply to individuals who meet our residency criteria for home fee status. A higher fee may apply if criteria cannot be met; evidence may be required. Please contact enquiry@nescol.ac.uk for further information.
If you take up a place on a College course, at the start of the course you will be asked to complete an enrolment form. In completing the form and/or taking up a place on a College course, you will enter into a contract with the College and be bound by the North East Scotland College Standard Terms and Conditions of Study. Copies of the Terms and Conditions are available for inspection on notice boards and at various locations throughout the College, at the College Reception, on the College website: nescol.ac.uk, or can be obtained on request from the Student Funding and Admissions Manager, North East Scotland College, Aberdeen City Campus, Gallowgate, Aberdeen AB25 1BN. Please note that courses are offered subject to (a) there being sufficient numbers of enrolments and (b) the availability of resources. The College reserves its right (i) not to run courses where the number of students is considered insufficient or where resources are unavailable and (ii) in certain circumstances, to refuse admission to an individual applicant.
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