The purpose of this page is to address common questions. If your query is not answered here or if you have further questions, please contact the team via email at nes.dew@nhs.scot.
What is a Professional Development Award (PDA)?
PDAs are nationally recognised qualifications. They are designed for those looking to expand or deepen their expertise in a specific area, or learn about a new subject matter.
What is the Professional Development Awards in Technology Enabled Care (PDA in TEC)?
This award was developed with employers and academic partners to meet the skills needs of the health and social care workforce. It supports Scotland’s Digital Health and Care Strategy: Enabling, Connecting, and Empowering: Care in the Digital Age, by building the knowledge and skills needed to embed digital solutions, deliver preventative care, and improve services across health, housing, social care, and social work.
Who is this qualification for?
This award is ideal for those new to digital health and care or interested in the subject matter, as well as people already working in the sector who want to deepen their skills. It also supports Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and career progression.
How many credit points is the PDA in TEC worth?
The award includes two SQA Higher National Unit credits, totalling 16 SCQF credit points at Level 7. The PDA in TEC is awarded upon successful completion of the 16 credits.
This Group Award Specification provides detailed information for learners and delivery centres about the PDA in TEC.
What is SCQF Level 7?
The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) is used to compare qualifications and guide learning choices. SCQF Level 7 reflects the level of complexity and learning outcomes expected from the PDA in TEC.
For comparison, other Level 7 qualifications include Advanced Highers and some Higher National Certificates (HNCs).
To achieve the award, participants must complete the mandatory unit and one optional unit from the list below.
For funded opportunities, NHS Education for Scotland currently provides funding only for the Mandatory Unit (J48M 34) and the Optional Unit (J48N 34).
How long does the PDA in TEC take to complete?
The PDA in TEC is not a regulated qualification, so there is no fixed timeframe. Delivery centres set the course structure, and participants are expected to progress at a reasonable pace. An assignment plan will outline the submission deadlines.
As a guide, each unit has a notional length of 40 hours, with around 80 hours required to complete the full award.
What are the entry requirements?
Entry is at the discretion of the delivery centre. However, applicants should be aware that the PDA in TEC is an SCQF Level 7 academic qualification, which requires a reasonable level of study, reflection, and written work.
Applicants will benefit from relevant qualifications or experience, such as:
Where can I find out more information?
Visit the SQA webpage: https://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/94657.html for full details, including the Group Award Specification and unit specifications. Assessment Support Packs are available to approved SQA delivery centres.
What is the cost to complete this qualification?
Please contact individual delivery centres for cost information.
Where can I do this qualification?
Check the SQA location director: https://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/94657.html for approved delivery centres.
When can I start?
Start dates vary. Please contact individual delivery centres directly for details.
How many people can undertake the qualification at a time?
Delivery centres determine participant numbers based on resources. Organisations will decide based on workforce needs.
What types of technologies are covered in this qualification?
The PDA in TEC does not focus on specific technologies. It builds broader knowledge and skills in digital health and social care, equipping the workforce with the capabilities to confidently support people to manage their health and wellbeing.
Which framework does the PDA in TEC sit within?
The PDA in TEC supports Scotland’s Digital Health and Care Strategy: Enabling, Connecting, and Empowering. Read the strategy here: https://www.gov.scot/publications/scotlands-digital-health-care-strategy-enabling-connecting-empowering/
Is Information Governance an aspect of this qualification?
While not a standalone topic, Information Governance is threaded throughout both the mandatory and optional units. It underpins key aspects of the course, especially when handling, accessing, and processing sensitive, personal, or anonymised information.
Why would someone already working in TEC undertake this qualification?
The PDA in TEC offers a chance to formalise skills, reflect on current practice, and explore new developments. It can support professional recognition, build confidence, and encourage career progression.
When will the next cohort start?
You can register your interest, and we’ll notify you as soon as applications open.
Who reviews applications?
Applications are reviewed by a multidisciplinary panel, including representatives from NHS Education for Scotland.
How detailed should my application need to be?
Applications are competitive and often oversubscribed, so it's important to stand out. The panel looks for evidence of your commitment to completing the qualification and applying the learning to benefit you, your organisation, those you support and the wider sector.
Each question has a word limit so use this as a guide to provide clear, focused responses. For support, refer to the Applicant Guidance.
Do I need advanced IT skills?
No advanced skills are required, but you need:
What is the the time commitment?
The PDA in TEC is completed over 18 weeks (one college semester). You should expect to commit around 80 hours, including:
Will I need to submit much written work?
The PDA is an academic qualification, and both units require written assignments. Your college will provide clear guidance, expectations, and deadlines.
What support is available?
Colleges understand the pressures of working in the health and care sector. If you’re struggling with workload or deadlines, speak with your tutor early so they can explore support options. Open communication is key to receiving the support you need.
Who will I meet during the programme?
You will join a diverse group of participants from across health, social care, social work, and housing, in the public, third, and independent sectors. It’s a great opportunity to network and share learning.
In addition to NHS Education for Scotland funded places, individuals or organisations can self-funds as an investment in professional and workforce development.
Self-funded participants receive the same qualification, resources, and support as those in funded places. This is a valuable option for gaining skills in digital health and social care, supporting career progression, and improving service delivery especially when NES funded opportunities are not available.
For Information on self-funding please see the links below: