HND
Higher National Certificates (HNCs) and Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) are work-related, or vocational, higher education qualifications. They are Level 4 and Level 5 qualifications respectively.
What does HND stand for?
A Higher National Diploma (HND) qualification uses study and practical elements to prepare a student for a particular career.
What is a HND?
The HND course is a higher education qualification available in the UK and selected international countries. HND assignments have been specifically developed for the world of work. As a result, HND courses are valued by companies and employers, and are perfect for individuals who wish to have a more of a ‘hands-on’ experience with their studies. HND level study can help you progress in your career, and is also valuable in preparing you for life at university.
The HND course is a higher education qualification available in the UK and selected international countries.
Available in all kinds of specialities, from HND engineering to HND photography, HND business management to HND computing, it’s a vocational qualification to suit all manner of people. In this guide, we walk you through the answers to all the questions you may have, including: What is a HND qualification? What level is a HND? What is an HND equivalent to? How long is an HND course? What if I need HND assignment help? And, what can I do with an HND?
What level is a HND?
HND is a level 5 qualification, and can be awarded by a number of bodies including BTEC HND and the Confederation of Tourism and Hospitality.
What level is HND in Scotland?
In Scotland, HNDs are awarded by the SQA (Scottish Qualifications Authority) and are a level 8 qualification in the SQCF (Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework).
What is a HND equivalent to?
An HND is equivalent in academic level to a foundation degree, or the first two years of a Bachelor’s degree.
What is an HND equivalent to in the USA?
If you’re planning to study or work internationally, you might need to know this. So, studying in the US, what is HND equivalent to? Well, there’s no direct comparison, but probably the closest qualification in the USA is an Associate’s Degree. Like the HND, it’s a two year university-level programme that can prepare students to complete a degree if they choose.
In Scotland, HNDs are awarded by the SQA and SQCF.
Who can study a HND?
Students who have completed A Levels or equivalent can embark on an HND. We’ve got more info on entry requirements further down the page.
They are well suited to people who like to learn through doing. Practical types will thrive on an HND course such as HND electrical engineering.
For people who know exactly what industry or career they want to work in, completing an HND can offer a faster and more direct route into that job.
How long is a HND course?
A higher national diploma usually takes anywhere between two years (full-time) and four years (part-time), and is usually completed on a part-time basis. It is the equivalent of the first two years of university.
HNC or HND: which is higher?
The HNC/HND difference is simple: a HNC (higher national certificate) is a one year course, equivalent to the first year of university. An HND (higher national diploma) is a two year course, equivalent to the first two years of university. An HND is therefore the more advanced qualification.
What’s the difference between HND and DipHE?
A ‘higher national diploma’ may sound like a ‘diploma of higher education’ in name, but the actual HND meaning is quite different to the DipHE meaning. A diploma of higher education (DipHE) is a postgraduate qualification (for completion after an undergraduate degree), whilst the HND is equivalent to a large chunk of the undergraduate degree itself.
When can I take an HND?
Students usually complete an HND after finishing sixth-form college (A Levels or Scottish Highers) and before university, if they choose to go on to complete an undergraduate degree. As a work-based qualification, many students come to the HND from full-time employment, too.
Where can I study an HND?
HNDs can be studied in the UK, Argentina, Nigeria, Ghana, India, Finland and Malta. Classes take place at a local college, university, or by distance learning.
How much does an HND cost?
On average, most HND qualifications cost around £6000 a year in tuition fees, which can be paid with a loan from Student Finance England. Fees can range between £4000 and £8000 a year though, so do check directly with the course provider to get the exact figure.
In Scotland, studying an HND costs £1,285 per year, and is eligible for funding by the SAAS (Student Awards Agency Scotland).
What is an HND useful for?
HNDs have so many benefits. Firstly, they can help you progress in your work life by training you in the specific skills you need to excel in your career.
Additionally, they can give you a taste of higher education study without having to commit to a complete degree. If you enjoy your HND, you can choose to continue it at university, often being able enter the programme in the final year of study. And there’s no rush, either. You might work for a number of years before deciding to transfer your HND credits into an undergraduate degree (the Open University, for example, accepts HNDs up to 16 years old).
HNDs have so many benefits.
The HND is a well-respected qualification in its own right, and can help you develop confidence, specialist knowledge, and essential skills.
What are the HND entry requirements?
To study an HND, students require some previous qualifications. Most colleges ask for at least one A-Level or equivalent, such as a BTEC. Students should check with their chosen course provider to find out their particular entry requirements.
HNCs and HNDs focus on ‘learning by doing’ and give skills that you can use in a particular job. They are highly valued by employers and can also count towards membership of professional bodies and other employer organisations.
Both qualifications are provided by further and higher education colleges. HNCs take about one year to complete full-time and two years part-time. HNDs take two years full-time and can also be taken part-time, which takes longer.
Subjects available
HNCs and HNDs are available in a wide range of subject areas, including:
- agriculture
- computing and IT
- construction and civil engineering
- engineering
- health and social care
Beautician & Make-up Courses Eligibility Criteria
- Admissions can be taken directly in the certificates and diploma courses mentioned above.Candidates who wish to pursue advanced diploma programmes or PG Diploma courses must have some work experience in the industry before applying for this programme.
- business and management
- sport and exercise sciences
- performing arts
- retail and distribution
- hospitality management
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