Higher National Diploma (HND)

What is it?

Higher National Diplomas / Certificates provide an alternative for those who want to get a Higher Education qualification but do not want to do an Undergraduate Degree. HNDs / HNCs are more vocational than Degrees and often have a more practical focus. If deciding to study for a HNC you are often given the opportunity to top-up to a HND with another year of study. If choosing a HND, you are often given the opportunity to ‘top-up’ to a Degree level in an extra one to two years of study.

Course content:

HND courses will vary in content depending on the course chosen but will often include core modules such as Finance and Management and optional modules which could range from Conference and Exhibition Management to Heritage Tourism. Many courses will also offer students the opportunity of taking a one year industrial placement.

Duration:

HNCs are often studied part-time over two years by students who are also working. HNDs take two years full-time to complete, or three years part-time. HNCs can allow entry into the second year of an Honours Degree, while HNDs allow entry into the second or third year.

Entry Requirements:

HND’s require good GCSEs and some form of further study (e.g. HNC, A Level or relevant work experience etc). Individual courses will have varying entry requirements.