HND HNC Courses

A Higher National Diploma (HND) is a work-related course provided by higher and further education colleges in the UK. A full-time HND takes two years to complete while a part time HND takes three to four years. Generally a HND is equivalent to second year of university. In Scotland an HND is Level 8 on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework while in England, Wales and Northern Ireland an HND is Level 5 on the National Qualifications Framework. In Scotland the HND is a Higher National awarded by the SQA (The Scottish Qualifications Authority). In England, Wales and Northern Ireland the HND is a BTEC (Business & Technician Education Council) qualification awarded by Edexcel.

A full-time Higher National Certificate (HNC) takes one year to complete while a part time HNC takes over two years. Many HNC's cover the same subjects as an HND, however, a HNC is a level below a HND and two below that of a bachelor's degree (generally equivalent to first year of university). In Scotland, an HNC is Level 7 on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework and in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, a HNC Level 5 on the National Qualifications Framework.

Find a HND/HNC course in the UK and read independent student reviews of university subjects (including reviews of Student Unions, Uni Facilities, Uni eye candy and watch Uni videos!) by taking a step-by-step search through our HND/HNC course list.