What is a HND?

Available in all kinds of specialities - from engineering to photography, HND business management to computing - a HND is a vocational qualification. How do you apply and is it right for you? Read on to find out!

What is a HND?

The HND stands for Higher National Diploma. This is a higher education qualification available in the UK and some international countries with assignments specifically developed to kickstart your journey into the working world.

As a result, HND courses are valued by companies and their employers and are perfect for individuals who wish to have a more hands-on course. HND level study can help you progress in your career and is also valuable in preparing you for life at university. For those 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.

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. A HND is worth 240 credits - that’s two-thirds of a standard-length undergraduate degree. Students who have completed A-Levels or equivalent can study a HND.

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).

A HND is equivalent in academic level to a foundation degree, or the first two years of a Bachelor’s degree.

How long is a HND course?

A Higher National Diploma takes anywhere between two years (full-time) and four years (part-time). Many choose to complete this course part-time alongside paid work.

What is the difference between an HNC and HND?

A HNC (Higher National Certificate) is a one-year course, equivalent to the first year of university and a level 4 qualification. A HND is a two-year course, equivalent to the first two years of university and a level 5 qualification. You can learn more about the different educations levels in our guide!

What’s the difference between HND and DipHE?

A HND and a DipHE are diploma types and both sit at a level 5 qualification in the UK, with 240 points awarded. However, what differs is how they run. HND focusses more on vocational subjects such as engineering, health and social care, while DipHE is more academic. As they run slightly differently you'll want to consider how you prefer to learn and which subjects are available in each qualification type.

When can I study a HND?

Students usually complete an HND after finishing sixth-form college with their A-Levels, Scottish Highers ,BTEC, or T-Levels. As a work-based qualification, HNDs also attract many mature students to support a career change or promotion at work.

HNDs can be studied in the UK, Argentina, Nigeria, Ghana, India, Finland and Malta. Classes take place at a local college, a university, or by distance learning.

Getting a HND is a great way to establish yourself in a career

What other qualifications are there?

A HND is not the only form of diploma available for university students. Students can also study a Diploma of Higher Education, which is similar to a HND, but is usually studied in the following subjects:

• Accounting
• Construction
• Engineering
• Nursing
• Science subjects
• Technology
• Textile design

Another diploma type that may prove useful is the Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE), which is an academic qualification, rather than a vocational one. A CertHE is similar to a HNC as a level 4 qualification and only takes a year to complete.

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 a HND useful for?

A HND can help you progress in your career, with training in specific skills needed for certain career paths. The course will also give you a taste of higher education study without having to commit to a complete three-year degree. If you enjoy your HND, you can choose to continue it at university, often being able to enter the programme in the final year of study. And there’s no rush, either! You might work for many years before deciding to transfer your HND credits into an undergraduate degree - for example, the Open University accepts HNDs up to 16 years old.

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?

Most colleges ask for at least one A-Level or equivalent, such as a BTEC, but you should check with your chosen course provider to find out their particular entry requirements.

What subjects can I study in a Higher National Diploma?

There’s a wide range of possible HND subjects and industries for study, including:

• Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Computing
• Business Management
• Photography
• Performing arts
• Construction and Civil Engineering
• Health and Social Care
• Agriculture
• Hospitality Management
• Sport and Exercise Sciences

How to choose your HND subject

If you're unsure what subject to study, ask yourself some questions: What do you enjoy? What are you good at? What do you want to do in the future? You could also take our degree quiz which will ask you more specific questions to help narrow down your choice. Alongside this, speak to your tutor, careers advisor or employer to help you make the best decision for you and your career.

Can I do HND distance learning?

Not all subjects will be available as HND distance learning courses but many are. These include HND Childcare Studies, HND Animal Psychology, HND Coaching, HND Travel and Tourism, HND Engineering Systems, HND Mechanical Engineering, and more.

What is a HND qualification likely to include?

You’ll combine classroom learning with hands-on, practical work skills. There may be presentations, group work, written assignments, demonstrations or portfolio work. Every HND integrates Maths and English skills into its programme. Each HND is built of units, with each unit focusing on a particular area of expertise. Students are assessed through practical tasks, work projects, assignments and written work during their time on the course.

How are HNDs graded?

If a student completes a Higher National Diploma, the grade is either a pass (P), merit (M), or distinction (D). A merit is stronger than a pass, and a distinction is the highest possible grade.

Taking HND resits

It’s possible to re-take HND assignments if you aren’t satisfied with your grade. Speak to your course tutor at the earliest opportunity if you’d like to resit part of your HND course.

How many UCAS points is a HND worth?

There are no UCAS tariff points associated with HND qualifications, but that’s because an HND is beyond the study level that carries UCAS points. UCAS tariff points come with A-Levels, Scottish Highers, IB, and other pre-university courses. As HNDs are university-level courses, they carry university credits instead of having any HND UCAS points.

What is a HND top-up degree?

A HND top-up degree is a qualification that allows you to build on prior learning. It's a course that is designed to provide students with the chance to gain credits and to graduate with an undergraduate bachelor’s degree.

Most HND graduates can complete their final year of an undergraduate course with this. It's not always possible, as some universities may have different entry requirements for their courses that prohibit the use of top-up courses.

Can I get a student loan after a HND?

Because the current student finance system in England only issues full tuition fee loans for a first qualification, you might not be able to get all your funding to top up your credits at uni. That’s because the university course would be considered a second qualification, with the HND being the first qualification. Even if your employer paid for your HND, or you self-funded it, it still affects things.

On the plus side, Student Finance England says that ‘You may get limited funding if you’re ‘topping up’ a higher education qualification, for example, you’ve finished an HNC, HND or Foundation Degree and now want to do an Honours degree.’ Limited funding is better than nothing, and depending on your circumstances, it may be substantial. Contact them to discuss your specific circumstances and find out what help is available.

There may also be bursaries, grants, scholarships and other financial support available from the university, so be sure to do your research before making a decision.

In Scotland, there are fewer restrictions; you will continue to be eligible for funding if you top up your HND into an honours degree.

Can I do a Master’s degree with an HND?

A Master’s degree requires you to have a complete undergraduate degree before you can apply, but the HND route skips some of the traditional degree programmes. Because some of these academic hoops are missing, not all Master’s degrees consider students who have topped up HNDs. Similarly, many graduate schemes, the Civil Service Fast Stream, and postgraduate teaching qualifications all require ‘complete degrees’.

There are a few exceptions (such as the graduate scheme with National Air Traffic Services, if you are looking at becoming an Air Traffic Controller, so it’s worth checking individual courses and providers, so it’s worth checking individual courses and providers.

Which universities accept HNDs?

Many universities accept applicants with HNDs, including the University of Essex, University of Glasgow, University of Coventry, University of Pembrokeshire, and the University of Edinburgh. That’s just the start: there are plenty more out there.

Check directly with the course provider to find out their entry requirements.

What jobs can I get with an HND?

A lot of jobs require you to have a degree in a specific job, however, certain jobs will become available if you have an HND, such as:

• Mechanical engineer
• Sports coach
• Software developer
• Ship officer
• Engineering technician
• Engineering professional
• Welfare and housing professional