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HNCs and HNDs

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If you want to go on to higher education and gain a recognised qualification to do a specific job, a BTEC HNC or HND could be for you. HNCs and HNDs focus on 'learning by doing' and can lead straight to a career, or help you progress in your current career.

What are they?

HNCs (Higher National Certificates) and HNDs (Higher National Diplomas) are work-related (vocational) higher education qualifications. While bachelors degrees tend to focus on gaining knowledge, HNCs and HNDs are designed to give you the skills to put that knowledge to effective use in a particular job.

They are highly valued by employers both in the UK and overseas, and can also count towards membership of professional bodies and other employer organisations.

HNCs and HNDs are at level 5 on the National Qualifications Framework.
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What form do they take?

HNCs and HNDs are provided by over 400 higher education colleges and further education colleges. HNCs can take one year to complete full-time and two years part-time (or in other situations such as distance learning). HNDs take two years full time and can also be taken part time (which takes longer).

To study for an HNC or HND, you will need some previous qualifications. Most HND courses require one A-level (or equivalent).

HNCs and HNDs are mainly assessed through assignments, projects and practical tasks that you complete throughout the course.

If you successfully complete an HNC or HND, the grades in each subject unit are shown as pass, merit or distinction.
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What subjects are available?

HNCs and HNDs are available in a wide-range of subject areas, including:

agriculture
business and management
computing and IT
sport and exercise sciences
construction and civil engineering
performing arts
engineering
retail and distribution
health and social care
hospitality management
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Where can they lead?

Because HNCs and HNDs are designed to give you the skills for a particular field of work, they can lead straight to a career. You can also use the qualifications to progress within your current career, for example as a stepping stone to gaining professional status.

You can also convert your HNC or HND to a bachelors degree with extra study. Once you complete your course, HNCs can allow entry into the second year of a degree, while HNDs can allow entry into the second or third year.
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Useful websites
Directgov - Higher National Certificates and Higher National Diplomas
www.direct.gov.uk/...

Edexcel - Qualifications
More information on HND and HNC qualifications
www.edexcel.org.uk/quals


We welcome your comments and feedback on this article.

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