DEGREE PATHWAYS
Higher National Qualifications – HNCs / HNDs
HNCs and HNDs are the equivalent level to years 1 and 2 at university, respectively. But they mean you get to study in a more flexible way that suits you and your plans for the future.
One of the many great things about studying at Fife College is that you don’ t have to commit to three or four years of continuous study like you would at university. You can just take it year by year, and see how you get on.
Because you finish each year with an industry recognised qualification, you have a qualification that could take you straight into a job. Or you could go on to study for your ordinary degree or honours degree, with us or via one of our partner universities. Plus you have the flexibility to take a break and consider what to do next.
If you choose to study for your HNC and HND at Fife College and then progress onto a degree programme starting in year 2 or 3, you will still achieve the same degree or honours degree qualification as your friends who went straight to university to study from year 1.
But here at Fife College, you’ ll be able to study in a smaller class, allowing you to get more help and support from your lecturers. Because you’ ll be studying locally, you can keep your living, travel, and study costs down.
Plus, you may be able to study on a part- time basis, at evenings or weekends, if that’ s what fits in best with your life.
Find out more at fife. ac. uk / degrees
Going on to university
If you want to carry on with your studies, Fife College is the perfect stepping stone to university.
Where there is an articulation route in place, you can move from an HNC or HND to year 2 or 3 of a degree without having to re-learn the same things or repeat a year of study.
While you are at college you will get information from our partner universities, at events or through visiting speakers, to help you make an informed choice about the right course to move on to.
And you’ ll get the chance to develop all the independent study and research skills you’ ll need to thrive when you go to university.
Study your full degree with us
Thanks to our close links with partner universities, you can study for a complete degree right here on your doorstep.
This means you can keep all of your costs down, but also benefit from using university facilities like libraries, open days, and even some lectures, and you’ ll get a fully accredited ordinary degree or honours degree awarded by the university at the end of your studies.
18 | Prospectus 2026 / 27 Fife. ac. uk