HNC / HND
WHAT ARE THEY ?
HNC and HND stand for ‘ Higher National Certificate ’ and
‘ Higher National Diploma ’.
They are vocationally focused qualifications available in a wide range of subjects . They give you the skills for a particular job , which can either lead you straight into work or can be a steppingstone into further study . An HNC is roughly equivalent to the first year of a university degree , whilst an HND is considered equivalent to the second year of a university degree .
( HIGHER NATIONAL CERTIFICATE / HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA )
WHERE CAN YOU STUDY ?
You can study for HNC and HND qualifications at a college , university , or training provider . Usually , an HNC takes 1 year of full-time study ( 2 years part-time ), and an HND takes 2 years of full-time study ( 3-4 years part-time ). If you want to ‘ top-up ’ your completed HNC / HND to a full university degree , some universities may accept your HNC or HND qualifications !
HOW ARE THEY ASSESSED ?
HNC and HND courses are usually assessed through assignments , projects , and practical tasks .
HOW AND WHEN DO YOU APPLY ?
You can usually apply directly to the college or training provider ; however you can also use the UCAS website and find / apply for courses using the ‘ search ’ function . Deadlines for applications and fees will vary , but HNC or HND qualifications are once again a low-cost option , and student loans are available through Student Finance England .
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