Most people have heard of the traditional three year degree, but did you know there are lots of other Higher Education qualifications you can take, such as HNDs, HNCs and Foundation Degrees. These qualifications are offered at universities and Further Education Colleges in a wide range of subjects and depending on your interests, skills, aspirations and previous qualifications, they could be a great fit for you.
Most people have heard of the traditional three year degree, but did you know there are lots of other Higher Education qualifications you can take, such as HNDs, HNCs and Foundation Degrees. These qualifications are offered at universities and Further Education Colleges in a wide range of subjects and depending on your interests, skills, aspirations and previous qualifications, they could be a great fit for you.
Most people have heard of the traditional three year degree, but did you know there are lots of other Higher Education qualifications you can take, such as HNDs, HNCs and Foundation Degrees. These qualifications are offered at universities and Further Education Colleges in a wide range of subjects and depending on your interests, skills, aspirations and previous qualifications, they could be a great fit for you.
HNC stands for Higher National Certification. It’s a Higher Education. Qualification which is a Level 4 qualification equivalent to the first year of a degree, but focuses on practical skills to prepare you for the work place. It will usually take one year to complete if you’re studying full time and many institutions will offer the chance to progress onto a HND course after completion of your HNC.
HND stands for Higher National Diploma, and they are very similar to HNCs, but are a larger Level 4/5 qualification, equivalent to the first two years of a three year degree and taking two years to complete. If you’ve studied a HNC and decide to progress onto a HND you’ll only need to do one additional year.
A Foundation Degree is a Level 5 qualification equivalent to the first two years of a three-year degree programme. It takes two years to complete if you study full time and there are no set entry requirements for Foundation Degrees. In some cases, formal qualifications may not be necessary at all and institutions will accept commercial or industrial experience in their place. Although Foundation Degrees and Foundation Years sound similar, they’re very different qualifications! You can read more about Foundation Years here.
If you complete a HND or Foundation Degree, you may be able to then take a Top Up Degree. This is a one-year course allowing you to convert your HND or Foundation Degree into a full degree. If you’re unsure whether you can commit to a full three-year degree programme at the outset of your degree, this can be a great option for you!
Students can access support from Student Finance England to undertake these qualifications. You can find out more here.
Research your local institutions to find out what they offer, both in terms of qualifications and opportunities for progression – for example would you have the opportunity to go from a HNC to a HND, or top up to a full degree from a Foundation Degree?
HNCs, HNDs and Foundation Degree are offered at many different institutions, so you’ll be able to find one that suits you best. If you’d like help with your research you can contact Rupert, our dedicated member of staff in this area.
Research your local institutions to find out what they offer, both in terms of qualifications and opportunities for progression – for example would you have the opportunity to go from a HNC to a HND, or top up to a full degree from a Foundation Degree?
HNCs, HNDs and Foundation Degree are offered at many different institutions, so you’ll be able to find one that suits you best. If you’d like help with your research you can contact Rupert, our dedicated member of staff in this area.
Research your local institutions to find out what they offer, both in terms of qualifications and opportunities for progression – for example would you have the opportunity to go from a HNC to a HND, or top up to a full degree from a Foundation Degree?
HNCs, HNDs and Foundation Degree are offered at many different institutions, so you’ll be able to find one that suits you best. If you’d like help with your research you can contact Rupert, our dedicated member of staff in this area.
Contact
c/o The University of Liverpool
Foundation Building,
Brownlow Hill,
Liverpool, L69 7ZX
Contact
c/o The University of Liverpool
Foundation Building,
Brownlow Hill,
Liverpool, L69 7ZX
