If you’re thinking about a career in a more practical, hands-on sector, then a Higher National Diploma could be the perfect qualification for you. It can set you up with the skills and experience necessary for the workplace. Read on to find out more. 

What is a Higher National Diploma?

A Higher National Diploma (HND) is a work-focused course taught at Higher Education institutes such as universities and colleges. They typically take two years to complete if you are studying full-time. However, they can also be extended up to three or four years if you would rather study part-time.

Classed as a Level 5 qualification, they are the equivalent to a foundation degree or the first two years of a bachelor’s degree. They are a great way to learn the focused skills needed for a particular career without committing to a whole degree. HNDs are popular because of their vocational nature; they incorporate practical experience and skills into the study programme, making it easier to step into employment afterwards.

Who Are HNDs Aimed At?

In general, HNDs target young people who are starting out in employment and want to be sure that what they’re studying will help them get onto their chosen career path. However, suppose you are already in a career and want to refresh your skills or find new opportunities. In that case, an HND could be an excellent choice for you. They usually ask for one or two A-Levels as an entry requirement, but we recommend checking with each course as entry requirements may vary.

HNDs are suitable for people who want to go into a practical industry because they are designed with a specific career in mind. Here is a list of some popular Higher National Diplomas:

How Much Do HNDs Cost?

The cost of an HND can vary depending on the institution and where in the UK you are studying. An example of the price of an HND for entry in 2023 is a Cybersecurity diploma at Bedford College, which costs £6,000/year for two years full-time.

As they are a Higher Education qualification, you can get financial support from the government in the form of maintenance and tuition loans. For more information on the loan systems in England, Scotland and Wales, visit our page on university costs.

What Can You Do After a Higher National Diploma?

One of the huge benefits of a Higher National Diploma is the flexibility it gives you moving forward. Below are the most common steps taken after completing an HND:

Top-Up Year

The majority of graduate jobs or graduate-level jobs won’t accept an HND as a full degree. Therefore, you will need to do a top-up year in order to apply for these positions. A top-up year allows you to convert your diploma into a full bachelor’s degree. This is a popular choice for many people who complete HNDs, either because they are interested in the specific subject or because they want a further qualification, such as a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree.

You don’t have to decide whether or not you want to do this final year until the end of your course. In fact, you can even have a break of a few years before going back to finish it. Where you decide to do your top-up year is up to you. You can do it at the same institution where you did your HND or you can do it somewhere else.

Apply For Jobs

Another option is to go directly into employment. Therefore, before signing up for a top-up year, it’s important to research the jobs you are interested in as not all jobs require the final year. This can save you a lot of time and money. For example, the nation’s leading air navigation service provider, National Air Traffic Services, offers a job programme for people with an HND in engineering.

Key Takeaways: Higher National Diploma

A Higher National Diploma is the perfect flexible choice for anyone who wants to keep their options open. An HND can lead you to the next level of education or to your chosen career. Furthermore, you can top up your learning where and when you like anywhere across the UK.

For more information on the different kinds of academic qualifications, visit our page on Qualification Types. We’ve got lots of help and advice for students and graduates including information on Apprenticeships, Graduate Careers, Careers Fairs and much, much more. And when you’re ready to apply for jobs, be sure to check out Developing a Student’s graduate jobs board for all the latest opportunities.

Feel free to contact our team if you have any questions. And don’t miss a thing from Developing a Student by signing up for our newsletter below.