What Is an HND versus HNC?

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What is HNC?

HNC stands for Higher National Certificate, and is a vocational, work-related higher education course. It is a BTEC level 4 qualification and an embedded component of the HND (Higher National Diploma) course. It can, however, be also taken as a stand-alone degree. This qualification is awarded by Pearson Edexcel in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Advantages Of Gaining A Higher National Certificate (HNC)

  • HNC is qualified as level 4 according to the Framework of Higher Education.
  • Higher National Certificate is a course where you learn by doing. This course helps you gain a lot of practical skills and knowledge, which will be of tremendous value when you start your career.
  • This level of qualification is generally accepted to demonstrate that the individual has received specialised education and training in a specific area that will enable them to enter the industry with strong fundamental skills and knowledge.
  • On completion of the HNC course you will gain 120+ credit hours divided into 8 units.
  • HNC is a one year programme, which means that you can get qualified in a short period of time.
  • HNC is equivalent to the first year of a Degree with Honours programme. After completing a Higher National Certificate course you can directly join the second year of a Bachelor’s Degree programme.

What Is HND?

HND stands for Higher National Diploma, which is a career-focused higher national qualification accredited by Pearson BTEC Edexcel.

The Advantages of HND

  • Higher National Diploma (HND) takes two years to complete.
  • This course is flexible with a few different options to study either full-time or part-time. Distance learning is another valuable option that will help students who live far away, overseas or cannot afford to spend time in college, attend their classes on regular basis.
  • Higher National Diploma is a level 5 qualification, one step higher than HNC.
  • It is equal to the first two years at a university. It is generally accepted that the HND graduates have received a high level of skill and specialist knowledge. Because the HND programme combines vocational and academic training, HND holders usually enter the industry at an advanced level. And so they are highly sought after by employers.
  • Having obtained HND qualification you may continue studies for a full Honours Degree with just an additional year at university.
  • By completing this course with at least 15 units you will gain 240 credit hours.

What Are the Similarities OF HND And HNC

HNC is the first level qualification of an HND course, but HNC can be recognized as a separate qualification.

  • Both HNDs and HNCs are available in various professional areas, like business and marketing, business and finance, acting, hospitality management, health care management, health and social care and more.
  • The higher national qualifications increase your career prospective as they are focused on learning-by-doing method.
  • Both courses are short in span and affordable compared to other studies.
  • They are usually financed by SFE, provided you are elligible.
  • The entry requirements for both the higher national qualifications are the same: A-levels, a BTEC Level 3 qualification, or their equivalent. For more details on entry requirements, please visit the Mont Rose College official website: mrcollege.ac.uk.