What Is the Difference Between an HND and Master’s?
All of us face numerous situations where we are confronted with significant decisions in our lives. One such case is choosing the right education HND and Master’s. No doubt we may be perplexed at these times, and wonder what to do. Though you have to listen to your heart, you must also be careful to make life’s important choices based on accurate knowledge. As it is not just the two to four years, you are going to invest. Instead, it is your entire life and career choice. So, educational courses will also impact the way you view your job each day, and the happiness and satisfaction you will get out of it.
Many young students, although they want to have a successful living, they are not sure about which course and educational path will better suit them. Unfortunately, many youngsters often tend to follow the crowd, which may result in ending up in a course and later a job that they will least enjoy doing and therefore cause them to be less productive.
Many terms are being used to define various syllabuses and training of higher education. Some choose to study an HND degree, whereas others opt for a diploma, bachelor’s or master’s degree? Each one serves its purpose. But the question is, which will suit you? Which course will help you reach your ambition in life? Which course will make each day in the rest of your life more enjoyable and fun so that you can wake up every day full of joy and excitement?
You can answer these questions only if you know in detail about each educational pathway. Therefore, we have made up our mind to help you in this journey of success. As you read this article, you can find valuable information on two courses, which are the HND and a Master’s degree. So, by the time you complete reading this, you can come to a conclusion that can benefit you in various ways.
Difference between an HND and Master’s: What is an HND?
HND and Master’s is the abbreviated form for Higher National Diploma. It is a work-related vocational course provided by the institutes of higher education in the United Kingdom. Pearson Edexcel accredits it in the UK. By completing this course, you gain level 4 and level 5 qualifications. On completion of this course, the doors will be opened for you to do further higher education.
Difference between an HND and Master’s: Who Can Enrol in an HND Course?
The entry requirements to join an HND programme are:
- A BTEC Level 3 qualification or a GCE Advanced Level profile with a strong performance in a relevant subject or adequate performance in more than one GCE subject.
- Relevant full-time work experience for two years or more.
Difference between an HND and Master’s: Advantages of Choosing a HND Degree?
- This course is flexible. Therefore, there are a few different options to study. You can choose to study it either full-time or part-time.
- An HND qualification is equivalent to a Foundation degree and the first two years of a Bachelor’s degree. Moreover, it equips you with practical skills, and thus it prepares you for a career in the workplace.
- HND is valued for 240 credit points on the completion of at least 15 units.
- The HND courses are focused on a practical approach. It teaches by “learning by doing” method. So HND graduates will acquire a lot of useful and technical skills that will help you in a significant way when you enter the working world. So, you are more likely to find a job and sustain there.
- After you complete an HND course, you can further your studies with Top-up programmes to gain a full Honour’s Degree And also directly join the final year of an undergraduate degree in a university.
Difference Between an HND and Master’s: What Is a Master’s Degree?
A Master’s degree is an academic qualification/ degree that is awarded by universities or colleges. It denotes a mastery or high-order overview in a particular field of study or professional practice. It is a postgraduate qualification, and therefore you will gain an in-depth level of knowledge when compared to a Bachelor’s degree. Master’s programmes can either be teaching-based or research-based.
Difference between an HND and Master’s: Who Can Enrol for a Master’s Degree?
The entry requirements for a Master’s degree are:
- Only the ones who have completed a Bachelor’s degree either as a separate degree or integrated course with a minimum of 2:1 will be accepted into a Master’s course. Yet, with relevant professional experience, those with a 2:2 may also be taken.
- Those whose mother tongue is not English are required to demonstrate English proficiency at a score of IELTS level 6.5 or its equivalent.
Difference between an HND and Masters: What Are the Benefits of a Master’s Degree?
- A Master’s degree will increase your knowledge, personal and professional skills. Therefore, by the time you complete this course, you will specialise in high order skills in critical evaluation, analytics complex problem solving and rigorous independent thinking.
- As a result, of the acquired knowledge and experience, it will even boost your confidence and your employability.
- A Master’s degree graduate will be eligible to get funding for PhD
- It is ranked as a level 7 qualification.
- This course is also flexible and so if taken as a full-time course, you can be completed in around two years. On the other hand, you can also take it as a part-time course and complete it in two to four years.
- After the course, you will have a broader understanding of strategies, communication, culture and markets.
- With a Master’s degree, you can quickly climb the corporate ladder, and this means you can earn more while doing your dream job as well.
- It makes you noticeable and highly respected. Therefore, you will not be easily ignored by employers.