HND courses
With this highly practical qualification, you'll gain the skills required to enter the workplace right away - or you can top up your HND qualification to a full Bachelors degree
What is an HND?
Perfectly suited to those who prefer to learn while doing, a Higher National Diploma (HND) is a qualification that provides a quicker and more direct route into particular professions. These vocational courses take two years to complete if studied full time, or four years part time.
As HND courses are structured around acquiring and developing the hands-on skills needed for specific careers, you'll be highly valued by employers. Indeed, an HND can help you to secure employment in:
What's the difference between an HNC and HND?
While both are considered practical-based qualifications, a Higher National Certificate (HNC) is one level lower than an HND - at Level 4 as opposed to Level 5 - and it equates to one year spent at university, rather than two years.
For a full explanation of undergraduate qualifications in the UK, see our guide to qualifications.
What level is an HND?
At Level 5 of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), an HND is the academic equivalent of completing two-thirds of an undergraduate degree.
They are usually assessed through a series of projects, assignments and practical tasks set throughout the course.
How are HNDs taught and assessed?
As HNDs are focused on developing your technical know-how and advanced problem-solving skills, you can expect to be taught through a mix of classroom-based teaching and practical work.
The classroom learning is typically delivered through:
- lectures
- seminars
- workshops.
In addition to exams, the assessment places a strong emphasis on:
- coursework
- practical tasks, such as presentations and group work
- projects and portfolios.
However, the exact nature of the assessment depends on the course and institution.
For example, the HND Business at the University of Portsmouth includes one-on-one tutorials with online tests as a key component of the course. On the other hand, the Business HND at De Montford University Leicester mentions essays and reports in its course outline.
Where can I study an HND course?
Students typically study for an HND at a further education (FE) college or through an online course provider after completing their A-levels at school or a sixth form college.
What HND subjects are available?
Popular HND subjects according to HESA's Graduate Outcomes 2021/22 survey include:
- accounting
- agriculture
- business studies
- computer science
- electrical and electronic engineering.
If you're unsure as to which careers may suit you, browse our job profiles and find out the qualifications you'll need to progress in that industry.
You can look for suitable courses at your local college or use the UCAS course search.
What are the entry requirements?
To enrol on an HND course, you'll need to have some previous qualifications. Colleges and universities typically require at least one A-level (or equivalent) as a minimum requirement.
Alternatively, a BTEC (Business and Technology Education Council) diploma may also be enough to land you a place on a course.
For instance, Nottingham College asks for 48 UCAS Tariff points for its HND Electrical and Electronic Engineering.
While these points could come from at least two A-levels or a BTEC diploma, you could also have studied:
- Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma
- International Baccalaureate
- T Levels.
However, check with your chosen course provider for their exact requirements.
Where do I apply for an HND course?
You must apply for an HND through the college, university, or distance learning course provider offering the course.
This typically involves an online application, which includes:
- a personal statement
- proof of identity
- academic transcripts
- references.
Discover how to apply for college in the UK.
How much does it cost to study an HND?
Course fees for HNDs vary, although they typically cost 拢4,000 to 拢8,000 per year.
For example, a one-year, full-time HND in Photography from The Bedford College Group costs 拢6,000 for UK students in 2025/26, whereas the two-year, full-time HND in Sport and Exercise Science (Coaching Science) from Loughborough College will set you back 拢7,990 per year.
Am I eligible for funding?
If you're studying for a recognised HND course, you should be entitled to funding support from Student Finance England, as long as this is your first higher education qualification.
In 2025/26, you can claim up to 拢9,535 a year in England towards your course costs.
For the other home nations, see:
Read more about student loans and finance.
What about an HND top-up degree?
Depending on the course, most HND graduates are eligible to enrol on the final year of a Bachelors degree to top up their qualification. This may be to become fully qualified for a specific role or to continue pursuing an area of interest.
Whether you choose to top up your HND qualification depends on the career path you'd like to take. While HND courses offer direct routes into many roles, you'll need a full Bachelors degree to apply for graduate schemes or graduate-level jobs. A significant number of HND graduates choose to top up their qualification for this reason.
How do I get onto a degree course?
If your HND meets the required standard - usually at least a Merit certification - and the contents of both courses have similarities, you should be able to enrol onto the final year of a Bachelors degree with your HND qualification. This can be either with the same institution that validated your HND, or at another university.
However, if you're looking to pursue a degree with little relevance to your HND, you may have to enter the second year or start a course from the beginning. Contact your chosen university to discuss your individual circumstances.
A full list of HND top-up courses offered at universities in the UK can be found at UCAS.
Discover more about how to apply for university.
Can I get funding for a full degree?
While HNDs are eligible for government funding, borrowing is restricted to your first qualification.
Therefore, funding becomes limited if you're looking to top up your HND to a full Bachelors degree, as this is widely considered a second qualification.
Your institution may be able to provide additional bursaries, scholarships, and grants for a range of circumstances.
Read more about university scholarships and bursaries.
Can I do a Masters with an HND?
Most Masters degree programmes require a full honours degree. As an HND graduate, you may have opportunities, but you'll need to check the course entry requirements as these offers are limited.
If you're looking to enter the world of teaching, for instance, a complete degree is essential for the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).
See if your chosen course will accept HND graduates as you search postgraduate courses.
Explore how to fund postgraduate study.
If you're looking to pursue a new career path, you may be interested in conversion courses and changing careers.
What do other HND graduates do?
According to HESA's Graduate Outcomes data, 13.4% of HND graduates in 2021/22 had studied agriculture, 9% studied electrical and electronic engineering and 6.2% graduated in computer science. Business studies (5.8%) and accounting (4.8%) were also popular choices.
Over half of HND graduates (64.9%) were studying towards a first degree 15 months after graduation, with nearly a fifth (22.8%) engaged in further study.
In terms of the type of work HND graduates took on in the UK, 16.1% were employed in skilled trades, crafts and other vocational occupations, 15.4% were working in engineering, and a further 13.2% were in clerical, secretarial, and administrative occupations.
What jobs can I get with an HND?
The most popular professional or managerial roles held by recent HND graduates working in the UK include:
- engineering professionals
- quantity surveyors
- therapy professionals
- electrical engineers
- further education teaching professionals.
For further guidance, search graduate jobs or visit what can I do with my degree?
Bear in mind that these resources are tailored to graduates of complete degrees, so be sure to check for specific entry requirements on any career that interests you.
How can I increase my chances of getting a job?
Due to the vocational nature of an HND, you may find opportunities during your time on a work placement. If you're carrying out work experience alongside your studies, not only will you develop and hone the skills employers want, but you'll build contacts that could be useful in your job hunt.
HND graduates have the advantage of gaining a wealth of practical, specialised experience prior to securing their first graduate position. You'll want to emphasise your assets in a skills-based CV and cover letter to impress your potential employers.
By topping up your HND to a complete degree, you can enter the graduate jobs market. Holding a Bachelors degree opens up a wealth of job and internship opportunities.