Overview
The Higher National Certificate (HNC) and Higher National Diploma (HND) are UK higher education vocational qualifications. This page uses the Pearson BTEC Higher Nationals in Business specification (first teaching September 2016, issue 7 from September 2020) as its worked example, because HNC/HND content varies by subject and awarding body. The HNC is aligned with Level 4 and the HND with Level 5 of the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.
Who can apply
Pearson sets no formal entry requirements; the college or university must be satisfied a student has a reasonable chance of success. For recent school leavers the usual entry profile is one of: a BTEC Level 3 in Business, A levels with strong results in a relevant subject (supported by GCSE grades 9 to 4 in subjects such as maths and English), another related Level 3 qualification, an Access to Higher Education Diploma, related work experience, or an international equivalent.
Levels or stages
HNC (Level 4): 120 credits, usually studied full-time over one year or part-time over two years. Pearson says it has the same level of demand as the first year of a degree.
HND (Level 4 and Level 5): 240 credits, usually studied full-time over two years or part-time over four years. Pearson says the HND has the same level of demand as the second year of a degree.
To be awarded the HNC, a student must complete 120 credits at Level 4 with at least a pass in 105 of them. For the HND, the same applies at Level 4 and again at Level 5 (120 credits each, at least a pass in 105 of them).
Exam pattern
Units are assessed through assignments set and marked by the teaching centre, rather than one external exam. Each year Pearson also sets a theme for the Research Project, a Pearson-set core unit worth 30 credits at Level 5.
How to apply
Apply to a college or university that delivers the programme, since Pearson does not recruit students itself.
After the exam
Pearson says the Level 5 HND is recognised by higher education providers as meeting admission requirements for many related degrees. Many universities allow entry to the second or third year of a degree, through credit transfer, articulation agreements or case-by-case admission, and entry rules remain each university's decision. Graduates can also go straight into employment.
FAQs
What is the difference between an HNC and an HND?
The HNC is a 120-credit Level 4 qualification, usually one year full-time. The HND is a 240-credit qualification spanning Level 4 and Level 5, usually two years full-time.
Can I progress from an HND to a degree?
Pearson says many universities allow advanced entry to the second or third year of a related degree, but admission criteria are set by each university.