Higher National Certificate (HNC) and Higher National Diploma (HND)
'HN' stands for 'Higher National'. HN courses combine academic theory and practical experience. They are offered in a wide range of subjects that includes engineering, public and emergency services, computing, construction, leisure and tourism, business and IT. HN courses usually involve work placements or work-related experience.
HNDs take two years of full-time study to complete or three years if the sandwich option is taken. HNCs are the part-time equivalent of HNDs.
In addition to being a valuable qualification in its own right, an HND can qualify you for entry to the second or third year of a related degree course. An HND is often a pathway to a degree from which many students progress to the final year of a degree course.